BRIEF MENTION

Observer, Volume 1, Issue 25, 5 March 1881, Page 254

BRIEF MENTION

—How has that £6 10s deficit been armmged ? —There will he "a shine in the temples of Sheui" shortly. —"It's well to he off with the old love before you're on with the new," at least so Jim thinks. —A certain A. A. (ass of assses) was D. D. (dead drunk) on the first day of the cricket match. —Lord Beacqnsfield's "Endymion" paid him about two shillings a word. —Queen Victoria's property is valued at £7,000,000. —Drake has paid up the £1900 claimed by Goodison. It is right this should be known. —A garden party on Ash Wednesday ! ! No wonder it was put off. —Mr. McArthur thinks that the Auckland Colle<-a and Grammar School ought to send eight or ten [ scholars for University matriculation every year. —Mr. Tonics' son Mr. B. Digby Tonks, has been admitted as a partner into the firm of B. Tonks & Co. — Vescy Stewart's letter in Thursdays HernUl completely annihilates the mischievous and. ; splenetic editor of that journal. I —When Anthony Trollope was in Auckland I he lost £300 at the Northern Club. Strmige to say, this ; fact is not mentioned in his Australasian reminiscences. —A fond farewell between lover and beloved I may be witnessed any night on the North Shore Wharf about 7.30 p.m. —How about that little stranger at Dargaville? Is it a boy or a girl, and does it at all resemble its dear papa ? —Is it true that the children at St. Mary's Orphanage, Parnell, are suffering from " ringworm" ? I can scarcely credit it. —One of the clerks in a leading Insurance office has fallen among thieves. Whether there will be an cxdnmlre or whether he will be able to patch up his difficulties, seems doubtful. —Some cruel wretch poisoned a valuable dog of Billy Swanson's the other day. Billy said nothing, but went and borrowed a spade and promptly buried the l^oor brute. —The Sydney Bulletin has been a great success, but having' to pay Sir. John Robertson £1000 damages, and costs (probably £1000 more) will take some of the gilt off the proprietorial gingerbread. — A case of fruit sent by a person in the country as a present to a friend in Auckland, was indignantly refused, and returned to the donor. Tins is the strangest act ever heard of, and should be enquired into. —Some curious old fogies would like to know what made Charlie J. shed so many manly tears when dear Mary was kissing him over the gate last Sunday evening. Can anybody tell me where that erratic genius, Charley Weightman has got to ? The business manager of this office wants to pluck a crow or so with him. —Vincent Pyke M.H.R., is about to contribute a series of papers to the Snttu-dai/ Aducrti.-w. They will be entitled " The Eecreations of a County Chairman." Really, Mr. Gooch, you should be more careful when you arc addressing the ladies of the choir. That was a quite too awfully awful slip you made last practice night but one. —Messrs. Alexander and Richards have gone to Henderson's Mill, rumour sayeth, to work!! I wonder can it be true ?? ? I hope not, as I shouldn t like to hear of their having fallen to x'ieces. • —What a pity the picnic party could not embark Isisfc Saturday ! They had, however, a fine time under the willows and were suspiciously near to " Punch's" orchard. —As some clever folks have jumped to the conclusion that Mr. Rose was the liero of the " young Mr. Gladstone" freak at Coromandel, I may as well state that he wasn't. —Anthony Trollope is too prolific by half. He has another novel ready called "Ayala's Angel." The poets are fertile. Hugo, Tennyson, and Swnurarne have books in press, and the Lord knows how many in their desks. — It was at the cricket match. He Avas a gentleman with a beautiful Milesian accent, and be thus addressed a boy who was standing in front of him and obstructing his view, " Arrah ! bhoy, an" yez want to stand there, yez must sit down." — Does the cricket ground belong to a former member of tne Domain Board, who resigned his seat because he did not get things done as he wanted them ? If it doesn't, what right had he to forbid people to pass in front of where his wife was sitting ? —The projected All Saints' Ladies' Work Society will do an infinity of harm to a number of poor and struggling needlewoman who already find it hard enough to eke out a precarious existence. Perhaps this possibility has not presented itself to the initiators. — An individual styling himself Count Fitzgerald de Beaumont (preposterous name), appears to have been humbugging the Melbourne folks. It is astonishing that people can be found ignorant enough to believe in such a title. It bears falsehood on its face. —Mr. Johix