The Timaru Herald. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 19, 1883.

Timaru Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 2831, 19 October 1883, Page 2

The Timaru Herald. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 19, 1883.

Whenever the party m power m England find themselves losing ground m the country, and likely to come off second best on an appeal to the constituencies, they always declare that the constituencies are not truly representative, and talk about an extension of the franchise. The Gladstone Ministry have been m office for three years without before discerning any necessity for extending tho franchise. The constituencies which returned them a tremendous majority m 1880 were all that could bo desired, and were eminently representative of the people, else how could they Lave declared so emphatically for " the people's William " and his followers ? Now, however, things have taken quite a different turn. The selfsame constituencies which returned Liberals by huge majorities m 1880, either return Conservatives or else return Liberals by a hair's breadth after a desperate struggle. It looks very much as if the Liberals would suffer a signal defeat if they should go to the country now ; and it also looks very much as if they would have to go to the country soon. Under these circumstances, we are not at all surprised to hear tbat an immense meeting of Liberals has been held at Leeds, and that the chief topic of discussion is tbe, extension of the franchise. 'J

Leeds, we may mention, is the constituency which returned Mr Gladstone it the last general election on tin enormous poll, while be was contesting tbu Edinburgh County Election ; imd subsequently returned his son, Mr Herbert Gladstone, m hisßtead. It is, therefore, (uite the proper place for a Liberal Congress. We cannot think, however, that any great populous city affords a suitable arena for the discussion of the question of extending the franchise. The truth is the borough franchise m England, is already very extensive. Every householder who has paid his rates, and every lodger who has occupied lodgings of the value of £10 a year for twelve months, is entitled to a vote m a borough. This qualification practically includes the mass of the working men. At all events, it does not require the elector to possess any property whatever. The county franchise ou the contrary, is purely a property franchise. The elector must be a freeholder or a lessee of land of the value of .to a year if held for life or on a lease of 00 years, and must be the occupier as owner or tenant of lands or tenements within the county of the rateable value of £12 or upwards. This qualification practically excludes the whole of the working class. The franchise as at present existing was fixed by Disraeli's Reform Bill of lSb'7-8, and it was this distinction, which we have just pointed out, that produced Tenniel's wonderful cartoon called " Cad reruns Clod." On one hand was drawn the low, forbidding, beery, loafing politician, sitting m rags at the table of a pothouse, reading a newspaper ; and on the other, the chawbacon, with his harmless, stupid face, his smock frock, his shrunken legs, and his hob-nailed boots, sitting on a bench m front of the Checkers, eating a turnip. Disraeli stood m the foreground, surveying the two different types of Englishmen with a look of balf-anmsed contempt; while Mr Punch, touching his arm, nnd pointing to the townsman, said " You have given it to him. Why not to the other also ?" No one has ever yet been able to answer that question satisfactorily, except, of course, on the narrowest ground of political expediency. But it will have to be answered now, if the extension of the franchise is really to be made the watchword of the Liberal party; and it is not great cities like Leeds that will best be able to answer it. The truth is, however, that botb parties alike are afraid of the extension of the franchise, and well they may be, since both alike have neglected tc institute measures for rendering thi poorer class m either town or country fit to exercise any franchise at all. II is hard to see how the present borougl franchise is to be extended witbouf going straight to manhood suffrage whilst, if there is to be manhood suffrage m the towns, there may just as well b( manhood suffrage everywhere. That we need hardly say, would meau flooding the electoral rolls with the names of ; multitude of ignorant people, who an no more capable of using a vote intelli gently than so many children, and whe would simply be at the mercy of an] one who could