DUNBDIN.

Cromwell Argus, Volume I, Issue 17, 9 March 1870, Page 5

DUNBDIN.

( From our oym UorrMpondmt. ) During tho past weok wo havo oxpericnced almost every variety of woathor in Dunedin—'rainy, cloudy, warm, hot, and cold. Tho towii at present wears a gay appearance, owing to the existence of a bazaar in aid of the Trinity Wesloyan Chapel, which is being held in the hall of the new Postoffice buildings. The attractions held out are by no means of a mediocre character. In aid of the good cause the fair sex there practise all the blandishments of which they are capable, and tho poor unfortunate who ventures within those precincts with a good supply of" the necessary," stands it poor chance in an encounter with these enthusiasts, such a good use do they make of their silvery voices and irresistible eves. The amount realised yesterday was £175. The verdict of the Duiiediu Presbytery with respect to Mr Serimgeour was to-lay arrived at, and, in my opinion, displays more zeal than charity. Mr Serimgeour is, it appears, at liberty to proceed to any other part of the province, and there exercise his sacred office, but the congregation of St. Andrews are warned, if they value his character, not to attempt to reinstate him in his former charge. The uninitiated, to which class I belong, have some difficulty in discovering the exact charge brought against the rev. gentleman ; however, if his congregation insist on testifying their appreciation of his merits, I presume the whole world will be enlightened. Tn this week's Government Gazette there appears a list of Government annuities and assurances. T fail to see the peculiar advantages offered by the Government. There is no great variation between the rates* there quoted and those of must i'ublie Insurance Companies, and i:i obtaining a Government policy a man is bound to insure on one principle, and has not the option offered to him by Insurance offices, of becoming himself a participator in the general profits. With regard to annuities I need only quote a few of the rates, and I think it will be palpable to all that thenumber of investors will be small so long as money can be used to such good purpose as it can at present. A man of twenty years of ago by sinking .-£IOO obtains- a Government annuity of £5 Is lid ; at 30 years, £5 lis 8d ; at 40 years, £6 7s 3d; and at the advanced age of 50 years, only £7 13s lOd, a yearly sum smaller than ha can obtain by putting his money in a safe investment without sinking capital at all. You will have, seen by the papers that' Mr Boxer, traveller for Mr Strachan, brewer, died suddenly at Waihemo the other day. His funeral took place this afternoon, and a large body of friends folhis remains to their last resting-place. The subject of three of the Daily Times leaders during the last week has been the Port Chalmers Railway. Most certainly great laxity has been displayed by the Government in not effecting a more binding contract. The selection of the right course for the line is now being proceeded with, by surveyors employed by the contractors. With regard to the Southern Trunk Railway, I understand that only one tender has been received. It is to be hoped that Government will act more cautiously and wisely in this affair than in the other. The first mail via California is advertised to leave Auckland on the 2nd April. I hear that a company is now being organised for the purpose of establishing di rect steam communication between Otago and England. They propose making the passage through the Straits of Magellan, performing the whole trip in 40 days. The Canada Quartz-reef Company pro-, pose shortly to have another trial crushing. Very favourable rumours are prevalent as to the richness of the quartz obtained from the extended drive. Spite of all that ministers say and write in reprobation of the belief, Spiritualism still maintains its supremacy over tho minds of many in this Province. Strange stories pass from tongue to tongue concerning remarkable manifestations and mysterious revelations. The inhabitants of Spiritland, however, who favour these coasts with occasional visits, appear to be peculiarly timid and diffident in disposition. A gentleman well known in town held a seance the other evening, but ho had not been sufficiently careful and discriminating in his selection of guests to. meet the distinguished visitor. An unbeliever was present: the spirit took offence, and refused to " show up." It is to be hoped that in future infidels wil not intrude on these pleasant little social gatherings, now that it is evident that by so doing.they are likely to disturb the harmony of tho proceedings. The Supreme Court is at present sitting. Yesterday the jury had the pleasure of being locked up all night, and they are likely to enjoy a repetition of the entertainment to-night.

It is stated that th»i prospects of the farmers-iu the East Taieri And Tokomairiro districts are of the most gloomy dcscriptiou. Owing to the recent floods and subsequent wot. weather, many acres of wheat and other crop* have been utterly destroyed. The quality of the wheat generally will be only very middling, and iu -consequence of rust the straw is quite brittle. In the Oainaru and Otepopo districts, the damage by rust is so great thai in some case* it has been decided to oura th» whsat a* it' stands.