News of the Week.

Otago Witness, Volume 15, Issue 1562, 15 October 1881, Page 9

News of the Week.

A Shae Point correspondent writing last .a. onag x change from the oft-re-»&KK»£rt and baU by the Shag Point GtaS^tfSlheHi of the Sunday-school got Jn a Karty and concert in aid of the funds of i& Snndav-school library, which took place on Wednesday, Mr Williams, mine-manager very kindly erected an extensive marquea Idioining an empty Btore, and also closed all work in tbe mine for the afternoon, to enable all to enjoy themselves. About 5 o'clock the children, mustering to the number of 135, were marshalled at the tea-tables, and after singing a hymn, partook of tea. Afterwards about 200 adults sat down at the tables, and thoroughly enjoyed the delicacies provided for them by tbe caterer (Mr James Brown, baker). Then all retired to the goods-shed, where the children rendered some excellent hymns and songs. Mr Williams gave an address and readings. Messrs Rankin, Gagan, and others also addressed the company ; and thus ended one of the most enjoyable gatherings I have seen at Shag Point. The proceeds will be nearly LlO. It was a thcrough treat to see the healthy and happy countenances of the children."

A Home contemporary writes:— "Prince Bismarck's Protectionist policy does not appear to have had even a temporary success in making the Fatherland happy and contented. Va the contrary, the burden of it is acting as one more stimulus to emigration. The report ot the Berlin Chamber of Commerce for the past year is emphatic in its condemnation of the new tariff at nearly every point. It has not brought prosperity to German industries or increased the consumption of home manufactures, but it has succeeded in making bread dearer, in spreading social discontent, and in keeping the wages of the people low. Oar brave but unlucky band of Protectionists ab Home might study the report with advantage. 'Five shillings a quarter added as duty to the price of wheat might do good rather than harm, more than one of the most eminently foolish among them have lately asserted. No, it would merely make life harder for the poor, curtail the spending power of the leBS poor, and restrict the purchases of manufactures by all classes. That would, of course, be nothing to a country like England, which, according to these prophets, is going straight to the dogs in any case, bub the poor Germans seem to find it rather more than they can bear."

Commenting upon an " invitation to prayer" recently isßued by a band of ecclesiastics in London, the Da»ir Telegraph sayß :-" The implication that 'lawlessness' is on the increase hardly seems warranted if we consider the population of Great Britain, kept in order as ft is, even in large centres, by a few policemen. Greater London now contains nearly five millions of inhabitants, many of them very poor and living in the daily presence of great wealth. Yet a comparatively small force is sufficient to uphold the supremacy of the law. ♦GodlesßneflsMflthenext item of the general indictmtont. Here there is more justification. But is this evil on the increase ? It would be very strange if it were so. In proportion to the population we have maDy more churches than we had 50 years ago. For one devoted minister of the Goßpel, Established or Nonconformist, of the last century there are now 10. In spite of all thia is ' godleasneßß' on the increase, as the invlter? to prayer so directly imply ? No doubt there is one new characteristic of our time which may be quoted to justify the word. Scepticism as regards revealed religion and arguments against Christianity itself are more common, more immediately addressed to the people themselves, and more broadly circu lated than at any previous epoch, Nevertheless for one new lecturer on Atheism there are 20 new clergymen ; for one so-called Hall of Science' built there are 20 churches."

How our export trade in dairy produce has grown during the past few years may be beat fathered (says the Melbourne Age) from the statistical returns, which show that whilst in 1873 our exports of butter and cheese were only valued at LSBBI, in 1880 we shipped 1 718 1861b of butter, valued at L 50.600, and 1'148.705Lb of cheese, valued at L 31.890, giving a total tinder the two headings of no less than L 82,490. An eccentric gentleman in Lincolnshire, aged 88 is (aaya the St. James' Gazette), it is stated so firmly convinced ef the approaching end of the world that he has ordered an immense balloon to be made for his own convenience, by means of which he hopeß to witness the deatruction of the planet without sharing the fate of its inhabitants. He will take with him in his aßcent tinned provisions, brandy, sodawater, claret, and other creature comforts in sufficient quantities to meet his require. ments for three years, by which time he calculates his life will come to a natural close* He is of opinion that among the debris of the world will be several large fragments, on one of which he will be able to effect a descent at an opportune mo ment, and find a refuge for his few remaining vearß. He proposes to take with him no companion but a gamekeeper, who has been long in his service, and for whom he has a great regard. He has, however, warned his faithful retainer, who is only 52 years of age, that when the provisions in the balloon are exhausted he will have to Bhift for himself, and may therefore in three years' < time be without means of subsistence. Having made these arrangements, the old is perfectly calm, and indeed cheerful. "I shall, he declares, "get on better without the world than with it."