Smith, the well-known sporting draper, accompanied by Mrs. and Miss Smitli, returned by the mail steamer on Tuesday last. John looks jollier than ever, and has been heartily welcomed back by his old cronies. — "Go from home to hear the news," &c. According to a Sydney contemporary. Mr. J. B. Steele meditates a visit to New South Wales. The same authority says Mr. Steele is " acting better than ever." Ahem! —Harry C. says he won't go to any more cricket matches if they allow the ladies to take parasols on to the ground with them. He had to ask two to close theirs at the Australian match, because, as he sat upon the grass, they came between him and the field, and he missed some of the best play thereby. Poor Henry ! —Tradesmen beware ! A pleasant-looking, well spoken woman, rather under medium height is going about town just now, endeavouring to obtain credit -on the strength of remittances expected from Sydney. The remittances are not likely to come, and business people had better bear the fact in mind. —President Grevy's salary and allowances amount to about £40,000 a year, and it is said that, withentertaiuing at all munificently, he manages to spend this large sum with perfect ease. Before he was President lie didn't keep a carriage. Its wonderful how soon these things are picked up. — Two constant readers, Messrs. W. G. and W. S., write to say that they don't think quite so much of a certain very charming lady's good looks as •• Eva" appears to do. This is interesting but not very extraordinary. If we all admired the same woman sundry little awkwardnesses might arise.

— I find that four other young ladies besides Miss Helen Simpson, passed the recent matriculation examination. Their names are, Kate Colebrook, Janet Gilmour, Carrie Jervis and Jessie Wilson. The first and last named nre said to be very clever girls and will doubtless make a noise in the student world ere long. — A certain young lady who was — well, not plucked at the recent matriculation examination, would do well to devote less of her valuable evening and night time to studying a young man's nature, recumbcmtsub tegmine at the North Shore. Take my word, carixima, it won't do. —Old Jimmy, who has heen money grubbing in this province for about forty years, has made a will, and left almost all his enormous wealth to trustees, for the erection of a monument to his memory, which will be put tip in Belfast— his native town. Alas ! for Auckland, and poor relations. — On its being suggested to sundry members of the Ladies' Committee at the Industrial Home that a clothes brush to clenn the children's best garments with, •would be a boon, one of them asked, "whether the boot brushes could not be made available for that purpose ?" A nice way to teach children cleanliness, truly ! —The " relative " of lioyalty has Avon £100 from Weston over the big race at Dunediu. The latter offered him back the bill given to meet certain liabilities contracted at the Auckland Meeting, but H.R.H. refused it. "No," he said, '"the bill will be met when due. I must have the £100 in cash." And quite Tight too. — Here is an item of scandal. I have it on the best authority that the coffin which was made in Auckland for the late Prince of Tonga has not yet been paid for, and that the undertaker has made repeated and unsuccessful attempts to obtain his money. Surely, the Rev. S. W. Baker cannot be aware of this fact. — In consequence of the death of her husband Mr. George McNair Harkness, who expired rather suddenly at Burns' Hotel, King-street, Syduey, Miss Maggie Knight has returned here on a visit to her parents. It is exx^ected that Miss Knight, who has been very successful in Australia, will after a time make a professional tour through New Zealand. — Last week, Mr. and Mrs. "W. F. Buckland gave a large children's party which passed off with great eclat. There was a Christmas tree loaded with all sorts of toys and nic-nacs and the guests were liberally provided with tickets. The children having thoroughly enjoyed themselves, returned home about ten in the evening. —It is said that Staines, the People's Champion, and Gnrrard, the Orator of the Unemployed, are going to bachelorise together. They will bo able to indulge in the same amusement as two of the heroes of one of the "Bab Ballads"--"' tell each other tales disparaging their wives." Of course, Garrard will preface his observations with, "Now, I'll tell you a antidote." — Sir George Pomeroy Colley, the ill-fated hero of the Boer disaster m South Africa, fought successfully through many ciiinpuigns. He w»s employed on the China frontier from 1858 to 1861, in the China war of 