MISCELLANEOUS.

Cromwell Argus, Volume V, Issue 240, 16 June 1874, Page 3

MISCELLANEOUS.

The copper tips for boys’ • boots proving very serviceable, we are informed, by a Boston (U.S.) paper, that a new style of trousers has been invented in that city, for the special use of iads who rather excel in wearing out ordinary clothing. The articles made are described as having a copper seat, sheet-iron knees, rivetted seams, and waterproof pockets, warranted to hold broken eggs in safety. Doubtless the materials are strong and lasting, but we fear the lads will hardly take pleasure in wearing such. The gentlemen who amused themselves on Thursday night by obstructing the business of the Provincial Council, continued to keep up the fun until a very early hour on Friday morning. They were caught napping, however, shortly after four o’clock ; and in spite of their efforts, the objectionable item was passed. While Mr De Lautour was talking to another member, the question was put by the Chairman of Committee before another amendment was proposed, and the item, “Goldfields Secretary, £400,” was at once carried. Sir De Lautour maintained that at the moment the question was put, he was on his legs for the purpose of moving an amendment ; but an appeal was vainly made to the Speaker, who upheld the decision of the Chairman. The other items under the head of “ Superintendent and Executive Council,” were then agreed to, and the House adjourned at 4.10 a - m. —Daily Times. A terrible discovery was made in the Provincial Council building early on Friday morning. There was every prospect of honourable members being detained until breakfast time, and most of them endeavoured at intervals to break the monotony of the thing by short adjournments to the refreshment room up-stairs. At 2 o’clock a.in. the P.B. ran out, and soon after the tea and coffee ; while a little later, we are given to understand, there was not a drop of anything save cold water to be had. The attendant had not taken the precaution to lay in a stock, and in consequence had to roam over the city, at three in the morning, to endeavour to buy or borrow what honourable members wanted. We believe lie succeeded to the extent of a bottle or two of spirits and a small package of tea. When next he hears that certain members intend to take advantage of the forms of the House, we have no doubt he will see that his shelves are full.—Daily Times.

There is a famous proscription in use in England for the cure of drunkenness, by which thousands are said to have been assisted in recovering themselves. The prescription came into notoriety through the efforts of John Vine Hall, commander of the steamship Great Eastern. He had fallen into such habitual drunkenness that his most earnest efforts to reclaim himself proved unavailable. At length lie sought the advice of an ancient phydeian, who gave him a prescription, which he followed faithfully for seven months. At the end of that tune he had lost all desire for liquor, although he had many times been led captive bv a debasing appetite. The prescription, which ho afterwards published, and by .which so many drunkards have been assisted t > reform, is as follows :—Sulphite of iron, 5 grains ; magnesia, ,10 grams; peppermint water, !i, drachms; spirit of nutmeg, 1 drachm : twice | a day. The preparation acts as a tonic and j stimulant, and a> partially sup]dies the place I of the accustomed liquor, and prevents the i absolute physical and moral prostration which | follows a suddci breaking off from the use of stimulating driius.