The "Salvation Army," evidently encouraged by the expressions which recently fell from the Chief Secretary, renewed their crusade in the bye-ways of the city last evening (says a recent Melbourne Argus), and narrowly escaped rough treatment. They collected to the number of between 30 and 40, including men, women, and young girls, at a quarter past 8 o'clock, at the intersection of Russell and Little Bourke streets, and commenced by sieging one of Moody and Sankey's hymns. A crowd of about 400 people quickly collected in the neighbourhood and proceeded to ring bells, blow bugles, play tambourines, and shout in such a noisy and boisterous manner that the singing of the " Salvation Army " was quite drowned. The disturbance was very great, and as the prowd was evidently bent on interfering, Mr Sub-inspector Lamer, assisted by a number of police, interfered, and after clearing the footways, ordered the army to leave the street. They marched In procession in the direction of Carlton, still followed by a large crowd, but no further disturbance took place, and the police merely took the names of the leaders of the movement, with the object of proceeding against the offenders for a breach of the city bye-laws.

During the debate on the superannuation question at a recent meeting of the Church Assembly, the Dean of Melbourne caused con. Biderable laughter by the narration of the following incident :— When Beechworth first came into existence, he said, the desirability of Bending a clergyman there was brought under his notice, and he asked a prominent member ef tbs Civil Servico on what annual Income

man could live in Beech worth. Tho Civil servant replied that he thought a man might live there on LBOO a year. The Deau waa not prepared for this reply, and asked whether a man who did not give parties, dress fabhionably, or live highly, might not do with a smaller amount. " Oh, you mean a clergyman." broke in the Civil servant ; "of course, /te could live quite comfortably in Beechworth on L2OO a year."

The ''Magnificent Maxwell" is tho appellation bestowed up^n the general manager of railways by th^ TJmaru Herald, which rato3 him soundly for travelling by a "gorgeous Bpecial," though the express is good enough for the Premier. A very considerable delay was occasioned by the fact that the aforesaid " special was waiting for the train from Ashburton ; the train from Ashburton was wailing for the special ; and the train from Christchurch was also waiting for the train from Ashburton at the crossing place at Hornby. This pleasing state of affairs lasted for threequarters of an hour, and might have lasted much longer had not the engineer of the train from Ashburton ventured down the line with his engine to request the driver of '.lie special to come on down the line, without fear of damage to the magnificent Maxwell."

The Cromwell Argus states Ih.it on Monday last it was reported to the police chat a man named John Price waa supposed to have committed suicide on Sunday evening, about 11 o'clock, by jumping eff the punt at Albert Town into the Clutha River. Price had only his nightshirt on at the time, his other apparel being found in the bedroom he had occupied in Norman's Hotel. Price will be remembered as one of the prospectors who opened up the Long Valley diggings at Lake Hawea last year. The cause of the rash act has not yet been ascertained.

The Vincent County Council have passed a resolution asking the Minister of Mines to furnish the Council with a diamonddrill fpr testing the auriferous leadß and quartz lodes in the district.

Much festivity was indulged in on Saturday last in Wellington over the unwonted Bpectacle of a L 25,000 cheque. This document was handed over with much ceremony by the Chairman of the Harbour Board to the Mayor of the city, in presence of members and officials of the two bodies. The quid pro quo was the transfer by the Council 10 the Board of tbe Queen's Wharf, bonded warehouses, &c. The inevitable "toast-drinkiijg" followed, champagne being consumed at the private office of one of the councillors, whilst, in the language of a local paper, many good wishes were expressed that the City Corporation and Harbour Board would always pull together in furthering the interests of the city and port.

The fourth meeting of the Taieri Agricultural Society for the discussion of agricultural topics was held on the 6 th, when a paper was read by Mr James Allan (of Holmes) ; the subject being "The Rotation of Crops and How it might be Improved." The essay was replete with useful information, and was very favourably criticised by those present.

The Wyndham-Fortrose telephone line is likely to be started at an early date. There will be a midway station at Pine Bush.

