LOCAL & GENERAL.

Otago Witness, 14 December 1893, Page 15

LOCAL & GENERAL.

Mr Howard H. Dodson, brewer, of Blenheim, who was drowned while driving from Picton to Blenheim on the 4th, was insured in the New Zealand Accident Insurance Company for £500.

Mr Paulin informs us that the rainfall for November at Opoho amounted to 7 - 39 inches, and to 8 04 inches on Signal Hill.

At the Christchurch Police Court on the 6th George Oakley, a youth, charged with having posted a letter bearing a postage stamp which had previously been used and defaced, was fined £3 and costs, amounting altogether to £4183.

The Press states that a snake, measuring about 16in, was captured on the Wellington wharf by Mr H. Wynn-Williams. It was among the bananas brought from Fiji by the Taviuni, and was about to escape, being ac the edge of the wharf near the road, when ifc was seen by a wharf labourer, who drew Mr WynnWilliams's attention to ifc. The latter immediately secured it, and it is now in his possession.

Among the applicants to the Wellington Benevolent Trustees for relief on the sth was a naturalised Chinaman, 67 years of age, who had been 43 years in the colony. He had lost caste with the other Chinamen by cutting his hair, and had a wife and daughter dependent on him. The trustees gave him rations for a month. The man said that if he did not get work by then he would go up-country to look for it.

"The Australasian Insurance and Banking Record " for November, referring to the increase of capital of the Bank of New South Wales, has the following paragraph : — "The increase of capital of the Bink of New South Wales authorised on 27th September was confirmed at the half-yearly meeting, and during the week ending Bbh November, the amounts of instalment of new capital only becoming due Ist November, £4-25,000 was paid up. The total amount asked for by the new issue of 37,500 shares at £20 each, issued afc a premium of £5, is £937,500, and this is extended over two and a-half years, payable by instalments. The bank has therefore received 45^ per cent, of its new issue in one week after it began to become due. This, it is said, is the largest amount of capital ever subscribed and paid-up at one time to any Australian or colonial institution. Indeed, the confidence reposed in this veteran bank ia justified by the half-yearly report presented at tho m3eting, coming as it does as a result of six months' arduous and trying times during which credit was temporarily shaken and business brought to a standstill. The following are the amounts paid in new capital at the Sydney banks up to 13th inst. : — Bank of New Sou'h Wales : Amount due in instalments by Ist May 1896, £937,500 ; paid-up, £425,000, in addition to payments in transit fcom New Zealand, Victoria, and England. Commercial Banking Company of Sydney (Limited) : Amount due in instalments by Ist January 1894, £800,000; paid-up, £133,417. AJ S. Bank (Limited) : Amount due in instalments by June 1895, £448,572 ; paid-up, £217,300. City Bank of Sydney : Amount due in instalments by Ist March 1894, £180,000; paid-up, £120,000. Thus it will be seen that there remains to b8 paid-up in two and a-half years in the Bank of New South Wales, £512,500 ; Commercial Banking Company, out of £400,000 due Ist January 1896, £266,583; A.J.S. Bank by June 1895, £231,210 ; City Bank of Sydney, by Ist March 1894, £60,000."

Mr Duncan Wright, who for fully two years past has been prosecuting his evangelistic labours in Melbourne, Sydney, and the chief towns of New South Wales, including Albury, Cootamundra, Ya9S, and Goulburn on the main line of railway between the two great centres, Bega, Eden, and Moruya on the south-east, Glen Innes and Tenterfield on the Queensland border, Parkes, Forbas, and Dubbo in the far west beyond Orange, has returned to Dunedin and resumed the work with which his name has been associated in New Zealand for nearly 19 years. He now proceeds on broad, undenominational lines and co-operates with all the churches. By request Mr Wright has this week been holding services and afternoon Bible readings at Knoz Church.

The woman competitor, it appears, has invaded the proviace of the street artist. A favourite, because profitable, pitch for men artists was (the Daily Telegraph says) a Btrip of pavement in Gray's Inn road, beside the old workhouse. The artists liked it because ifc gave them the chance of making friends with the officials, in view of possible contingencies. On Tuesday morning two of them arrived to take possession of the pavement, and stood thunderstruck on finding that ifc was already occupied by a young lady, who had ornamented ifc with the usual representations of trees and waterfalls, ships on the sea, salmon on plates — dear to the eye of street decorators — and intimated beneath, in a large, bold handwriting : " This is the work of a woman of really no importance." The two mala artists looked at the pictures, and one said to the other, ' ' Well, I'm blest! It's come to this at last, 'as ifc ?" "Yes," said the other, "it 'aye. They're dcivin 7 us out of the academy, and now they're drivin' us off the street as well. We'll have to join the unemployed." "Orgo to thework'us," added the first. And they went away, leaving the lady to collect; the coppers.