'CO, in the Ashantee war, and in the Zulu war of 79. In 1879 he was made X. C.5.1., and previously to that, received the C.B. and C.M.G. Sir George was born in 1835 and was therefore just 46 at the time of his death. — Two Observer runners were standing in front of the South British Office last Saturday, when the following conversation took place. First runner :" I say, Bill, who killed Zebedee ?" Second runner, " Don't yer know." First runner, "No ! der you :•"' Second runner, "In course 1 do. I read it last night. It was a feller called Collings." — There was an exciting race between two cabs returning from the cricket match. Both were open. The one in front contained two ladies, whose names are not mentioned in xwlite society. The second one, which was in hot pursuit, contained a number of our most respected citizens. The latter say that the race resulted l'roin a row between the cabbies, and of course, I don't like to doubt their statement. — Last Friday evening, Captain and Mrs. James of Mount Albert, gave a most enjoyable party to their friends and neighbours. Captain James has sold his property at Mount Albert, and wished to have a farewell dance before leaving it. Most of the Indies and gentlemen residing in the district were there, as well as a number from town. Dancing was kept up with much spirit luitil long after midnight. — In presenting their annual report the other day, the directors of the Columbia Goldinining Company recommended the shareholders to pay their .£IOO for their services out of the first gold returns. The shareholders did not see the matter in the same light, and refused to accede to the request, one of them remarking that they could easily get the same quantity of brains for nothing. — The social event of the week has been the announcement of an engagement between Mr. Hopkins, who, it may not be generally known, is the heir to a splendid fortune and the fair daughter of the Attorney-General, MJr. Whitiiker. Mr. Hopkins is extremely popular with his own set and will doubtless receive many hearty congratulations. None, however, can be more genuine than those herewith tendered to him. — It must not be forgotten that the complimentary testimonial and ball to Mr. H. Dean, eventuates in the (JhoraljHall on Thursday evening next, the 10th inst. The best amateur burnt corkists ' ' of our city will appear, so that those who visit the hall will have good amusement and value for their money. On this occasion th«re will be four " end men " besides other attractions, and prizes will be offered for the best poem and conundrum on Dean's Minstrels. There should be a full house. — The Sydney Bulletin announces that liuscoinbe Searell, " the brilliant Australian musician and author" is back again in the metropolis of N.S.W., and suggests that Williamson (Williamson of all people in the world) should undertake the production of that ridiculous nonsense " The Wreck of the Pinafore." Williamson owes Searell a turn for the evidence he gave in the Lingard Bankruptcy case, though whether he will choose to wipe ovit the obligation thus, is, I should think, doubtful, very doubtful! ! — The newly formed Auckland Society of Arts is a capital idea, and well deserves to succeed, 'l think though that funds should be set aside for the purpose of purchasing models and copies of works by the great masters, so as to ensure that the art practised shall he sound art. The thing that strikes me in most of the works of the local artists is their pettiness and poverty of design. They seem to know nothing and to have seen nothing. — To the Editor : Sir, — Referring to a letter in your last issue by Mr. F G. Ewington, re the exhibiting the words of the Ten Commandments and Lord's Prayer on the walls of the public schools. Your correspondent is misinformed respecting the opinion received from the Government by the Scripture Gift Association. The words read thus : — " That the question raised is one which should primarily be dealt with by the local authorities charged with the administration of school affairs in the several districts." — Yours, &c, S. Rout. — Some sensation has been caused in Society by the rumour that the charming da\ighter of a notable citizen will, shortly leave for England in order to wed a gentleman there whom she has long been attached to. The engagement was first mooted during a visit home some time ago, bub the suitor being poor, Papa wouldn't give his consent. Money has recently been left him. and all difficulties are now removed. The surprising part of the affair however, is that the lady's affections were supposed to be in quite a different quarter. — Mr. Arthur Lewis, of Ponsonby, was married to Miss O' Kelly in All Saints' Church by the Eev. Mr. Bree at 10 o clock last Wednesday. The bride wore pearl grey safcin, trimmed with white lace, and a brusscis net veil, embossed with white filoselle. Of the bridesmaids the two eldest wore white dresses trimmed with white lace. The wedding breakfast was held at ]Vlr. Lewis. After the breakfast, the youthful pair proceeded to Honeymoon Cottage, (Mrs. Norman's Onelmnga)