intimidate them or a the service of anyone who would bribi them. The Liberal leaders are playinj with sharp-edged tools. NOTES. Old Cetewayo has been run m again, Evor since his dischargo ho has beei very disorderly, constantly provoking ; broach of the peace, and disturbing tin tranquillity of tho quiet noighborhooc whoro his residence was situated. Hii unfortunate difference with his brothei Oham was treated as a mere domesti< dispute, and when he had beaten Ohan into a jelly, it was hoped things woulc settle down pleasantly. But Cetowayo ii evidently one of those men w ho aro novel at peace unless they aro fighting ; and h< soon got to loggerheads with Usibepu who appears to have taken Ohain'i part. Oham, we understand, is t poor little sickly fellow weighing 24 stone or so, and measuring not more thai six feet round tho waist after dinnor But Usibepu is quite stout and hearty and when ho gofcj at Cetotvayo ho punchec his head and gave him a jolly good hammering. This made Cetowayo quite cross, and oven sinco then ho has been goin^ about trying to pick a quarrel and asking everybody to tread on the tail of the cowskin which forms his only garment. Tho police warned him soveral times ; but he only cheeked them ; and at last he bocame so obstropolous that thej issued a summons against him. This he disregarded ; so thoR.M. had him approhended m order to keep him out ol further mischief. Tho telegrams say he agreed to surrender himself and waa brought m by an escort of cavalry ; but that is only a way of putting it so as tc spare tho feelings of tho family. The cortiyc really consisted, wo believe, ol three wheelbarrows aud a yoko of bullocks. Tho next question ia, what is to bo done with tho prisoner, and who is to support him. He habitually puts away lllba of underdone rump steak at a sitting, and since he becamo a teetotaller feels faint if ho gets les3 than a caso of square gin a week. It would havo been almost as cheap to fight him as to keep him, especially us he is rather a married man, and each of his seven wives is as heavy a boarder as ho is himself. Besides, ho wants more wives every now and tJion, and it is no easy matter to procure a rogular supply on anything like reasonable term?. They say it is lonesome being marriod to a prisoner, and insist on having it considered m their wages. It seems a harsh thing to say, but it roally would have saved a lot of bother if Usibopu had polished Cetewayo off altogether, while he waa about it. Tho Times recently had a very unusual sort of leading article m tho shape of an outline sketch of the principal English novelists of tho present day. The article began by drawing attention to tho extraordinary development of novel writing as an industry, aud dwelling with admiration on tho fertility of tho minds which produco tlio innumerable works of fiction that aro necessary to supply tho demand of tho age. When wo reflect how important an influence romantic literature exercises on tho manners and ideas of a people, if not on their national character, we are inclined to agree with tho Times that " this immenso literary output is a considerable fact m contemporary history, of which it is well to take account," and that " it is a good thing to pause now and thon, and to ask what is the prevailing character of our fiction, whether any new genius has lately enlarged, how the aid favorites are acquitting themselves, md whether any change of manner or of the point of view is to ba detocted m tho novels that peoplo read." Tho first thing ;hat strikes tho Time* and that must itrike overybody m approaching this onjuiry, 13 tho total absence of aoknowedgod loaders, of tho rank of Dickens or fhackeray, Tho rimes classes George

Eliot with Dickens and Thackeray ; but that must surely bo a slip of the pen. Taking these three, however, as examples of roally great novelists, we aro told that none such aro now amongst us, and that the greatest writers of fiction of the prosent day are only " high up m Mio second class." We should liko to take a reasonable number of educated men or women who are m the habit of keeping themselves ou courant with the. novels of the day, and elicit from them a list of their favorites, for the purpose of comparison with the selection made by the Times. If they could not present us with some superior to thcßC, we should Bay English romance m the lust quarter of tho nineteenth century, is m a sorry way. It was not very long ngo when Ouida's novels were considered too indecent, too profane, too vulgar and too absurd to be admitted to tho table of a respsctable family. Ouida certainly