Some of the returns disclosed by the Eduoation Report for 1880 in England are rather startling- Each scholar under the Hull School Board costs the ratepayers 3a 2fd; each scholar under the Sheffield School Board costs the ratepayers 6s 2£d ; and each scholar under the London School Board costs the ratepayers LI 13s 7d, Thus Hull educates something less than 10 children, and Sheffield something more than five, for the sum for which London just manages to educate cne child. In addition to the above, in Hull each scholar costs the parents 9a Bfd, and in London 8s 4d,

The Wellington Diocesan Synod, after a long debate, unanimously carried a resolution thanking the Bishop of Wellington for his vigorous and successful opposition to the Church of Eogland Trusts Incorporation Bill, introduced in last session of Parliament, aud also approving and endorsing the action of the Standing Committee in the matter*

The libel case against Thomas Allan was heard at the Supreme Court on the 6th inst, and occupied the whole day. After an hour's deliberation, the Jury returned a verdict of ' ' Not guilty," but further .said that the defendant's plea of justification (that the libel was true) was not proved ; and in reply to his Honor that the letter to the Council (which charges the Town Clerk with attempting to conspire to commit a felony) was not libellous- A full report of the case is given elsewhere.

A decision, important as bearing upon the mode of procedure in many of our local elections, was given by the Resident Magistrate on Friday in the petition again <t the election of Mr W. Farley as councillor for tbe borough of Roßlyn. Mr Simpson said that the Act appeared to provide for tbe appointment of a returning-officer, nomination j.Jare, *>nd polling place within the district in which the election was taking place, and that the word "district" must be taken to mean the ward of a borough, or any electoral subdivision. As these provisions had not been complied with, he declared the election void.

An Anglers' Club, independent of the Dunedin Society, has been formed at Balclutha.

William Alexandor was brought up at the City Police Court on| Friday charged with attempting to commit suicide, and after hear" ing the evidence the Bench came to the conclusion that they would not commit him to take his trial at the Supreme Court, but would simply bind him over in his own recognisance of LSO. The Bench announced that publicans would be warned, under clause 167 of the new Licensing Act, against giving the accused liquor for a period of 12 months.

A new local industry, and one which should flourish, is the manufacture of enameUed mantelpieces. The outside surface of these mantelpieces is so operated upon as to present a decided likeness to either marble or granite j indeed, the imitation is bo close that the deception is complete unless the article is touched. The process of enamelling is extremely simple to understand. The surface of the wood is first of all japanned two or three times, and then colours in water are afterwards run on in such a manner as to imitate all the various kinds of marble and granite. In putting on the colours, however, a plan has to be adopted so as to prevent their coming off when the mantelpiece is being varnished j but this is held secret by the manufacturers. The great advantage of the mantelpieces is their cheapness, their cost not being more than that of those painted in the ordinary way. It will be remembered that two were sent to the Jute Exhibition, and took firßt awards. The manufacturers were then onlydoirg business in a small way, but recently they cUctded to turn the thiDR into a ompany and carry on extensive operations. Tbe compßDy is to be called the Dunedin Wood Enamelling Company, and it is intended to carry on business in premises opposite St. Matthew's Church, in Stafford Btrret. We believe that the only other manufactory of a similar nature In the Australasian Qoloaies la in Melbourne,

We understand tho R&v. J. TJpton Davis has decided to withdraw from the pastorate of Hjmover sfcieeft Church after 6th November. It is said that he will not again uudertake a pastoral charge.

Two inquests were held at the Lunatic Aaylura Use week before Dr Hocken. In the csßo^of Henry Towneud, a verdict of nervous exhaustion was returned, and in that of John C/onin, one of consumption, Amongst the proyc^y ef rhe last-mentioned was found a Post office Savings Bank book, showing that he had a dr po?il, in the Bank to the amount of LllO 14 j BJ. The money, after the expenses incurred ia connection with the Asylum are paid, will be transmitted by the Public Trust Officer to ?he mother of the deceased, who resides at Rath more, County Cork, Ireland.

In reply to a question at his Lyttelton meeting, Mr Richardson said he hesitated for somo time as to which way he should vote on tbe Lotteries Bill. He deprecated any attempt on the part of Parliament to interfere in such a way wilh the privileges of the people. He had pledged himself to vote for several clauses in the bill, and finally voted for it. He, however, believad the Act would be a dead letter, and never work.

The firs!; instalment of the fund for the relief of the sufferers by the late disaster in Shetland was forwarded by the outgoing mail, being a sum of LIOO ; also bills of lading for two tons of oatmeal, shipped per Waipa- Subscriptions are still coming in, and it is expected that the fund will reach a considerable amount.