—Another railway employe arrested for embezzlement ! The station-master at Ohaupo. When will the Government pay these clerks sufficiently well to prevent so many occurences of this kind. Poor fellows salaried from £60 to £120 per annum less the ten per cent reduction, sums upon which it is almost impossible to live decently, have hundreds of pounds passing through their hands every week and are unable to resist the temptation. Not long ago, a youth receiving £51 per annum, yet placed in a responsible position, took the money to buy himself a pair of boots, and is now in Mount Eden paying for them. — In his account of the Port Albert show, the special correspondent of a daily paper says, that "The hospitality of the people is proverbial, and visitors therefore are not surprised at the cordiality of the reception accorded them." If this is not intended as sarcasm, the Port Albertians are to be congratulated upon the marked and rapid advance they have made as a community, in this particular virtue. It will long be remembered how, when the late Mr. John Williamson was canvassing that district as a candidate for the Superintendency, he was allowed to take up his lodging all night upon the cold ground, none having the common politeness or civility or even humanity to invite the honest old political warrior into their houses. — Most modern parsons (University men especially), avoid touching on the subject of Noah's ark. They don't like to be sceptical about anything in the " book of books," but the ark story is a terribly tough yarn for even the most faithful to swallow. Mr. Nelson I find, not only believes it himself, but exxieets others to do so. He preached a very good sermon on the subject last Sunday evening, and, amongst sundry requests, asked the congregation to picture to themselves Noah and his family and the animals emerging therefrom. Like a good boy. l tried to do as I was told, but somehow or other that ribald ditty of boyhood would haunt me. Don't you remember — " The animals came out two by two, Hurrah ! Hurrah ! ! " The elephant and the kangaroo, Hurrah ! Hurrah ! ! &c. — Mark Twain, having been asked to contribute to the newspaper issued at the fair in aid of abused children in Boston, wrote : " Why should I want a ' Society for the prevention of Cruelty to Children ' to prosper, when I have a baby down stairs that kept me awake several hours last night, with no pretext for it but a desire to make trouble ? This occurs every night, and it imbitters me, because I see how needless it was to put in the other burglar alarm, a costly and complicated contrivance, which cannot be depended upon, because it's always getting out of order and won't 'go' ; whereas, although the baby is always getting out of order, too, it can nevertheless be depended on, for the reason that the more it gets out of order the more it does go. Yes, lam bitter against your society ; for I think the idea of it all wrong ; but if you will start a society for the prevention of cruelty to fathers, I will write you a whole book." — Ellerslie has recently "put on a spurt" in the suburban race — as Auctioneer Rogers would have said for "residential occupation." It now boasts numerous handsome villas, and I hear that District Judge Macdonald is about to build a mansion in the lady's mile. Tenders will also be invited shortly for six gentlemen's residences. There was a good attendance of capitalists at Mr. Greenwood's auction sale of the Ellerslie Park Estate last Saturday, and a large number of sections were sold at fiiir prices to land speculators. City tradesmen were also to the fore, purchasing building sites in this and x>leasant and convenient suburb. Since the sale there has been quite a run on land at Ellerslie, and Mr. Graham has been besieged with enquirers. Elleaslie appears to be making rapid tridos to a golden future, and bids fair to become one of the most nourishing as it is one of the prettiest of our suburbs. — A gentleman connected with the Friendly Society that recently lost a large sum through its Secretary, has without mentioning names, informed me the facts of the case which are so flagrant that unless something is done