Postage stamps have served many useful purposes, but not often have they been utilised as in the case of the State of Liberia. The Government wished to be represented at the Chicago Exhibition, but it had no funds wherewith to pay the expenses of its commissioner, Professor Alfred King. So Parliament voted him £1000 worth of unissued postage stamps, and with these he had to tramp to the shops in the principal cities in America. All he could get for the whole was £400. Just no w Liberian issues are to be had at a considerable discount.

«• The appointment of the Earl of Elgin to ba the Viceroy of India," says the Scottish Leader, '• puts thft coping stone on Scottish appointments abroad. Abthis moment Greater Britain is virtually ruled by Scotsmen." Then follows a list of Scotch Governors, beginning with the Earl cf Aberdeen and ending with Sir J. S. Hay (Barbadois). The Leader goes on to say: — "All in thfcir turn are u:der Mr Gladstone, whose father w.is a Leith man. Our foreign affairs are entrusted to the E ill of Rosebery, the army is controlled by Mr CanopbellBaunorraan, the home affairs are managed by Mr Asquith."

Another London doctor has fallen a victim to diphtheria — Mr William Freer Lucas, of the Middlesex Hospital. Some six years ago (say 3 the Daily Telegraph) Mr Lucas became a student at the hospital fchools, where he gained the Broderip Scholarship, and then, having passed with distinction through the surgical and medical branches of the profession, he was appointed to the staff of the institution. A few days ago he performed the operation of tracheotomy on a poor juvenile patient suffering from diphtheria. While administering chloroform the pationt sneezed jn tho face of the.

operator, who, however, thinking only of the sufferer, did not withdraw the inhaler until the child was completely under the influence of the anaesthetic. The result was that his own system was infected with the virulent contagion, he himself became an in-patient, and died in the diphtheria ward. This sad exemplification of the risks of the profession produced a deep feeling in the hospital. The death of Mr Lucas, at the entry of a professional career full of promise, recalls that of the late Dr Jecks, of University College, and of Dr Rabboth, of the Royal Free Hospital, who also lost their live 3in attending to the suffering poor.

The following report was submitted at the annual meeting of the Walton Park Coal Company held on Thursday last : —

The directors ha>e to submit to shareholders statement of accounts and profit and loss for the past year. The deliveries of coal show a small increase over the previous year, the figures showing as follows :—14,290: — 14,290 tons coal and 5211 tons dross, as against 14,184 tons coal and 4370 tons dross in the previous year. Shareholders will he pleased to notice that the company has been able in the face of very keen competition to fully hold its own and make a substantial addition to the amodHit at credit of profit and loss, which now show 3 a balance of £11 il 18s. The directors recommend that this balance be carried forward. The directors have resolved to recommend that the capital account, which still stands at £12,012, be written down one half — say, by the sum of £6008, off paid-up capital,— leaving the unpaid capital to stand at Ss per share, as at present ; and that a corresponding sum of £6006 be written oiF general plant account. The necessary special resolution to this effect has been prepared in accordance with the act for submission to shareholders. The directors are pleased to report that they have been able to effect very favourable arrangements with the lessors for carrying on the workings on the leasehold at a reduced royalty after the termination of the lease, which expires on 31st December next.

At the Mosgiel Police Court on ths 6th James Low was committed for trial on a charge of larceDy of £16 from the dwelling of Alexander Boyd, of Hindon station. Bail was allowed in accused's own recognisance of £20 and one surety in a like amount.

It is notified in the Gazette, issued last week, that Saturday the 23rd, Monday the 25th, and Tuesday the 26ih December 1893, and Saturday, 30bh December 1893, and Mouday and Tuesday, lsfc and 2nd January 1694, will be observed as holidays in the Government cfßces throughout the colony.

The Poat in a temperate leader hopas the Premier will abandon any attempt to make himcelf chairman of the Railway Commissioners, and asks him to reappoint the present commissioners for six months on the understanding thab Parliament will be asked to give a Minister a seat on the board. Oar Wellington correspondent telegraphs that the whole question is likely to be considered at the first Cabinet meeting.

The War Cry states that the exact amount realised by the self-denial week in New Zealand is not yet known, bub it will be over £2000. The amount collected in Dunedin was £172, which is said to be the largest sum yeb received in any city in Australasia. Invercargill contributed £90, Oamaru £67, Duntroon £40, Wellington £57.