The Southland News delivers itself as follows:—"Tho Dunedin Ring is on the alert. They viewed with muph disfavour the increase of representation obtained by Southland in the redistribution of seats, and at once set themselves to consider how it might best be counteracted. The outcome of their cogitations is now before the public in the shape of the announcement that Mr Driver leaves his old Roslyn constituency to Mr Oliver for the purpose of contesting Hokonui. Of Messrs Driver and Oliver it is safa to say that they are birds of a feather. They both have an interest in that Dunedin schtsme— the Waimaa Plains railway. They both represent powerful monetary influences, and neither has much affection for this part of the Colony. Mr Driver, tbrou%h his connection with the Land Company, whose agents have been actively registering men in their employ and otheiv, no doubt considers that he has a good chance of being returned ; but the district is a wide one, and includes a very large numbsr of independent settlers who are not likely to so far forget what is due to themselves as to vote for a Dunedin nominee. It is true that Mr Bastings, formerly secretary to the Waimea Plains Railway Company, and now auctioneer and agent to the New Zealand Land Company, represented in the present Parliament the Waikaia parb of the new district, but the remaining portion extended into what may fairly be considered Dunedin territory. Now as a matter of fact the Hokonui constituency is mainly a Southland one, with a portion of Waikaia added, to produce the requisite number of electors." Of this we have only to say that whether or not there exists what the News calls "a Dnnedin rinct," Mr Oliver is certainly not one of them. We believe, on the contrary, he made himself particularly obnoxious to the Waimea Plains Railway Company, while Minister of Public Works, by driving a very hard bargain with them about the loan and refusing to have anything to do with the purchase of the line.

A serious dynamite explosion occurred on Saturday evening, 24 th September, atßedfern, near Sydney. A miner named George Cooper was placing a' keg containing 561b of dynamite underneath bis bed, when by some means it ignited, blowing off the roof, shattering the house, breaking an immense, number of windows in the adjoining houses, and causing the utmost alarm and confusion. The neighbours, who quickly arrived on the spot, extricated Cooper from the debm, and found the legs of the unfortunate man protruding beneath a portion of the bedding. He was promptly removed to the infirmary, where it was found on medical examination that he was' frightfully burned, the whole of the skin of his face having been burnt off, presenting a shocking spectaclo- Cooper was smoking a cigar at the time of the explosion.

A munificent contribution has been offered, anonymously, towards the completion of the Anglican Cathedral in Melbourne. A gentleman Bigning himself " A.8.C.," and of whose good faith there is no doubt, states in a letter addressed to the editor of the Argus that he will contribute LSOOO to the fund, provided other cash donations are sent in on or before the last day of this year as follows :— ls of LIOOO each, 15 of LSOO each, 15 of LIOO each, 100 of >LlO each, and 100 of Lo each— in all L 25.500 over and above the L 25,000 already contributed.

The Caswell Sound Marble Company intend to commence operations shortly. The directors at Wellington, where the headquarters of the Company are, will shortly, according to the New Zeahnd Times, charter a steamer to convey a working party with the necessary stores and appliances to the Sound,

One of the most remarkable connubial puzzles that we have ever heard of was unravelled in a Sydney Police Court the other day. It appears that one Simpson married a woman named Garnham, and, after a short experience of married life, deserted her and got " hitched up" with another woman, named O'Ne&le. In a moment of weakness, however, he took up his residence near where his first wife lived. She, discovering his whereabouts, prosecuted him for bigamy, and he was sent to gaol for five years. While in gaol Simpson made the acquaintance of a man named Garnham, who turned out to be the husband of his first wife. Through the influence of the woman who had prosecuted him, Simpson was released in four months, and at once prosecuted his benefactress for marrying him when she had already been married to Garnham. She esoaped by showing that she had not heard from her husband for seven years. When the man Garnham came out of gaol he refused to live with his wife, and Simpson refused to live with either of his, whereupon the other wife, O'Neale-Simpson, sued him for maintenance. Now the question is, Whose husband is Simpson ? The Bench didn't know, and advised the woman to appeal to the Supremo Court.

Putting documents into wrong envelopes (says the Southland News) caused some amusement at the Education Office to-day. The Chairman opened an official-looking cover, which waa supposed to contain a memorial from a country district for a sohool. Ut folding the document, it turned out to be a sub-scription-liet issued by a certain agricultural and pastoral association. The Chairman remarked that though the Board might be well-disposed to such an association, he was afraid it oould not devote any of its funds to that purpose, an expression of opinion in which the Board joined. At a subsequent stage, the apparent puzzle was explained by the introduction of a deputation, a member of whioh fully unravelled the riddle,