voluntarily to bring the offender to justice, I shall (libel or no libel) publish them. A report has also reached me to the effect that the letters in late numbers of the Ousekveh have been supposed by some to refer to a very worthy tradesman (al.so the secretary of a Friendly Society) who got slightly mixed in his accounts, through receiving money over the counter. I need scarcely say this idea is wholly erroneous. The pence cards in this instance were merely called in to enable the secretary to find out exactly what he had received on the Society's behalf, and directly he did so he x>aid the money. There is no similitude or parallel between the two cases. One was a mistake which any honest man might easily make, whereas the other was and is deliberate embezzlement. — Mr. James Stewart has retired from the post of District Engineer, which he has held under the General Government since 1872. By his blunt and abrupt manner, and an ax>parent lack of courtesy, he gained an unpoimlarity which x>erhaps he hardly deserved. Those who have been more closely connected with him and especially the staff which has worked under him in the Public Works Dex>artinent at Auckland (of which he was the head) can testify to numerous acts of kindness and consideration, and liis retirement from the service is a source of regret to at least a few. On Monday morning, a handsomely illuminated farewell address was presented to Mr. Stewart by the officers of the Public Works Dexm-tinent. The presentation was made by Mr. Edmund W. Otway. The new District Engineer, Mr. W. H. Hales, arrived from Wellington on Tuesday, accompanied by Mr. Benzoni, Assistant Under Secretary for Public Works. What on earth Mr. Benzoni wants here nobody seems to know. — " The Flea" writes : Last Sunday evening feeling somewhat religiously inclined, I attended our X>rincix>al Anglican Church. The dapper little verger conducted rue in his usual lordly mannor to a comfortably cushioned seat in the most select x>art of the church, if I may so sx^eak, into which I dropped with feelings of approval and satisfaction. How grievously was I deceived by the appearance of things and that cushion ! Scarcely had the service commenced, when I was made unmistakably acquainted with the fact that the seat, or at least the cushion, was already tenanted to fulness. Fleas! by all that was holy ! who kept " fleas(fleece)ing" me during the whole service in the most aggravating manner. Is it to be wondered at if my attention was distracted from the reverend gentleman's sermon, while sitting it out under such circumstances, or that I felt inclined to give vent to a few choice anathemas which were floating in my mind and were suppressed only out of a slight regard for the " eternal fitness of things." — The Tomb and The Rose. — Here is a gem for my young- lady subscribers albums. It is a translation by a Manchester clergyman of Victor Hugo's beautiful xiooin, "La Tomb et la Rose." It ax>i>eared in the Manchester Guardian, several years ago, but hasnever been published elsewhere. The Tomb said to the Rose "O flower of love, Where are the tears that dewy morn on thee Sheds from above V" The Rose said to Tomb, " Grave tell me this, Where are the souls that daily disappear In thine abyss?" The Rose replied, " O sad And dismal Tomb, Out of those tears I do distil A sweet perf ume ! The Tomb rex>lied, "O flower. Blushing and bright, Out of the souls that come to me, I make Angels of light I" — An amusing instance of the "biter beingbit" occurred over the Dunedin Cnp. The first person to get the news of the alloyed accident to Sir Modred, was a well-known backer who took a cab and drove swiftly off to the Domain where the "talent" were watching the Australian cricket match. Once there he (as he thought) made the most of his time and commenced laying the horse as though he was dead. Nearly all the Ring men standing bad against Sir Modred, took a bit from him, and their rage and chagrin may be imagined when they found hali'-an-hour later that they had been backing "stiff-tack." Joe Gallagher, whose tenrper is not of the sweetest, slanged our friend properly. "'We X)rofessional bookmakers,' he said, are "sanguinary thieves and everybody knows it. We admit that we lay ' dead uns' whenever we can, but it's a nice thing for you who set ivp for being a gentleman and a backer to try on such games." Well, d esx^ite the accident, Sir Modred won, and when the luckless backer came to settle ux>, he naturally felt rather silly and sore. The Ring, however, laughed his irritability off, as indeed they well might, for the laugh (like the money) was altogether on their side.

