OCCASIONAL NOTES FROM THE METROPOLIS.

Cromwell Argus, Volume 2, Issue 87, 11 July 1871, Page 6

OCCASIONAL NOTES FROM THE METROPOLIS.

— o — had another addition to our newspaper literature this week in the shape of the “ Southern League,” a new evening paper published .in the interests and under the auspices of the “Liberal” party of politicians, who are very much dissatisfied with the two dailies at present published in Dunedin. Certainly the leading journal of the city is strangely erratic in its political views, and does not meet with the confidence which a paper of its experience and long standing should command. It is questionable, however, notwithstanding the dissatisfaction which exists, whether the new organ will be even moderately well supported; and it does seem strangely inconsistent chat the “ Southern League,” started as it was under

such “liberal” auspices, should make its appearance with two pages full of dummy advertisements, lifted holus-bolus from a weekly paper published in the same office. Otago’s greatest stride in the cause of education—the opening of her University—was the cause of congratulation on all sides yesterday. The inaugural ceremony, which took place in the hall of the University building, was attended by a very large number of people, standing room even not being obtainable shortly after the proceedings had commenced. The Hon. Major Richardson (Chancellor of the University) delivered the inaugural address—a long and ably written paper, which was listened to with the greatest attention, and was in itself a rich intellectual treat. He went back to the founding of the settlement, expressing his deep regret that two of the Otago pilgrim fathers—Captain Cargill and Dr Burns —had passed away without being permitted to witness the great eventwhich they had metthatdayto celebrate; reviewed the progress which had been made in the cause of education since the first landing of the John Wickliffe pioneers on the shores of Otago ; spoke in eloquent terms of the advantages which were likely to accrue to the province, and indeed to the whole colony, from the inauguration of this, the first University established in New Zealand ; paid a passing tribute to the abilities and knowledge of the three Professors who have recently arrived to take charge of the Institution ; and concluded one of the most eloquent and able addresses I have had the pleasure of listening to amidst prolonged applause. He then declared the University to be duly opened. In the evening a social gathering was held, at which all the elite of the city were present. The hall, which was most brilliantly lighted and decorated for the occasion, was crowded to excess. After great inroads had been made on the abundant supply of viands with which the tables were loaded, excellent speeches were delivered by His Honor Judge Chapman, Professor Sale, Rev. Messrs Will and Copland, and others, and the company dispersed at about 10 o’clock, a thoroughly enjoyable evening having been spent. M'Glashan’s mill, situated in the Water of Leith Valley, was mysteriously burned down the other morning, about 6 o’clock. The mill was unoccupied, and the owner suspects the fire to be the work of an incendiary. There was an insurance of £ISOO upon the building and machinery. The Princess Theatre has been opened by the comedy and burlesque company from Christchurch. Among the troupe there are several old Dunedin favourites, including the Misses Anna Forde, Jenny Nye, and Gassy Matthews. On the whole, however, the company is very weak, and will certainly not 1 draw decent houses for more than a couple of weeks.