has not improved since then ; for her plots are more vicious, her details coarser, and her style more rank than ever. Yet we find tho Times placing Ouida among tlio novelists who aro " high up m the second class " and devoting a quarter of a column to a criticism of " Wandu," one of the silliest and most malodorous of her works. Then we aru informed that no other new writer has become so conspicuous as Mr Shorthouse with "John Inglesant," or as the anonymous authors of " Democracy " and "Vice Versii." Next to these come tho authors, also anonymous, of " Mrs Lorimer " and "My Trivial Lifo and Misfortune." Of writers of acknowledged position, " whoso talent is unfailing," wo havu Mrs Oiiphant, Mr Black, Mr Blackmore, Mr Hardy, Lauronco Oiiphant, and a number of others whoso very names, we confess, aro wholly unfamiliar to us. Thes?, it seems, aro tho leading English novelists of tho day. Whether the Tunes' article is intended to be satirical or not, we do not know ; but if not it says precious littlo for the present condition of English fiction. Somebody has sent us n printed cipy of the official reports for 1883 on Ashburn Hall, a private lunatic asylum near Dunodin. Wo appreciate the compliment, bat wo regret wo are unable to accept the invitation which we assume to bo implied m this missive. Wo have no doubt Ashburn Hall is a very nice private lunatic asylum, and tho next time wo happen to want a retreat of the 6ort, we will bear it m mind. From all accounts it seems to be a most desirablo place of abode. The Inspectors say it has all tho appearance of a well-regulated private house, with beautiful grounds and gardens, and everything of the very best, including a wagonette and pair. Tho inmates, m fact, have every comfort and no responsibility. Wo sinceroly wish somebody would put us m there for a year or so. With plenty of books and papers, we could bo very happy m a place liko that. Unfortunately, however, only those aro admitted who are duly certified by two medical men to bo proper subjects for asylum treatment ; and wo are sadly afraid we are not quite mad enough for that yet. It is a mistake we believe, to suppose that lunatics arc unhappy. They look unhappy, it is true ; but that arises mainly from their vacant expression of countenance, and their aii of indifference to what is passing around them. Those who walk m their sleef havo precisely tho snme look, and so sometimes, havo patients under chloroform, though it is certain that thest lattor are conacious of no suffering. Ii may bo that, m reality, lunatics aro f.ii happier than sauo people, and this verj aspect of preoccupation or absence o mind may bo the sign that thej aro so. They aro abundantly cap ablo of physical enjoyment ; whili they aro exempt from mental cares Dickens tells a queer, uncanny storj somewhere, of a man who had been ! dangerous lunatic for years, and who to ablo afterwards to describe hi 3 experi ences. Ho declared he never felt a mon delightful sense of elation than when hi first realised that ha was mad and knew that, others realised it too. The absoluti relief from nil responsibility whatever more than compensated for the losa o human sympathy and of ordinary connec tion with tho world's affairs. According to that man's testimony, madness i a vory near approach to perfec bliss. Dr Grabham, the Inspector o Lunatic Asylums for New Zealand appears to bo of much the same opinion Ho says m his report of tho 3rd October "Although an increaso m tho number o patients resident at Ashburn Hall ha; taken placo of late, it is not satisfaotorj to sco so much spaco still unoccupied.' Of course it is not. Being of a benevolent disposition, and knowing all about lunacy the worthy Doctor would liko to see ni many peoplo m tho lunatic asylums as pos siblo. Mr Bradshaw, tho Deputy luapectoi holds similar viows. Ho says ho knowi two ladies— widows — at Dunedin, " whe ought to bo sent to Ashburn Hall ; and he is quite convinced that if their husband: wore alive, thoy would bo." No doubt ol it. Wo know a groat many ladies — nol widows — whose husbands aro alive, and who would bo comfortably provided for m Ashburn Hall to-morrow if it depended solely on their loving husbands. But hero again tho difficulty about tho medical certificate comes m. On tho whole we think tho official reports on Ashburn Hall are vory satisfactory and highly suggestivo, and wo strongly recommend that establishment to our friends, — particularly to married men who are anxious tc display their affection for their wives. Tide Gauge. — -The Harbor Master has caused a standard tide gaugo to be fixed fc