—Two young and swellish bank clerks were beautifully snubbed by an old man from the country.one day last week. They were sitting in a first class carriage of the evening train, laughing and chatting together, when an elderly and corpulent settler bustled in and took a seat beside them. The new arrival before sitting down had withdrawn a capacious coloured handkerchief from the tail pocket of his coat, and in the operation had also pulled out a letter which dropped on the floor unnoticed by him. The young sparks, however, perceived it, and intent upon fun, slyly secured it. Then one of them unfolded the missive and began reading the contents to his companion. The old gentleman's attention was suddenly arrested, he commenced a vigorous search in all his pockets, and then turning round, he exclaimed with much asperity, " Where did you get that letter, sir?" "On the floor," meekly replied the interrogated youth, and then as if abashed by the evident wrath of his interlocutor, "Is it yours ?" The elderly individual immediately responded, " Yes sir, it is mine, but as you appear to be particularly interested it, you had better finish reading it." The company tittered, but the smart young man neither read nor laughed any more. — A lady contributor writes : — At last the the Ponsonby people have elected to pull together, and make an effort to redeem the debt upon their church. A monster picnic is being arranged for St. Patrick's Day, the 17th inst., tickets, 2s 6d each, every one to bring his or her own provisions ! Unlike St. Sepulchre's late hot water entertainment, there is not even that, ardent element provided, which, in my opinion, will infallibly 7n>idsoineof the projectors in very hot water, (vide a very big gun at a late banquet.) Perhaps I might venture to insinuate that tickets at ss. each, with certain creature comforts provided, would have tended to a greater amount of success, children's tickets, 2s. Gd. Every one dragging about certain little kits and hampers, and dividing at feeding time into a hundred little cliques and coteries, is not exactly the sort of thing one fancies that a picnic, (the most social and unstiiJened of modern gatherings,) ought to be" The organ recital and sacred concert in the church on the evening of the 22nd inst. is almost sure to turn out well. The organ is a very fine instrument, both sweet and powerful. The choir is much improved and two ladies, whose fine and cultivated voices are now seldom heard in public, have been permitted by their lords to sing in the solos. I allude to Mrs. Dacre and Mrs. Upton. A working party of ladies has also been inaugurated, which meets in the schoolroom every Thursday at 2 o'clock. Their present purpose is to find funds to purchase a communion carpet and a font. Last Thursday about sixteen ladies were collected. To them enter Mr. Bree, and proposes to take upon himself the office of reader to the society. A buzz of delight gives evidence of assent, and a book is handed to the rev. gentleman. The book is Helen Mather's " Coming thro" the Kye." Will he begin? "He will, with pleasure," and he does begin and reads mellinuously those first mellifluous chapters, to an admiring and appreciating audience. But I — wicked I — who know the book, and have grave doubts about the author of " Cherry Kipe" being a fit author to be read aloud by a reverend signor to a church sewing party — I sit silent, sewing busily, and wondering inwardly if, when the page concerning David and Bathsheba is turned, Mr. Bree will continue to read, and the sewing party to listen ! — An Englishman, who has passed under various aliases in America, is occupying the attention of a judge in New York and of the New York journals. Having obtained money from various Americans, he is now undergoing a judicial investigation. In Portland he went under the name of Lord Courtney and Lieutenant Arthur Cunynglnun Curzon, and elsewhere under that of Lord Charles Pelbam Clinton. He fared sumptuously at hotels, but omitted to pay the reckoning ; he borrowed sums of money of various persons as a " nobleman in temporary difficulties," and "he claimed that his remittances were overdue." In Virginia lie figured as Robert Kayniond Arundel, and in Texas as Charles Montague Bertie, and presented his photograph " in the uniform of the Fourth Dragoon Guards " to the chief of the police. At Portland he was accompanied by an Englishman named Pratt, who wore "the uniform of the British Militia," and who was an " educated gentleman, taciturn, but bright in disposition." Mr. Frederick Stokes, chief clerk of Register Ketchuin's office, who is "acquainted with the earl of Devon's family," opines that the mysterious stranger " bears a marked resemblance to the members of the Courtenay family, except that the Earl of Devon is dark, whereas he is of blonde complexion." The stranger, however, whilst admitting that he is " socially intimate with many of the Devon family," denies that he is the son of the Earl, and this leads Mr. Stokes to suggest that " he may be the son of Lord Courtney, who in his youth was known as a gallant." Examined by Judge Smith, the stranger made the following replies : — ' ' What is your name ?" " Charles Clinton." "Have you a middle name?" " Yes, sir, Pelham." " Where were you born?" "In England." " Where in England ?" "I decline to answer." "Have you ever stated to anyone that you were an officer in the .Royal Navy?" " I might have done