Both S.iu'hland papers are agreed in deprecating Mr Driver's candidature for Hekonuj, This is what the Times says about it : — " Ifc is probably unnecessary for us to say with what: feelings" we view the prospect of Mr Driver's candidature for a Southland constituency. If there be any man in the Colony more unsuitable than another, one whose influence ib more likely to be hostile and destructive, as a representative of the district, we should say that man is Mr Driver. There is, to our mind, an equal impudence and unfitness ia his proposing himself for suc'o a position- It is perfectly well known what and whom Mr Driver will be found representing iv any character he r.i^y assume, either in or out of the Assembly. He will be found representing, first ana foresaw t, the great Land Company, of which he is the ruling Colonial Bpirit. Next, ho will befouud representing the Waimea Plains railway, the crisis of whose existence is ar. ha ad, and which he would be more than hut/ did if he could subordinate" to the good either of Southland or of the Colony. Last of all hewOl represent Dunedin, and Dunedin nreel-ely where she comes into the sharpest conflict Invercargill- These are qualification with a vengeance, for a man seeking the suffrages of a district called a Southland one, and that come? as far Bouth as Gore and Ryal Bush. At infinite pains, and amid a great deal of selfgratulation, we have secured a fifth seat for Southland, and wa are now asked coolly to give it into the hands of Dunedin. We trust that every elector who calls himself a Southlanderwill see clearly through this mar.cc a vre, and resist it to the utmost of his strength. Let us select a man above all things devoted to southern interests, and clear of the northern ring, whose influence we have already felt so bitterly in connection with the Waimea Plains railway. Let us have an independent man, one who is not so swathed about with the bands of cliques and companies that free action for the good of his constituents will be an impossibility."

The annual meeting of the Kaitangata Railway and Coal Company was held on Saturday last, when a highly satisfactory report was presented by the directors and adopted, and Messrs J. T. Mackerras and W. J. M. Larnach were elected to fill vacancies in the board of directors.

A novel incident in the history of the ways and doings of drunkards occurred on Saturday night. The officer in charge of the policestation was rather surprised on the evening mentioned by the appearance at his office door of an individual who, in speech suggesting an inebriated state, demanded that he should be supplied with a glass of beer. His modest request was not complied with, but he was accommodated in a manner which was not particularly to his liking.

At St. Joseph's Church on Sunday the young men of the congregation were requested to see that their names appeared on the eleotoral roll. It was pointed out to them that it was their duty to do so without delay, on account of the approaching elections.

The case of Liggins v. The Roalyn Tramway Company was heard by a special jury in the Supreme Court on Monday, and resulted in a verdict being given for the plaintiff for LIOOO. No questions of law were disputed, but. the case went tq the Jury for the determination of the question of damages* In the oase of Garratt against the' Bame Company, in which a compromise was effected, the Company bad to pay L 175 and costs ; and in the case of Thomson (of Messrs Thomson, Strang, and Co.), which was settled by arbitration, the sum awarded to the claimant was LBSO-

The following cable message appears in the Melbourne Argus: — "His Excellency Sir Arthur H. Gordon, G.C.M.G., the Governor of New Zealand and High Commissioner of the Western Pacific, will visit England next spring." Our Wellington correspondent sends us an extract from some remarks by the Post on the above news, in whioh it 1b stated that Sir Arthur will not return to the Colony from the proposed visit*

The statement that Mr Bowen is to be called to the Upper House is denied by the New Zealand Timeß.

Up to the 6th of August last the amount voluntarily given to the Shetland Relief Fund in England before any public appeal was made was L 1953 10a 3d, including LBOO from Mr Samuel Fielding, of Manchester, and LIOO from the Earl of Zetland'

The following must be received cum, grano salis. It is from the pen of that imaginative individual, the Bpecial correspondent of the Lyttelton Times at the front :— " Mr Rolleston's resignation is anticipated here. Two reasons are assigned—inability to deal with the Native difficulty, and difference with Mr Hall re the desire of the latter to appoint Mr Wakefield to the vacant portfolio. The conference of Messrs Hall, Atkinson, and Rolleston at Opunake the other day lasted several hours. It is rumoured that it was of rather a discordant character, and I have reason to believe that the rumour is correct,"

The schooner Owake, a vessel owned by the N. Z- Woodware Company, has gone amisBing. She left Greymouth on August 24th, in charge of Captain Purdie, a well-known coasting skipper, and a most careful man. We are informed that Messrs Guthrie and Larnach have done all in their power to ascertain the fate of the vessel. They have reported the matter to the Harbour Board, who, of course, have laid it before the Minister of Marine j while in addition to this Mr H. Guthrie has communicated with the owners of the ss. Waipara, asking them to send that steamer in search of tbe vessel., Messrs Guthrie and Larnach have also written to the Government on the matter, and it is high time that some steps were taken to ascertain the fate of the vessel.