the wharf close to the landing steps, so as to keep a record of tho rise and fall of the tide. T.A.P.A. — Owners of sheep, cattle and pigs are reminded that entries for those classes at the forthcoming Timaru Agricultural and Pastond Show, close to-morrow. All other entries close on Tuesday neit. Budck's MitLa. — A meeting of . subscribers to Bruce's Mills Company will be held tomorrow at Maclean and Stewart's rooms at 2 p.m. to consider report of Committee and other business. Odscene LANauAGE. — A man named John Patterson was brought before His Worship the Mayor yesterday morning, charged by Constable Stanley with being drunk and with using obscene language at Pleasant Point the previous evening. He was sent to gaol for ■IS hours ou the second charge, tho first being dismissed. TnE Watckwoeks. — Taking ndvantago of the emptying of the reservoir necessitated by the work of connecting it with tho mains, a number of men Inn c been set to work with stout brooms to give tho bottom a thorough cleansing from the silt that has accumulated m it since the waterworks were opened. N.C. Racks. — The Spring Meeting of the North Canterbury Racing Club is to be held at Rangiora on the 25th inst. A special train leaves Christchurch at 10 a.m., and passengers by it will reach the conrso m time for the first race. The (programme is a very long one, nine events having to be run for, iiiici the slakes offered are very liberal. A Corbection. — Our Gemldinc correspondent writes : — " In v report of tho late concert at Pleasant Valley, I montioncd the names of Messrs Hardcastle and Brown as being foremost m putting the local church grounds m order. I iind that the work was done solely by Messrs H. F. Brown, W. Bennett and E\ Howden, whoso names should therefore have appeared instead of those given. Will you kindly insert this correction i your next issuo aud oblige." Tub Hospital. — Considerable improvements have been lately carried out at the Timaru Hospital. Tho various wards, halls, &c, have been repainted, varnished, and whitewashed, und they now look very nico and cheerful. Tho grounds, also, havo been thoroughly done up, and tho beautifully smooth lawns, well laid-out flower beds, and neatly-kept walk?, make up a vory pleasing

sight. The look of the whole place, m fact, shows that great enro and attention aro bestowed upon it, and that everything has been done, both within and without the buildings, to make the place pleasant for patients. Concerts.— A concert is to be given this evening m the Volunteer Hull, Teniuku, m aid of the Presbyterian Church Choir funds. Another concert is to be given m the new schoolroom at Suthcrlunds to celebrate the opening of tho school. The San Francisco Mail.— Tho Wanaka, •with tho San Francisco mail on board, arrived at Lyttelton from Wellington at 7 o'clock last evening. A special train, with the South Canterbury and Otago mails, left Christchurch nt 8.50 p.m., arriving at tho Timnru station at 12.50 o'clock this morning. Mr Cook, Chief Postmaster, with his stuff, were m waiting for it, and proceeded at once to sort the lottoi-d. Exolish Cable News. — The following special telegrams appear m the Press : — "London, October 16th. A portion of the meat ex British King has been placed m the market, and realised 6Jd per lb. — At the Fisheries Exhibition Tasmania has been awarded one gold and four silver medals. — Sir William Armstrong has been commissioned to supply tho Victorian steam hopper and the armed cruisers with heavy guns." "London, October 17th. At the meetings of tho Orangemen and Land Lengucra resort to a conllict with arms has been with difficulty prevented. — Very few Germans are visiting Paris, fearing that should they do so they would be insulted.— The latest information from Madagascar reports that the French garrison at Tamatavo is m n miscrablo condition." A Caution. — The Oamaru Mall says : — Mr Gemmell has suffered a severe loss amongst his Ayrshire cattle. A few days since a number of young animals were attacked with ringworm, and as he had on previous occasions used various kinds of sheep dips, he again had recourse to a dip. On this occasion he used Wilson's sheep dip to the extent of about lin 30. But there seems to havo been some property m the dip of an injurious nature, for shortly after its application seven promising young animals died. Whether their death was caused by the animals licking themselves, or whether the injurious properties aifected them through tho hide, cannot be said ; but it is well that stockowners should know that Wilson's sheep-dip cannot be used on such occasions. Rocket