so." "Is it true or false?" "I decline to answer." "Have you ever stated to anyone that you were in the Army?" "I decline to say." The Neir York Herald has started a curious theory in regard to the stranger. "The prisoner's alleged claim to be a descendant of the Duke of Newcastle, and his still retaining the family name of thnt peer, provokes the inquiry whether the Park referred to as having been with him in Portland could be the same whose name figured in the notorious BoltonPurk case. Not a few of the scions of noble families were implicated in that case, and the name of Lord Arthur (Jlinton was involved. The latter died suddenly, or, at least, so the public was given to understand. Ife could not survive the disgrace of the disclosures. Park, who was acquitted, emigrated to this country, but where he finally settled, or what became of him, is not known." — The following little story of the late Thomas Carlyle, which ' I find in a pamphlet by John Swinton, an American writer, descriptive of a recent brief visit to Europe, will disclose to many readers of that rugged and vehement essayist, the Sage of Chelsea, an almost unsuspected trait of gentleness in his character. It is a very touching picture of Carlyle in his lonely old age which it presents. Mr. Swinton found the grave of Mrs. Cixrlyle in the cathedral at Haddington, and on the stone is cut Carlyle' s tribute to her, in which, after referring to her long years of helpful companionship, he says that by her death " the light of his life is clean gone out." Mr. Swinton continues— "' And Mr. Carlyle,' said the sexton, ' comes here from London now and then to see his grave. He is a gaunt, shaggy, weird kind of old man, looking very old the last time he was here.' 'He is eight-six now,' said I. ' Ay,' he repeated, ' eighty -six, and comes here to this grave all the way from London.' And I told the sexton that Carlyle was a great man, the greatest man of age in books, and that his name was known all over the world ; but the sexton thought there were other great men lying near at hand, though I told him their fame did not reach beyond the graveyard, and brought him back to talk of Carlyle. ' Mr. Carlyle himself,' said the gravedigger, softly 'is to be brought here to be buried with his wife. Ay, he comes here lonesome and alone,' continued the gravedigger, ' when he visits the wife's grave. His niece keeps him company to the gate, but he leaves her there, and she stays there for him. The last time he was there I got a sight of him, and he was bowed down under his white hairs, and he took his way up that ruined wall of the old cathedral, and round there and in here by the gateway, and he tottered up here to this spot.' " Softly spake the gravedigger, and paused. Softer still, in the broad dialect of the Lothians, he proceeded : — " And he stood there awhile in the grass, and then kneeled down and stayed on his knees at the grave ; then he bent over and I saw him kiss the ground —ay, he kissed it again and again, and he kept kneeling, and it was a long time before he rose and tottered out of the cathedral, and wandered through the graveyard to the gate where his niece was waiting for him ?" I almost shrink from putting on paper these words of the rustic gravedigger that day ; but is not the scene one for art and poetry ?' And does it not show the rugged sham destroyer of other days, he of the sanguinary blade and the loud artillery, in a finer light than that of any page of his hundred books ? — Good Templarism for ever, nothing beats cold water except the whiskey at the Nevada Hotel. Only try it ! — Mr. Demies, of Sewing Machine renown, gives Four Sewing Machines as prizes iii a Grand Vocal Competition. — The gold from the Te Aroha is of a very fine quality, in fact, so fine as to be hardly visible. The nearest approach to this valuable metal is to be seen at Singleton's in Victoria-street.

— Jones, clear," said his wife the other morning, "I saw such a lovely dress at Munro and Milhgan's in the Karangahape-road. May I get it ?" " Oh, yes," said Jones, " they'll let you hare it on th weekly payments system, and I don't mind that." — " Why Smith, my dear fellow, you look as if you had been drinking." "Not a bit of it," replied Smith, I have just bought a pair of boots from Garrett Bros, in Wakefield-street, and I find they are water tight, that's what's the matter." — Two men were arrested for uttering light coin, and the only way they accounted for the matter was they hnd slept in the same room with a man who had a packet of Hudson's Baking Powder under his head to make his dreams light. — In consequence of the unsettled state of the weather during this summer, some of our city drapers have yet on hand large stocks of light clothing. It is said that T. McMnster, Queen-street is offering special bargains to lessen his stock. — When Sir Walter Raleigh's servant first saw him smoking and threw a bucket of water over him under the impression his master was on fire, he had never heard of the celebrated Durham Tobacco, sold sold only by Partridge and Woollams' in Queen-street. —Persons who are at all doubtful about the efficacy of a Turkish Bath, should read Dr. Bartholomew's evidence given before a number of eminent men on the Prevention and Cure of Diseases by its use. The Auckland Turkish Baths Company have now got their premises fitted ap in a very superior manner, and the attendance is all that could be desired.