Our Auckland correspondent telegraphs: — " The position of chairman of the Hospital and Charitable Aid Board does nofc seem to be the most pleasant in existence. Mr Bollard, during the illness of Mr Dignan, has been acting as temporary chairman. Some members of the Costley Home Committee complain of his conduct in interfering, with the decision of this committee, or rather of a majority of two of them, to insarcerate a blind man for 14 days in the refractory ward because he refused to work in the washhouse, although he was willing to work but drew the line at washing. He was kept confined 14 days, and would have been confined for another similar term but that in the meantime Mr Lennon, a member of the board, met Mr Bollard and stated to him that the man was likely to commit suicide if his confinement was continued. Mr Bollard thereupon ordered the man's release. The head and front of his offending was that he had acted without consulting the committee."

Ifc has not yet been definitely decided that the Rifle Association meeting is to be held at Christchurch. If the expenses of the range are nob guarantied the meeting will be held at Oamaru.

A man named James Douglas Tolmer gave himself up to the South Australian police afc Farina on a charge of having caused the death of a blackboy at Lake Hope, about 300 miles from Farina. He avers that he hit the boy over the head with a bridle, that the boy died from the injuries on the following day, and the body was subsequently buried ia the sandhills. Tolmer was in the employ of a drover named Lawler.

Probably through the attractions of the Cup several village settlers and members of the homestead associations recently came to Melbourne (says the Argus) to obtain a portion of the £15 which Parliament has generously directed should be lent to them' on easy term 3. It is probable enough that some of them wanted the money "to back their fancy," but the outsider getting home fir&fc in the racing event of the year left them lamenting and empty of pocket, for they have been astounding the Government by a demand for a free railway piss back to their settlements. Mr James Tnomas, the officer of the Lands department in charge of the Village Settlement Act, has, however, issued a warning circular to fcuch settlers, explaining that whether they come to Melbourne to obtain a loan or on any other business they mu3fc travel citywards and back again only afc their own expense.

The Labour party in New South Wales have invited Sir George Grey and the Hon. W. P. Reeves to visit that colony on the eve of the general election and deliver addresses at the centres in support of the party's platform.

Much pain has been caused in church circles in Melbourne by the disappearance of the llsv. W. C. Bunning, pastor of the Baptist Church at West Melbourne. The pain has been intensified by a report that a letter written hr him has been received by a relative, in which Mr Bunning intimated that he intended to drown himself in the Yarra, near Sfcudh-y Park. Mr Bunning was nearly 60 years of age.

The second week in November (says the London correspondent of the Binuin^h/un Po^t) will witness the introduction of .".u*;omar.ic electric reading lamp 3 into some of tho trains on the district railway. Although this is nofc altogether a novelty, it is the first permanent installation of the kind, and 2500 lamps will be fixed in the carriages during November by the Railway Automatic Electric Light Syndicate, the previous experiments of which have given satisfaction. The lamp is an ingenious contrivance,: by means of which passengers can obtain half-a,n-hour's light for a penny. The coin on being dropped into the machine winds a small clock, which connects the current, and a light with the intensity of 20 candles is produced. One battery in every carriage supplies the four lamps in each compartment. The lens attached to the lamp is sufficiently convex to concentrate

the rays of light upon the paper or book of the passenger immediately beneath it, and, therefore, the light is not annoying— or helpful, as the case may be — to the passenger sitting on the opposite seat. If the door of the lamp is tampered with the offender is detected, for directly it is opened a bell is rung in the guard's van.

Mr A. C. Begg returned to Dunedin during the week after a holiday trip of several months in the old country. Our Waikouaiti correspondent informs us that the Church of England bazaar there is a great success, over £22 having been taken the Brot day. Ib would appear that ifc has nofc yet been arranged to hold the next prize firing competition of the New Zealand Rifle Association at Chrisfcchurch, for the following telegram from Major Sommerville has been received by the mayor-elect of Oamaru :—": — " Christchurch is nofc definitely decided upon. Have asked them to guarantee expenses of range, and am awaiting their reply. Personally, I should much like the range at Oamaru, bufc musfc consider what will suit competitors. If expenses are not guaranteed at Chri&tchurcb, the meeting goes to Oamaru." We have received a subscription of £1 from "Blue Spur " towards the fund for the relief of the shipwrecked sailors from the barque Spirit of the Dawn. Ifc was unanimously resolved, afc a largely attended meeting of the Warepa and Kaihiku congregation held in the beginning of the week, to ask the Presbytery for leave to moderate in a call to fill the pastorate of the congregation. According to the local paper, a glaring instance of infringement of section 13 of the Electoral Act — which imposes a penalty upon a person for allowing his name to remain on two rolls — ha 3 been brought under the attention of the returning officer (Mr Gwynne), who intends to prosecute. The name of the offender alluded to appears on the Waikouaifci as well as the Waihemo roll, and he voted at an up-country polling booth, and answered the question as to his being registered on the electoral roll of any other electoral district in the colony in the negative. There were frequent instances of names of persons residing in Dunedin and suburbs appearing, through oversight, on more than one roll. There is a painful rumour in circulation to the effect that the Priuce of Wales has had an attack of facial paralysis. I am told (writes the contributor of " Vanity Fair" gossip to the Argus) by those who have been in his company lately that the symptoms of this malady are only too plainly visible on one side of his face. There is no doubt that the Prince has refused altogether for some time to give sittings to photographers, and that makes the report of his affliction more plausible. All ill-natured people say he is now "about due" for an attack of this kind, since he takes too little exercise and lives too well. The Palmerston paper gives currency to the report that the supporters of Mr Scobie Mackenzie afc that end of the electorate intend either to present him with a testimonial or entertain him at a banquet "as an expression of their sympathy for him in his recent defeat, and admiration of his splendid abilities, his candour and manliness, and the courtesy and good temper he invariably displayed under very trying and irritating circumstances during the late contest for the representation of Waihemo in Parliament." Mr John Graham was on Friday elected chairman of the Taieri County Council.

