DUNELN ITEMS.

Patea Mail, Volume III, Issue 8, 24 January 1889, Page 2

DUNELN ITEMS.

Duxunix Jan. 21

Professor Baldwin made a .successful balloon ascent and parachute descent this evening', Although only a gentle breeze was blowing’, lie was carried about a quarter of a mi'o from the starting point, and tho low seconds when he came away from tho balloon before tiro parachute opened, were most exciting, and tho suspense caused many to almost faint. Tho height ascended was from 800 to 1000 feet. At a statutory meeting of tho Har Lour Board, a discussion took place with regard to statements in tho Lon don Economist from a Wellington correspondent. The statement started ulf by saying that it was rumoured thaiJlho Otago Board might not be able to meet its interest in January, after which came a fulsome belauding of the Wellington Harbour and its supposed advantages. It was pointed out that before the article appeared iu print lire draft for the interest was on its way to Loudon. Accounts showed that there was not the slightest foundation for the statement, and it was remarked that however damaging such absurd statements might be towards the debentures and the Colony those who framed them should remember that it was the debenture-hohu-rs who were prejudiced, and tire loss from depreciation fell not- ou the hoard but upon those who owned tho debentures. It was resolved to communicate with the Economist on the subject,