AROUND DUNEDIN.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XVI, Issue 5357, 16 June 1896, Page 3

AROUND DUNEDIN.

TUT BCOTCH MIST.I This lias been a week of important ovoiits that will be duly recorded in llio history of Dunedin in years to como, The Agricultural and Pastoral Society laid tlio foundation stone of will be an imposing structure, bo called tho Agricultural Hall, floor space will be equal in area to the ground space occupied by tbo Wellington exhibition. Tho ceremony of laying the stone was entirely in tho hands of tho Masonic fraternity, who wero in full regalia. Headed by the Garrison Band tlioy marched to tho Harbour Board reclaimed ground sections, where a grand-stand bad been eroded for ladios who had tickets. Needless , to say an immense concourse of people assembled in tho vicinity. Tho Masonic choir opened tho proceedings by tho singing of a beautiful ode:— . MEIwmII By whose aid All created things were made; _ JHcav'n and earth Thy vast design; Hear us. Architect Divine I May our work, beugn iu Thee, Ever blest with order be. The Kev. P. C. Piatt then offered up an impressive prayer, after which a scroll containing tho history of the new building with the names of the directors attached, and also tho name of tlio present Mayor, was nlaced in tho cavity of the stone, ■gether with a bottle containing tho current coin of the colony and copies of the Otago Witness, Otago Daily Times and livening Star. The stono was then lowered with three pauses, the band playing "God Bless the Prince of Wales." The Otago Agricultural and Pastoral Winter Show was also opened tho samo afternoon in the Garrison Hall, and has been a phenomenal success, over 4,000 attending the first day. Tho town is literally swarming with visitors, and the hearts of our storekeepers are full of joy to see their country cousius. Tho Choral Hall was the scene of another historical event last Monday night r when Samuel Tarrat, D.D., Bishop of Dunedin, celebrated his silver jubilee. The Choral Hall was decorated profusely and was densely packed, although a small charge was made for admission. Three presentations were made to Bishop Neville one from the clergy of the diocese of a purse of sovereigns, another from i the laity, and one from Wellington ■csidents who at one time lived in A few musical items were most acceptable as tea and coffee and most delicious cakes were handed "Ground, and a most enjoyable and memorable evening was spent. Mr Fish also had a presentation as he has left this week for a trip to tho Home land. A number of his admirers have advised him to return before election time, and it is his intention of being in Dunedin by November Ist, as lie intends making a big effort to get into the House again. Not the least interesting case before the Supreme Court this week has been the application of the liquidators to tho Judge to sanction the sale of the assets of tho J. G. Ward Company to J. B. lleid. The evidenco given by the witnesses has been of a most startling character, but as the case is subjiulice one cannot write freely about it, but it ■ will be some time before we hear tho

last of it, especially as another firm also offered to buy the assets. The theatre lias reopened to-night with Jlusgrovc and Garner's Gaiety Company, There aro sixty-nine members in the company and they open with "In Town." Although the prices arc high (five shillings for the circle) I hear every seat is booked. Who says we are short of s. d. in Duuedin ? As a sign of the briskness of things, I may mention there are oyer one hundred new buildings at the present time being put up; carpenters are therefore very busy. A special meeting of the Master Printers' Association was held last night in the A.M.P, buildings for the purpose of saying "Good-bye" to Mr John Mackay, who has been appointed the new Government printer. Mr F. Coull, president of the Association, occupied the chair and there was a representative gathering. A valuable silver inkstand was presented to Jlr Jlackay and very many eugolistic things said of him by Mr George Fenwick, Mr Cohen and many others, who all jyroid their respective tributes to his and congratulated him on disappointment, The weather is simply delightful, and the farmers say that the outlook is very favourable. It is rumoured that Mr Thos. McKenzie is about to accept the appointment of London agent for the Canterbury Farmers' Co-operative Company at a salary of £IOOO per annum, so I suppose we shall soon have to part with " Clutlia Tom."