The following candidates have passed the medical examinations of the New Zealand University, recently fceld afc the Ofcago Univei sity : — First professional : Emily H. Siedeberg, A Sfcenhouae, and J. M. Matthews; second professional : J. L. Gregg ; third professional : M. W. Ross.

The New Zealand Times has analysed the composition of the new Parliament. Compared with that elected in 1884 there are only 15 of the 95 then returned, and of these three (Sir R. Stout, Sir G. M. O'Rorke, and Mr Pyke) have not sat continuously. Of the other 80, 20 are dead, 11 are Legislative Councillors, and of the remainder some have voluntarily withdrawn from politics.

The following is a list of tenders accepted for the supply of coal required by the Railway Commissioners during 1894 : — Kaipara-Waikato sectior, Taupiri Extended Company, 6s 6d per ton for brown coal and 5s 6d for Waikato coal ; Kaihu Valley line, J. J. Craig, 19s 6d for Newcastle coal ; Whangarei section, J. J. Craig, 10s for Hikurangi coal ; Napier section, Giey Valley Coal Company, 23s 3d for Brunner coal ; Foxton, Wauganui, and New Plymouth sections, Grey Valley Coal Company, 22s 6d for Brunner coal ; Wellington- Wairarapa section, Grey Valley Coal Company, 19s 9d for Brunner coal ; Picfcon sectior, Grey Valley Coal Company, 24s for Brunner Coal ; Nelson section, Grey Valley Coal Company, 21s for Brunner coal ; Hurunui- Bluff, first secfc'on (to be delivered at Lyttelton), Grey V.illey Coal Company, 20s 3d for Brunner coal; Hurunui- Bluff, second section (to be delivered at Tirnaru), Grey Valley Coal Company, 20a 9d for Bruncer coal ; Hurunui-Bluff, third section (to be delivered afc Odmaru), Grey Valley Coal Company, 19-sfor Brunntreoal; Hurunui-Bluff, fourth section (Port Chalmers to Gore), Kaitangata Coal Company, 7s for Kaitangata coal ; Newmarket workshops, Auckland, J. J. Craig, 15s 6d for Nswcastl-i coal ; Petone workshops, Grey Valley Coal Company, 19i 6d for Brunner coal ; Hillside workshops, Dunedin, Mokihinui Coal Company, 18s 6d for Mokihinui coal ; Addingfcon workshops, Christchurch, Grey Valley Coal Company, 19s 6d for Brunner coal.

Archbishop Redwood, who returned to the colony by the San Francisco mail steamer, left Auckland on Saturday for Wellington, via the West Coast. He speaks in high terms of his reception in America, where he delivered a speech to the Parliament of Religions afc Chicago. The condition of the Roman Catholic Church in the States is most satisfactory, owing to the action of the Pope and his representative, Archbishop Satolli.

The Post states that appropriations to the amount of about £20,000 were made by the Cabiuefc last week for public works in various parts of the colony. Amongst the items are £10,000 for the Eketahuua-Woodville railway extension, £2000 for roads in the Huntetville district, £2000 for the road which is beiog made from Miramar to the torpedo station, and £1100 for the furniture required for the Porirua Asylum.

The rainfall afc Napier during the storm which caused the flood was no less than ll"83iu. At the Thames the fall was 3 93in, and afc Auckland 2 25m.

The bazaar in aid of the building fund of the Roman Catholic Church, Port Chalmers, was brought to a close on Saturday evening. It was successful throughout, and a sum of over £200 has been realised as the result of the undertaking, notwithstanding the unfavourable weather. Before closing Father O'Donnell heartily thanked the mayor (Mr E., G. Allen)

and the people of Port Chalmers for the assist aoce they had given, making special mention of Mr D. Marr and Miss A. Sharpe for the training of the children, and Mr A. Anderson for the painting of the scenery.