Brigade. — Tho usual fortnightly drill was held at the Brigade Station yesterday evening, Captain Webster m command U'lierc was a fair attendance, and the member: went through the usual exercises m a yen creditable manner. After drill a genera! meeting wa9 held, Captain Webster m the chair. The miuutcs of last meeting were read and confirmed. It was decided that the olliceof Second Lieutenant be left vacant foi the present and tho officers be requested U appoint petty officers, as provided for m the rules. Captain Webster gave notice that tin pennant hoisted on drill days would m future be exhibited from a staff to be erected or flic balcony of the Lighthouse, instead of froir the yardarm as heretofore, and that the ree light at night would be discontinued. Aftei making some arrangements re issue of uni forms, the meeting closed witli a, vote ol thanks to the Chairman. Lawn Tennis Match. — A lawn tennis match was played yesterday afternoon be tween two representatives of the Christchurcl Club and two of the Timaru Club, on tin ground of the latter, off Grey Bond North Messrs Wilding and Million playing foi Christchurch, and Messrs Fraser and Godbj for Timaru. The weather during the after noon was most disagreeable, and lovers of tin game who, from the fineness of the morning anticipated a most pleasant afternoon's amuse nicnt, were greatly disgusted when at mid day a cold and stiff sou'wester set m. Wine or calm, warm or cold, however, tin match must. be played, if possible and at the time appointed the player proceeded to the ground. Fortunatel; a well grown line of gum trees close to one o the courts furnished a considerable degree o shelter from the wind, and only oecasioua strokes were spoiled by sudden gusts. Not withstanding the cold wind, and some threat of rain, there was a good muster of member of the local Club and their friends, ineludin a good many ladies. The match consisted o a two-handed game, best three sets out of live and a. single banded game, best t\v out of three. On account of the win blowing from one cud to the other, i was agreed to change ends every three game; The first set opened unfavorably for the locu men, Chrislchurch scoring gamo after game and winning the first set by six games to one Tho wind blew very strongly during the firs set, but lulled a littlo while the next wa going on. The Timaru men played better i: tho second sot, Mr Godby especially dia tinguishing himself, and turned the tiele winning by six games to three. The play ii the third set was comparatively tame, bul Mr Wilding showed very good form at tin not, while Mr Fraser, as usual, was very goo< at placing. Timaru also won this set by si: games to three. In the fourth set the play wa; much improved, the rallies being long anc well sustained. Tho Timaru representative; again won, and again by six games to three thus winning tho two handed match. Foi the single handed match Mr Wilding rcpre sented Christchurch and Mr Frasor Timaru Both played a splendid game, long ralliei being the order of the clay, and even the firsi scoro was not obtained until after some six teen or eighteen strokes. Mr Fraser playcc exceptionally well, scoring game after game winning the first set by six games to love, anc winning the match by making the same scorf m tho second set, Mr Wilding failing to scon at all. The play was much closer, however, than is indicated by tho score The Timnru players were therefore victorious No doubt they had an advantage m playinj on their own ground, amid surrounelings tc which they were accustomed; the nature o! the background against which the balls an seen must havo a, considerable influence oi tho play of strangers. Nevertheless, Mi Fraser's fine play m the single-handed games throughout the match m fact, showed that hi would bo diflicult to cope with anywhere Mr Godby played very well too, but he wn: not m first-rate condition. He played o scratch match afterwards with Mv MilHon and was fairly tired down, Mr Millton winning two sets by six to three and six to tom respectively. A Dog's Journey. — Another iustauce of a dog making a long journey on his own account has occurred m Westland, a retriever belonging to iv Mr Charles Smith, a resident of Jackson's Bay, being the performer. Mr Smith was on a visit to Hokitika, the West Coast Times tells us, and staying at one of the hotels, and the dog was m the habit of sleeping at his bedroom door. One night, however, the dog was locked up m an outhouse attached to the hotel. In the morning it was found that he had escaped by burrowing under tho wall of tho outhouse, and disappeared, much