OCCASIONAL NOTES FROM THE METROPOLIS.—No. XI.

Cromwell Argus, Volume 1, Issue 50, 26 October 1870, Page 6

OCCASIONAL NOTES FROM THE METROPOLIS.—No. XI.

Dunedin, October 20, 1870. Three candidates aro in the field for the seat in the Provincial Council declared vacant in consequence of the absence of Mr F. D. Bell for two consecutive sessions. Mr H. S. Fish junr., Mayor of Dunedin, Mr John Bathgate, and Mr Thomas Birch, M.H.R., are the aspirants for provincial political honours. The addresses of the candidates contain nothing worthy of notice, merely intimating their intention to contest the election ; Mr Bathgate also mentioning economical administration, and the promotion of railway enterprise, as two leading points which shall have his support if elected—of which event taking place, I imsgine, there is but the remotest probability. The struggle will he between Messrs Fish and Birch, and will, doubtless, result in the return of the former gentleman. Mr Birch's legislative abilities are of a very mediocre nature ; while Mr Fish has proved himself to be a man of considerable ability and tact in the performance of his civic duties, and with fair promise that if his energies were directed into a more strictly political channel, the electors would be the gainers.

The new residence for the rector of the High School is a large and substantial brick and stone building, and is rapidly approaching completion. It is situated in one of the prettiest and most picturesque portions of the environs of the city ; and, being in an elevated position, commands a magnificent view of the harbour, &c. The additions and alterations to the High School—undertaken for the purpose of providing accommodation, for the toaching of girls as well as boys are also approaching completion. Mrs Burn, lately of Geelong, who has been appointed lady principal, is expected to arrive in the course of a few weeks ; so that the Dunedin High School for girls will soon be un fait accompli. The San Francisco mail telegrams were published this morning, but do not add much to our knowledge of the war operations. The Suez telegrams will probably reach Dunedin on Saturday, the 29 ch instant, when we shall, no doubt, receive news that will give us a good idea of the time the war is likely to last, or, perhaps, of its close. The items which have caused the most surprise are those relating to the republican demonstrations in England, and of the inanted

expressions of contempt for the Royal family—n> doubt merited in tne case of the Prince of Wales, but hardly deserved so far as the Qneen is concerned. A growing feeling prevails that His lioyail Highness will never sit on the throne of England with the concurrence and good wishes of the nation. Certainly his life, so far, is not at all calculated to inspire the people with feelings of confidence in him. We are again having a spell of magnificent weather ; fair, bright mornings, with a clear

and bracing atmosphere, and nature, generally, wearing a smiling aspect. Business in the city is, however, in a very depressed state, and business men are loudly complaining of the dull times, Stocks of ail sorts are full, customers scarce, and money scarcer ; and, in consequence, notwithstanding the line weather, humanity looking lugubrious. Arcanum.