An exhibition of the arfc work for the year of the pupils of the Girls' High School held in one of the large class rooms of the school on Saturday attracted a good deal of attention, and evoked a considerable amount of favourable criticism. There was a large attendance all the afternoon, and amongst those present were the Hon. R. Oliver and Mrs Oliver, Professors Sale and Parker, Mr J. M. Ritchie, and others who take a keen interest in art and education. The work showed a distinct advance on the previous year's work, both in quantity and- quality. There can be no doubt that; Miss Wimperis is really very successful as a teacher, for the drawings were all creditable, and some of them were excellent. They were, almost without exception, from the solid, or, in the case of primary work, from embossed cards, in all respects the equivalents of solid models. The studies in still life by Miss M'Leod and Miss Ella Adams were remarkably good, and the same must be said of a monochrome from one of Donatello's altar pieces and a drawing from a cast of Minerva by Miss M'Leod. A chalk drawing by Miss Miller also calls for strong commendation, and so does a chalk drawing by Misa Susan Buckland. Good work is undoubtedly shown in the studies from still life by Misses Webster, E. Ulrich, Ramsay, White, Maud Reynolds, Barron, L. Barron, E. Scofcfc, Imrie, and E. Bathgate. There was also some good firm line work amongst the exhibits, and altogether the progress of the arfc students afc the school musfc be deemed satisfactory.

While a young man named Thomas W. Ward, of South Dunedin, was walking along the reclaimed ground near the bay on Friday, and jusb before he came to the boat-landing of Mr Mark Webb, he noticed a woman in the water. He immediately took steps to bring her to land, and as she appeared to be almost drowned, efforts were successfully made to revive her, after which Constable O'Halloran had her removed to the hospital. The woman's name is Margaret Drew, and how she got into the ■water is a mystery. Credit is due to Mr Ward for jhis prompt action in the matter, withcub which a case of drowning musfc certainly have occurred.

Mr Forster Goring, a very old resident, died at his residence, Wellington, on Monday. The deceased gentleman was for a long time clerk to the Executive Council of- the colony, but resigned that office four years ago. Deceased succumbed to an attack of bronchitis afc the age of 83 years. He was the son of the late Sir Charles Forster Goring, of Highden, Sussex. The deceased gentleman was a widower, and leaves six children, three of whom are married in England. The others are Colonel Goring, in charge of the Permanent Artillery at Auckland ; Mra Johnston, wife of the Hon. W. W. Johnston ; and Mr Barry Yelverbon Goring.

A peculiar case was heard at the Napier R.M. Court on Monday, when Alexander M'Cutcheon, a dairyman, was charged with attempting to obtain money from Dr Moore by means of threats. The doctor performed an operation on accused's wife while she was under chloroform. Subsequently M'Cutcheon wrote charging the doctor with having taken, advantage of her when under the influence of the drug, and demanding £250 under a threat of taking the matter to court. Accused was committed for trial.

The annual meeting of the Oamaru Woollen Factory Company was held on Monday night. After writing off £2494 6s 3d and putting aside £350 for new warehouse and offices, a credit balance of £2323 16s 8d is left, out of which a dividend of 8 per cent, to preferential shareholders and of 4 per cent, to ordinary shareholders is to be paid, leaving £1415 16s 8d to be carried forward. The retiring directors were re-elected.

Cable communication is now established with Mauritius and Seychelles. The rates charged are : To Mauritius, via Bombay, 10s 2d per word ; via St. Vincent;, 21s 6d ; via Hongkong, 225. To Seychelles, via Bombay, 8s 8d per word ; via Sfc. Vincent, 20s ; via Hongkong, 20s 6d.

The Lyttelton Times states that the successful applicants for sections afc Cheviot are taking prompt steps to enter into occupation. Building and fencing material is being sent up by every steamer and daily by rail and road, and carptnters are in request. The residences promise to be of a good and comfortable class, indicating the substantial position of those for whom they are being built. Shearing has been stopped for some days by the broken weather, which has also hindered fencing, building, and other work.

Mr A. C. Begg, at the meeting of the Pro* hibition League on Monday night, stated that the one item of New Zealand news he saw in the Glasgow and Edinburgh papers when he was ia Scotland had reference to the granting of tha franchise to the women of this colony. " They don't take much notice of New Zealand there," continued Mr Begg. " Although we consider ourselres a large and important community, it is only when a bank fails or when such a revolutionary piece of legislation as the women's franchise is passed that any notice is taken of. us."