to the regret of his master, Mr Smith, who returned to his homo at Okura by the Waipara, on tho last trip of that^ vessel. On arriving home, Mr Smith was astonished to find his dog arrived before him. From enquiries made, it seems the dog, indignant at being confined, travelled home 200 miles, anticipating that his master would be certain to return. The animal was naturally footsore, its journey having occupied seven days. Frogs as Food. — In some portions of Europe frogß hare long been an article of diet, but a few years ago frogs' legs wore a rare dish m the western world. Now it is stated that thoy are regularly served at all first-class hotels and restaurants at Boston, m the United States, while a considerable number are also sold for family use. Frog catching and preparing for market has now, iv fact, beeonio a recognised business. Boston ia supplied from tho adjacent country towns, from Cape Cod, and from Maine and eoino other places. Tho Maine frogs are kopt m fresh water until needed, and then shipped alive m crates, provided with wet moss or seaweed. At Capo Cod the men engaged m the frog business employ boys to catch the frogs, aud have a number of ponds penned up. One frog catcher alono sends from 60 to 100 dozen per week to the Now Orleans market, whore also a great trade is done. In this southern city tho demand is .greater than the supply. In the Massachusetts market prices range from 30 cents to 50 cents per dozen, and sometimes higher, according to size and quality. Canada used to eliip tho frogo' legs packed m ice, and

to supply the Boat/ a few years ago, bi domestic article liarthe market, and wholly to New Yorn uny. aii kuicib ot trop;3 are eaten, but. the speckled frog is said to be tbc most lender. Frogs huvc recently been shipped alive to this country by a Boston dealer, and if. is considered passible that an export business may be developed, as the bull frog is not an inhabitant of British waters. Pearl Fishery in' tjie Gulf of Mexico. — -A fishery of thia nature, und of great, promise, has been opened up m the Gulf of Mexico. Among ninny smaller gems, the fishermen have discovered several large and very valuable pearls. One taken from the shell of a pearl oyster m December last is believed to be the largest on record. It weighs 75 carats and was purchased by a jeweller for 14,000 dols., though the sum was very far below its real value. Another of 47 carats has also been found. It is perfect m form and finely tinted, and U valued at 500 ) dols. A third very beautiful pearl of 40 carats has been exhibited at La Pa/., where a a bid of 3000dols for it was declined. It is thought from these and other examples that there arc extensive deposits of pearl-bearing oysters, and there is great excitement on the shores of the Gulf. Houses foh Buitish Cavalry Regiments. — According to a late Home paper the difficulty of finding re-mount horses for our cavalry regiments has, it is stated, greatly increased of late. So much so is this the ease that it is m contemplation to import troopers from the Cape and from the East, which could be done at a much smaller expense than what is now paid for the horses bought m England. It is proposed when the _ 10th Hussar 3 return from India, as the regiment will probably do during the coming cold season, that they should not be, as is the universal practice, dismounted before leaving the East, bnt should bring on their horses to England. These animals are no doubt some, what smaller m size than those to which we are accustomed m this country, but they art very hardy, and are well able to go througl any amount of hard work. Metalling a Road with Silvek.— Tl« American Engineering and Mining Journa reports that a contractor, who had latch undertaken to repair a road m Cliutor county, State of New York, employed for tin purpose clinkers and refuse from a neighbor ing smelting furnace. People soon rernarkei an abundance of glistening particles on tin road surface, which, on examination, provec to be pure silver. The explanation was sooi found. Tlie ore sent to the furnace cnnn from an ironstone mine which was traversec by an irregular vein of silver ore. Tlie work men did not take the trouble to separate tin ores, but sent all indiscriminately to bi smeltod, and so silver became mixed with th scoria) that were employed to repair the road It is unnecessary to add that the contracts proceeded to collect carefully all the silve that could be gathered from his road stuff. A Laeoe Vise.