The Southland Times. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER. 20, 1867.

Southland Times, Issue 726, 20 September 1867, Page 4

The Southland Times. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER. 20, 1867.

In our last we stated that the second best prize in the Scotch Art Union fell to Invercargill, ; New Zealand. Mr J. F. Jones, of the Southland ; Club is the fortunate holder of the winning ticket. The subject of the picture is "In the West Highlands," by Horatio Maculloch, E.5.A.,: and was purchased by the Association for £150. ' Since then the artist has died, and it is probable the painting will be much increased in value. We understand that Mr E. Buch man has been , appointed agent m Invereargill for the Oamaru stone quarries. A sample of the material is on view at his Auction Eooms. The stone ha 3 , already obtained a wide celebrity on account of • its good qualities, and is extensively used for building purposes in Duneiih, and the "neighbor- ; ing settlements, while large shipments to Melbourne are also of frequent occurrence, thus showing the estimation in which it is held there. ; The sample is of that description known as freestone, and is of a peculiarly pure white color, possessing the singular quality of becoming ex- ; tremely hard and durable by exposure .to the . weather, while it is so soft when newly quarried as to cut easily with a knife. ' The Invereargill Eifle Volunteers met for drill on Monday evening, (16th inst!)'-' The muster' was large, nearly one hundred being present. A. meeting for the election of officers was held. Captain Harvey announced that he had received ; letters from the General Government, enclosing ■ commissions from His Excellency the Governor to himself as Captain, and Mr Geisow as Lieutenant of the Company. Also that a staff-drill-sergeant (Mr Paxton), had been appointed, that the rifle targets had been forwarded, and the arms, &c, would speedily follow. He complimented the company on the progress that had been made, and stated that, it was most desirable that the greatest attention should be given by: all to master the drill, inasmuch as it ; was not improbable that the Duke of. Edinburgh would visit the Province in the course of a few months. In order to complete the construction of. the company at once, he had determined to proceed to the election of members to those offices : that had not yet been filled up. The officers to ' be elected were two sergeants and four corporals; The election resulted as -follows :— Sergeants, E. ;A. Von Hammer and Andrew Dunlpp j Corjporals, Messrs K. Eose, A. M'Kellar, Wm. Granger, and W. Gai-yen. We understand that lin accordance with the Volunteer Act, a Cadet • Corps and a band is in the course of being i organised. It is to he hoped that the. members ;of the Ihyercargill Eifles will resolve to continue the interest and attention they 'now, evince to, secure the success of the company,