Mr Rawson, R.M., in refusing to grant tha removal of a license from Preservation to Cromarty, said the conditions upon which the original certificate had been granted had never been complied with, and there was no license hi existence to remove. The license might have been formally cancelled last quarterly meeting, but he would cancel ib now. There was nofc a sufficient number of miners now on the ground, to justify another licensed house at Cromarfcy. By section 5 of " The Alcoholic Liquors Sale Control Ac 1 ; 1893" (which is now in force) it: was evidently the opinion and intention of the Legislature that one licensed house to every 700 persons was quite sufficient. Although more than 100 residents had signed a petifcioa recommending the grant of the application as desirable, he knew from experience that numbers of people will sign a petition withoutknowing what they were signing. If move accommodation was required for the public at Cromarty, surely meals and beds could be provided and charged for without the adjunct of a liquor bar. If any one must have liquor he could take a bottle with them from the licensed public-house in the township. Anyway ib was his duty to administer tha law as it stood, and it was evidently the intention of present legislation that licensed houses should be limited in number.

The Post points out that the Premier's statements afc Masterton " that since the appointment of the Railway Commissioners three inner circles had grown up apart from Government" are absolutely untrue. The railway accounts are audited now as they were before the commissioners were appointed, the present system having been introduced in 1885. The locomotive branch is not the creation of the commissioners. Ib existed long before they were appointed, and Mr Alison Smith was superin* tendenfc many years before M.r Rotheram,

As to tho existence of a separate Traffic department, it is an absolute illusion. On most large railways there is such a department, but on the New Zealand railways the traffic is managed under the direct control of the commissioners.

That some people have confidence in the future of Victoria is evident (says the Argus) from the following letter received by the Minister for Trade and Customs from a lady in Otago, New Zealand :— " To the Minister for Customs Dutie3.— Sir,— Myself and three sons last April visited Australia, and are very favourably impressed with the same, and are thinking of settling there for good. Do your Government give any inducement to intending settlers with means of about £300 each? There will be four of us. We wish to bring most of our household goods, as there is no sale for them in this out of the way place. Sir, cannot you give us a free customs pass, or shall we be subject to that unfair indignity of having our luggage searched as though we were dynamiters ? We think you should receive the like of us with gladness, similar to the Government emigrants of old. We ftel sure we shall have no goods liable to duty unless it bs an old sewing machine. Ia that liable to duty ? When calling at Hobart we noticed hand-cart loads of luggage leaving the wharf without in any way being interfered with by the customs officers, but in Melbourne some had to open and show the contents of their portmanteaus — the contents being dirty clothes. This, we think, is a step too far in the wrong direction. It causes people to think they are taken for thieves or have committed some offence in ignorance of the law, — I am, yours truly, &c." The Secretary for Tf ade and Customs forwarded a reply to this letter pointing out that household effects up to £50 in value for each adult member of a family are not liable to duty upon importation into Victoria provided they are accompanied by the family, but that a duty of £15 is charged on a grand piano, £5 on a cottage piano, and £3 on a harmonium, and that vehicles are also dutiable, a four-wheeled buggy being charged £20.