— Captain W. G. Pbelp has a. grnpo vine that is now believed to b the largest m the United States. In 18G7 th large vine that was famous m Southern Cali fornia was cut down and exhibited at th Centennial Exposition. It measured 1 inches m diameter. This vine of Captau Phelps' is twenty-five years old, and is II inches m diameter. It is of the Missioi variety, and it has never received the benefit of irrigation. It stands near the house, soutl of Stockton about two miles, and it cover about 4000 square feet of ground. If it hnc been permitted to run where it wished, i would have covered a much larger area, bu it was found necessary to cut it back m orde to save the roof of the house. The larges crop that grew wa3 two or three years age when, after selling a ton and a-half by actua weight, the remainder was estimated at tw tons and a-half. A Theatkk Without a Waedbobe. — I Juno of last year tlie German theatre at Rig was burnt down, and all representations ha' to be suspended till November, when temporary theatre was opened. But th committee who had undertaken the work ha not sufficient funds at their disposal t provide, costumes. So there was no choic but to perform m modern dress. " Emili Galotti" was selected for the re-opening pieci and Lcssing's tragedy looked strange m 19t century attire. Stranger still was the ar pearance presented by other dramas, an even operas. At length, at the en of March, a complete wardrobe wt secured at. Hanover, but the Russian pre tective tariff imposed such an enormous dut on its importation that the idea of bringin it to Riga had to be abandoned. It was the proposed to divide it into small lots, whic might bo introduced by individual actors a their personal effects. But the Russiai douaniers got a hint of the scheme, nni were equal to the occasion. The aggregut duty demanded amounted to over 20,00( roubles (nearly £3000). So the costume wero given up, and tho director of the theatr. was instructed to continue the bizarre fashioi of the last eight months. An Unpleasant Discoveey. — The Pal Mall Gazette of August 24th says :—J horrible discovery was made by tlie police oi Wednesday at the shop of an undertake named Canideu, carrying on business m Lonj Lane, Bermondsey. In consequence of m formation received, the police proceeded t the shop m question, and upon ex ((mining the premises discovered m : shell tho dead bodies of nine children some of the remains being m an ad vanced state of decomposition. Upon furthc search another shell containing three othe dead bodies was discovered m even a wors< condition. The police had the remains re moved to the St. George's mortuary, and i statement of the facts has been placed befor the coroner, by whom a full investigatioi will be held. In the majority of case 3it i believed that the bodies were those of still born children, and had been on tho premise for several months. In the evening a larg. number of people congregated m front of th. premises m Long-lane, aud were only pro vented from doing damage by the police win were present. Certificates authorising tin burial of the bodies were given to Camdei at the time when the bodies were handei over to him for interment. Two of thi parents have bcon communicated with, am yesterday a private application was made bi them for advice to Mr Slade, of the Soutli wark Police Court, who expressed the opiuioi that it was a case that might be proceedfe against as a breach of contract, or could bi dealt with under the Nuisances Act by thi sanitary authorities. A Wise Deacon.—" Deacou Wilder, : want you to tell mo how yon kept yourself am family 60 well the past season, when all thi rest of ua have been sick so much, and hav< had tho doctors runniup; to us so often.' " Brother Taylor, the answer is very easy. ] used Hop Bitters m time, and kept my famil\ well, and saved largo doctor's bills. Foui shillings' worth of it kept us all well and abk to work all tho time, and I will warrant it has cost yon and most of the neighbors ,£lO tc .£IOO apiece to keop eick the same time. ] fancy you'll tako my medicine- hereafter." See. — Adv. synopsis of new advertisements. Maclean anil Stewart-Will jell fat sheep ;md springing heifers at IVashdykc yards on Monday. R. Turnbull and Son- Will sell plasterer's i>Lint, T.A, and P.A.— The Secretary notifies dates (or closing entries. J. Allpress-llas Dcnvcnt potatoes for.«ale. Bruee's Mills Company -Meeting of subscribers toU.S.S. Company— Notify s.s. Waitaki will le.-ive for Dunedin via Oamaru, at 10.30 a.m. Miles, Archer anil Co.- Have house to let. N.M. and A. Company-Have money to lend, land North Canterbury Races- Spring meeting will be held at Rangiora on tho 2,5 th inst. In Bankruptcy -He M. J. Knubley.