Applications for shares in the New Zealand Cement Company are coming in with rapidity. Four thousand have already been applied for, and a number are daily expected from the Australian Colonies and different parts of New Zealand- The Bhare-list closes on the 22nd inst., and in the meantime samples of the cement are on view at various places in town.

A meeting of the Blueskin Public Sports Committee was held on Saturday night, but owing to rough weather the attendance was not large. Mr Schofield occupied the chair. The secretary (Mr Perry) produced the balancesheet for the past year, showing total receipts L2O 53, expenditnre Lll ss— leaving a balance in hand of L 9. The report was approved and adopted- Resolved—" That the annual sports be heldjon Monday, January 2nd, 1882, at the Waitati." It was stated at the meeting that as there' is such a good balance in hand, and every prospect of the amount being considerably increased, the Committee intend to give prizes that will serve as an attraction to competitors and visitors on the occasion. The usual vote to the chairman closed the proceedings.

The Timaru Herald reports that the Labour League of that town has received a reply to the communication addressed to the Government of Queensland inquiring what inducements they would hold out m the way of assisting people from here to go to Queensland and settle there. The reply states that no assistance cy promise of any port could be given,

The euicide of a well-known money-changer in Paris caused mach consternation. Having shut up his place rather early in the afternoon, he affixed to the shutters tue notice, *' Closed on account of death," and on re-entering blew out his brains with a revolver.

The monthly meeting of the Milton branch of the Otago Educational Institute was held in tho Milton High School on Saturday. The members present wero Messrs Youngeon (chairman), Reid, M'Duff, M'Can, Mahoney, Joseph, Lyttle, and Misses Albert and Todd. Mr A. W. Grant was elected as a member. Mr Mfthoney read a paper on " The Physical Geography of the Fifth and Sixth Standards." He exhibited what should be,a most useful adjunct to the teaching of geography, in the shape of the sand table, used throughout the American schools. This consists of simply a flat box or tin filled with moist Band, upon which the mountain system of a country can be moulded iv relief. Most of the teachers present agreed t&nt the device was a splendid one for teaching tjhyaical geography. Mr Raid read an extract showing that Robert Dick, the Thurso baker, had made use of a similar device, by means of his baking.trough, to illustrate to [Sir Roderick Murchiaon the configuration of Caithness. The next meeting of the branch takes place on the second Saturday of November, when a papar on "Examinations" will be read by Mr F. Joseph,

N«'vh from the Cape by the mail states that Sir Evelyn Wood has been in Zululand, where matters are not in a happy state. Several chiefs have been quarrelling amongst themselves, but no breach of the peace is anticipated, though a large section of the people clamour for the return of Getewayo.

Mr B, Oass, of Ghristchurch, lectured to a good audience at the Temperance Hall, Moray place, on Monday evening, on the " Refutation of the Dogma of Eternal Suffering." Mr M. W. Green occupied the chair, and in introducing the speaker said that though asked to take the chair on this occasion he would rather not have done bo, as he did not hold the same views aa Mr Cass. He was, however, of opinion that no person could lay anything to the charge of the lecturer that should not be charged to a Christian man. For his own part, he believed greatly in freedom of speech, know* ing well that the truth would never suffer in a free discussion' Mr Gass, who was received with applause, spoke for about an hour and a-quarter* At the close of the lecture a lively and at times rather amusing discussion took place, and it was sometimes very difficult to maintain order. The discussion lasted till half-past 10, when a hearty vote of thanka was accorded to Mr Cass, and the meeting dispersed.

A meeting of the Mornington Presbyterian congregation was held in the church there on Monday evening, to consider the advisability of taking steps to obtain a pastor for the charge. The Rev. L. Mackie, moderator of the Session, presided, and about 60 persons were present. After full explanation by the Chairman of the proper course to be adopted, and Borne discussion having ensued among the members and adherents on several questions raised, it was resolved that the time had arrived for the congregation to call a minister. The names of two rev. gentlemen who were understood to be willing to receive a call were submitted to the vote, the result being an almost unanimous expression of preference for the Rev. John Ryley, of Otepopo. The numbers of votea recorded were 42 for Mr Ryley, and 10 for the other candidate, while one or two of those who voted on the other aide afterwards signified their concurrence in the choice of the majority. The Presbytery will be asked at its next meeting to moderate in a call. The stipend to be offered is L 350 a year, with a free manse.