Mr James Hutchison, who occupies a position on the reporting staff of this paper, was on Monday the recipient of two presentations oa the occasion of his approachiug marriage — one from the directors of the Daily Times and Ofcago Witness Company, and the other from the members of the literary staff of the paper. In making the presentations on behalf of the directors and the staff, Mr George Fenwick, managing director, alluded to the multifarious duties that a reporter was called upon to perform, and said that in the performance of these duties Mr Hutchison had proved himself oneof the best reporters in the colony. He had a diversified experience, and a knowledge of his profession which had stood him in good stead, and which were appreciated by all present. Mr Hutchison had also good qualities of mind and heart, which were a passport to their esteem ; and they were only doing him justice and themselves honour in meeting him that day and expressing their hearty goodwill towards him, and a hope for his future happiness. He (Mr Fenwick) had great pleasure in doing so on behalf of the directors and the staff. He was sure they all entertained a very high appreciation of Mr Hutchison's good qualities, and wished him all joy and happiness in the future. In replying, Mr Hutchison expressed his gratitude tor the gifts, and for the kindly remarks made by Mr Fenwick ; also his appreciation of the kindness which had prompted the donors to make the presentations, which, he said, would serve to remind him of very pleasant associations. Burnt wood etching, otherwise known as poVr r-work, is a branch of the fine arts which is as yeb very little known in Dunedin, a specimen of the ait, in the shepe of a spinning chair, executed by Miss Gillies, of Queen street, now on view in the window of Messrs J. Wilkie and Co., being the first, we believe, that has been publicly exhibited in this city. Poker-work is, however, taught at South Kensington and at the other leading art schools of the old country, and, judging from the example of Miss Gillirs's skill, it is admirably adapted for decorative purposes. The spinning chair in question is of New Zealand white pine, which is found to be exceedingly suitable for this class of work, and a dragon pattern has been artistically and chastely executed upon it. At'the September examination for degrees in medicine in the University of Glasgow, Mr James Kirkland, of Otago, passed successfully his first professional. The Grey Valley Coal Company having lost the contract for supplying the New Zealand Shipping Company, just secured by the Mokihinui and Black Ball (one-half each), the construction of the tramway to the new field is at a standstill until the result of the meeting of directors, to be held in Dunedin this week, is known. As quite £500 has already been spent on the construction, it is probable that the directors will decide to complete the work. The lease of the Brunner mine expires this year, and the Grey Valley Company have enough in that mine to supply the present contrasts. The employes of the Union Steam Ship Company held their annual outing at Waitati on Saturday. At 930 the parly, numbering fully 300 souls, embarked by special train under the dispiriting influences of a downpour of rain and a stiff sou'-w ester. Arrived at Waitati, it was found the storm had just reached that locality, and made much havoc with the tents, &c. erected. It was decided to make the most of an uninviting situation. Some of the party wended their way to the Good Templars' Hall, and others took possession of an empty house placed at their disposal by its owner ; while a few remained in the railway carriages. By noon the sun shone out warmly, and the strong wind having dried up the ground quickly, all and sundry repaired to the paddocks, where football, cricket, and other games were played ; the votaries of Terpsichore tripped it to music supplied by the Garrison Band ; and a programme of sports was carried out. Oar London correspondent writes :—": — " Ib is rumoured that one result of the visit to London of Mr James Coates, general manager of the National Bank of New Zealand, will be the removal within a year from now of the bank's headquarters from Dunedin to Wellington, ag a snore central point." We are informed that in consequence of it having been found impossible for the members of the Land Board at present engaged in classifying runs in the interior to letarn to Dunedin in time for tha adjourned meeting of the board on 20bh inst, the board's meeting has been further adjourned till the 27th mdl., as announced in our advertising columu3. The Hon. J. G. Ward, Colonial Treasurer, •will collect; statistics and information bearing upon the prospects of trade with Canada., and make recommendations to the Cabinet on the subject. The New Zealand Univercity matriculation examination began throughout the colony on Tuesday, and will continue daily until the 21st inst. inclusive. Tho number of candidates entered for examination at JJunedin is 13}, of

whom 4-3 are young women. Included in the number are 17 candidates for the university junior scholarships, and 11 candidates for the medical preliminary pass. The examination is held as usual in the Otago University Library and in Old Knox Church and classroom, under the supervision of Dr Hislop and assistants. On board the Hinemoa at Wellington, on Monday night, the Premier, on behalf of the passengers who were on the vessel on her recent trip to the Antipodes, presented Captain Fairchild with a number of valuable books. Mr Seddon said he intended to give effect to the recommendations made by Captain Fairchild as to placing finger-posts on the Antipodes, and a second depot would also be placed on the Auckland Islands. It is understood that the Premier has communicated with the Admiralty with the view of getting a warship to call at the islands in the intervals between the visits of the Hinemoa. The Hon. J. M'lntyre, Victorian Minister for Lands, spent two busy days last week in the public departments in Wellington, obtaining very valuable information pertaining to laud settlement and other matters, including the system which obtains in this colony with regard to the Government Life Insurance and Public Trust offices. The Pren:ier and other members of the Government rendered him every assistance, and showed him much attention and hospitality. He left on Saturday for Napier, en route to Auckland, via the Hot Lakes. He expects to arrive in Auckland on Friday, and leave 3on Saturday by the Wairarapa for Sydney and Melbourne. On the Waitaki electoral roll there are 4142 names (2504 being men and 1638 women), and at the election 3103 recorded their votes. Of this number 1423 were women and 1630 men. Ib will therefore be seen (says the North Otago Time 3) that the women polled well, only 215 failing to take advantage of their newly obtained privilege. A total number of 1039 names will be struck off the roll. A special meeting of the Oamaru Harbour Board was held on Tuesday morning to consider a letter from the bondholders of the 1879 loan announcing their intention of putting in a receiver on account of the board's default in the payment of interest. After discussion (says the Mail) the matter was referred to the standing committee and the board's solicitor to ascertain the powers, &c. of the receiver. Mr George O'Driscoll, well-known and highly esteemed in business circles, died on Tuesday at his residence, Hyde street, at the age of 55 years. Arriving in Dunedin in the early sixties, he entered into business as timber merchant, but retired a few years ago. A few months ago he again became actively connected with the timber business. It is with regret we have to record the death, at Palmerston, from influenza, of Mr J. O. Mackenzie, son of the Rev. William Mackenzie, of North Leith, and brother of the general manager of the Colonial Bank. The deceased gentleman settled down in the Palmerston district for the benefit of his health and devoted a good deal of his spare time in the summer to trout fishing. As the result of indiscreet language used during his election campaign, Mr E. M. Smith has found it necessary to publish the following abject apology addressed to Mr F. P. Corkill : — •' New Plymouth, November 22, 1893.— Sir,— In reference to your complaint of my having uttered certain false and defamatory words, which I do not care here to repeat, concerning you and your wife during her last illness, I desire now to say that, although I cannot admit having used the exact words mentioned by you, yet I did not do more than repeat what I heard from a third pereorj, and what I was induced to believe was true. Now, however, lam only too glad to express to you my deep regret for having made any such false and foul statements, and of so slanderous a nature, for I am now absolutely satisfied that they have not any foundation in truth. My desire is to make an unconditional, unreserved, and honourable apology, as I now do, and express my deep regret for my act. I have no desire to keep this communication private, and I am prepared to pay you costs up to date, and for which I enclose you herewith 25 guineas, while, if not sufficient and acceptable to you, I will pay any further sum which may be agreed upon by and between our respectire solicitors."