Some of the messages re-published by us from the Melbourne papers this week are particularly interesting, and we are amazed that some of the matters have been passed over by Renter* News comes, for instance, of an attempt to murder the new' President of the United States, General Arthur. Happily it has been frustrated, and two men arreeited, Another important item is one regarding the intention of the Pope to shift bis quarters from Rome to Vienna in consequence of the recent disturbances that occurred over the removal of the body of Pope Pius IX. In connection with thia subject a recent issue of the Liberta says :— " We distinctly state that if the Pope forms the resolution to leave Rome it is certainly not the Italian Goverment whioh by humble words and acts should seek to detain him. But this Government is under the obligation of following a line of conduct which in whatsoever event shall deprive the Pope of any pretext which can justify his departure* We have succeeded, thanks to the wisdom and tact of the men who formerly held the reins of government, in always placing the Papacy in the wrong. The present Ministers would appear by their ambiguous conduct to be doing their best in order that the Papacy may finally have the vaunt of being in the right. If the Pope should leave Rome without a sufficient reason for so important a step, the public conscience in Italy and abroad, illuminated by the truth, will throw all the responsibility of so great an event upon him who has accomplished it. But if the contrary Bhould happen ; if the departure of the Pope shall be in any way justified by the dubious, uncertain, and changeable conduct of the Ministry, they and their party will receive auch a blow as they will find it exceedingly difficult to recover from,"

We understand Chat Mr Massey has temporarily resigned his position of Town Clerk, pending such investigation into the subjectmatter of the recent libel action as the Council may think advisable.

In connection with the letter of " Inquirer,'* published in the Daily Times, in which a query was made as to when the medals and certificates gained by New Zealand exhibitors at the Melbourne Exhibition would be distributed, a gentleman who was a passenger by the Ringa* rooma informs us that he happened to see Mr Blackwood, commissioner for the Colony, on the 4th inst., in Melbourne. Mr Blackwood stated to him that he had that day attended a meeting of the Commissioners, and that he had intended to bring the medals, &c. (of which there are some 400 in all, we believe) which were ready, but that he could not wait to get them. However, they will probably be for* warded by next steamer.

Southland is proud of her Hussars, and the Hussars are apparently doing their best to dpßerve it. The Nowb states that the " Hon. Colonel Ellis, and Major Burwell, Captain Gairdner, and Lieutenant Grosbie, of the Southland Hussars, together with some noncommissioned officers, left by train for Chrißtchurch, where they will take part in the annual training of the Yeomanry Cavalry. Thia, of courße, entails some expense and inconvenience, but the gentlemen mentioned have not allowed this to weigh with them in their desire to be in a position to make the local training ia December next as successful as possible, and to obtain that experience whioh cannot at present be gained in this district,"

At th' last meeting of the St. Kilda Borough Council it was resolved to vote an annual subsidy of L2O to tue United St. Kilda and South Dune.lin Firo Brigade. The Brigade is at pmjonfc out of debt, and in popBesaion of a gord deal of plant, among which is a titat -class engine, vaku-d at Ll2O.

The Premier replied as follow;* to the deputation of railway hands on striks in Christchurch :— " An application for a reconsideration of the rates of wages would have been received if it had boen iwado bt fore you Jeft the service ; h.ifc it; is now out of the question. With regard to your proposal for a OoinmiaBion, I can hold out no hopa whatever. No private or pubJic employer w> uld think of agreeing to such a course ; if he could not get good men at the rates of wages ho was paying, be would simpl? have to give more. With regard to the strike, I admit that you had a right to take that course, but I am s^rry you did ho. We have lost good men, and I think you have lost good masters. I may tell you that there is no intention on tae part of the Government that you should ba {erinanetitly excluded fr^m making application for employ* ment when vacancies occur, bat of course we cannot discharge the new Lands. I shall be very sorry indeed if good men leave the country, but we can't ke^p them lifco by discharging men who have be^n takeu on m an emergency."

Messrs Joubert and Twopenny handed LIOO to the Mayor of Adelaide, being 1 per cent, ot the total admissions, for distribution amongst the charities of the city.

Amongst the eccentricities of the Kicg of Bwaria U that of having a private theatre, where he is sole spectator of the company's performances. An actress who was performing recently seems to have displeased his Majesty, ■who threw, an empty bottle at ber. It ucruck heron the head and nearly killed htr.