From the report of the Directors of English Convict Prisons, just issued, it seems that the convict prison population is compoEed in an increasing proportion of the incorrigible old criminals, and that younger persons are not coming forward to keep up the numbers of the criminal population. The daily average number of persons in penal servitude during the year was 3832, of whom 245 were females. The measures taken to prevent disease were so effectual that there were no deaths from enteric fever, nor was there any mortality from erysipelas, smallpox, or the other eruptive fevers. There was not a single suicide. Although many prisoners are found on admission to be suffering from disease of the heart, sudden deaths are rare, owing to the regular life led by prisoners, to the light labour allotted to those known to be suffering from organic disease, and to freedom from anxiety of mind. " The worst," says Dr Bmalley, of Pa.rkb.urst, "has happened that could happen to them ; they are free from suspense and worry, and they lead a placid, regular, and, to all appearance, a contented life."

The Christmas number of the " Phonographic Magazine" is a really attractive number. With the view of reaching an extended circle of readers a supplement is printed in ordinary letter-press, and included in this portion of the magazine is a portrait and biography of Mr Mark Cohen, editor of the Evening btar.

The ordinary meeting of the Anderson's Bay School Committee was held on the eveiing of the 6th. In the absence of the cha'rman Mr C. S. Owen presided. The members present inspected the new school hall, which will be completed and out of the contractor's hands in a few days. The work has been very well executed in every respect, and the building will be a great boon to the children as a playroom and shelter in bad weather. The question of finance was discussed, and it was resolved to apply to the Education Board for the balance of subsidy. It was resolved to close the school from the 15th inst to January 29, and to hold the jumble sale iv aid of the hall buildirg fund on the 18th and 19th current It was also resolved not to give prizes or attendance certificates this year, all_ available funds being requuod for the hall. Mr B. Duthie presented two silver medals, one of which it was resolved should be given to the dux of the school ; the other to the pupil most proficient in shorthand, which is being incut efficiently taught by the pupil teacher (Mr Abel), who acquired his knowledge of the subject at the technical classes. The teacher will receive any gifts for the jumble sale, A social gathering of all those who were members of Mr J. A. Millar's committees was held last Wednesday evening in the Coffee Palace, when close on 200 persons assembled, SO of whom were ladies. Mr G. Calder occupied the chair, and Messrs Reynolds and Sankey were deputy-chair-men. Songs were given by Mrs Farra and Messrs iSiuclair and Seoullar, whilst Messrs Innes, Brinsley, C. W. George, Begg, M'Donnell, Rhodda, Higgine, and others moved and replied to the > ariQUs joasta, Messrs Yates supplied the music,

and a most enjoyable evening was spent. Mr Meyer catered in his usual efficient manner, and general satisfaction was expressed at the success attending this new manner of celebrating a candidate's success and a desire to see it followed by others. Thanks to the host and hostess concluded the proceedings.

In view of Mr Alfred Erunton's departure on a trip to the old country the members of the church meeting in Choral Hall arranged a social tea and farewell gathering, which was held last Wednesday evening and passed off very successfully. A number of addresses were given, among the speakers being Messrs William Brown, R. J. Gairdner, S. H. Miraras, and G. It. Hercus ; and the references to Mr Brunton's qualifications as a preacher and teacher, hia long connection with the church, and the readiness with which his services were always placed at the disposal of others, were most cordial and hearty, as was also the expressed desire that he would be spared to return, renewed in health and refreshed in spirit, to resume his place in the church. It is 45 years since Mr Brunton left England, and naturally he is looking forward with pleasant anticipations to again seeing friends and visiting places well known in days gone by, and we feel sure he will carry with him the good wishes of a large section of the community. His departure was taken yesterday afternoon by the Mararoa, when there was quite a crowd on the wharf to bid him a final good-bye.