Four little boys were dealt with at the Police Court in Cbristchurch on Monday on an uncommon charge. It was that of throwing stones on the Weslejan Church at Syden. ham daring service, the R«v. Mr Ward seating that one of the congregation Mated with alarm on the occasion. Three of the boys were too f m»ll to be dealt with, but one was convicted aud ordered to pay costs. The Magistrate recommended them all a good whipping.

The report of the South Australian Forest Board, which has jnst been issued, shows that daring the year 232,000 trees had been raiiel Bucct)Bßfally, and nearly 800 f>cres of land had been resumed and plan tea. The operations of tiie Board had been largely supplemented by private persons, farmers, and oth> rs, who bad resisted in planting along tbe roads, reserves, &c. It was estimated that after making an allowance for bad seasons, fires, failures, &c, the plantations at present established will in five years be worth LIOO.OOO.

The value of British manufactures exported to 'foreign countries baa declined in the 10 years from 1870 to 1880 by some L 4,000,000 Bterling. The value of the exports of British manufactures to the Colonies has increased in the name period by over L 14,000,000 There is no foreign country' with which England doeß business with which her trade is not declining ; there ia no colony with which it is not advancing. A 1 ready the trade with the Colonies is greater in value than with the whole Continent of Europe. Australia herself has a trade with England almost equal to that of France and Italy together.

A German statistician has been busying himself in compiling a census of the world, which —assuming Us substantial correctness— goes to negative the theory sometimes advanced that the population of the world is either 'stationary or retrogressive. According to his calculations, the world contains at. the present moment 1,455 923 000 inhabitant!, or 16,778,000 more than it did a quarter of a century ago. An inorease of |17, 000,000 in 25 years is not perhaps very alarming , to those who fear that we shall .: soun crowd one another out of existence, but it must not, be forgotten that it is the over-populated planes which in creaae the fastest. Of the 1,500,000,000 people n existence,, B34,7o7,ooo are allotted to Anna, 315 929,000 to Europe, 205,679,000 to Afrioa, 95,405,080 to America, 4,121,000 to Australasia wad Polynesia, and 82,000 to the Polar regions. It ia diffioult, perhaps impossible, for anyone to realise exactly what is meant by such a number as 1,500,000,000, but there is enough that is definite about it to give one an idea of one's own insignificance, not altogether consistent with the importance in tbe world one is apt sometimes to arrogate to oneself.

The mortality amongst; the French soldiers In 'the Tunis campaign has been very great. The majority of the army was made up of young conscripts, who bad had little txperience of military life, and none whatever of the African climate. In one of the columns men died at the rate of ICO a day during some of the marches. Then came cholera, and at the present time (says a Homepapet) the sick list haa reached alarming proportions, although the fact is coric >aled as much as possible from the public. Mr Quong Tart, a Chinaman who had been a resident of Australia for 20 years, recently pMH his native country a visit, and a narrative of 'his experiences has been published in the Sydney Press. He visited Hongkong, < Foochow, and Canton, and also travelled about 200 miles into tbe interior, and everywhere he Wi*A cordially and courteously received, notwithstanding tbe fact that he was generally regarded by his countrymen as a foreigner, inasmuch as he had discarded Chinese dress and manntiß and faith. The influence of Biitish customs ho found to be penetrating tbe country, even in the inland towns. Even the custom of making the feet of ladies as small as possible was passing out of fashion- Mr QuoDg Tart noticed a characteristic of the lower classes in Canton which contrasts favourably against th« lower orders in the Colonial com mUnity. For several days during his stay in Canton he walked through the streets of that city of half a million inhabitants, and on only one occasion was he jeered at in tbe street as a foreigner, and even then the culprit, a boy, was checked by a passer-by. The offence of insulting foreigners is there very heavily punished, and notices to that effect are posted up in the streets.

A rmnarkablß cape of poisoning at Healesville, beyoud Li)yd»le, Victoria, has been repotted. A sel -cti r named Frank Kenny, when returning hooiewards from th« township, met a storekeeper named Thomas King, with wh^ra he had land transactions. King invited K-omy to lunch, and at the close of the a meal gave the latter two pieces of oake, which, however, he did not eat, but took borne to his children. Shortly after eating it the children appeared ill, but Kenny Jeft for Healeaville, not taking much notice of their condition. He visited Kini?, at his shop, and purchased chuff, and King iffered Kenny Bsveral slices ol bread and butter, which the latter again reuerved for home conaumption, On arriving home he fonnd, <x) his borror, that bis sju, aged 13, hud dit-d, and a daugh> tei was seriously iv. The bread-and-butter Bltces were handed to the policd. An inquest Was held en the bod\ of the boy, and adjourned for waalysia of hia fttomwh,