DUNEDIN.

Dunstan Times, Issue 282, 20 September 1867, Page 2

DUNEDIN.

(i'EOM OUR OWN COIUtESPUXDENT.) Duuedin, Sept. 16. Mr. J. G. S. Grant has again taken up the cudgels on behalf of the working man hundreds of whom, he says, are out of employment and suffering unheard ■ of privations from the want of bare necessaries. Your correspondent includes himself among working men, though not directly working with his bauds, but still having to work, has some sympaty with the class to which he belongs. I cannot, however, say I agree with our champion or the foolish mob who allowed themselves to be carried to the extremes they were on several occasions during the past week. In my opinion, had the police taken some of the most noisy, together with Mr. Grant, to the lock-up, the lesson would hove done (hem and the-class they profess to represent more good than all the thunderings, however loud, of the " Times.' Again, it is my opinion there is no occasion for a man to be idle in the province if he will but work I am led into this belief by the numerous letters I am constantly receiving from various distric's, the Dunsta-i included, complaing of the exorbitant rate of wages paid (£'i per week), through the scarcity of population. Another question is causing earnest discussion, but this time it is not as U> anything physiea l , but moral. It is t\ speeting the advent of the new Bishop of Dunedin, I r. Jenner. Upon his arrival he, I fear, will find his New Zealand bed not a bed of roses ; but I should not bo surprised if, in the course ot a short time, he be as much lauded for his piety as he is now censured for his Popish ways and opinions. Public feeling is strong against him from rne extreme end ot the diocese to the other; but it is sincerely to be hoped, for the cause in which he labors and the public peace, that Dr. Jenner will moderate his acts to suit the, perhaps, rather too austere views 'of the people of Otago and Southland. The business of the Colonial Parliament is fast drawing to a close. By telegrams received from different sources in Wellington I learn that next week will close one of the most remarkable sessions in the history of New Zealand. A reduction in departmental'expenses was carried by a large majority, and as the sa'ary of the Governor is lessened by £I,OOO a year one and all of the Government employes may expect a proportionate decrease of sv'ary or an extra amount ot duty to perform. In many departments an entire change in the existing arrangements is necessary, as the country is not in a po ition to maintain an army of sinecurists. The question of a New Zealand Uni versify and Scholarships is attracting a fair share of attention. Several meetings have been held in Christehurch, at which resolutions were passed condemning the idea of establishing an university as premature, but advocating the instituting of scholarships'as they would tend to improve the educational standard of the colony. The action '•' Commorcial Bank of New Zealand v. J. C. Brown I ', was, on the 12th inst., tried before Mr. Justice Chapman and a special jure The action was brought to recover £12,72-1 -Is. 9d., an alleged balance of account due by the defendant to the plaintiffs. Tho defence_ was that the deed of assignment made by defendant to the plaintiffs of all his available property, and accepted by them, was in satisfaction of the debt, and released him from all further demands. On account of the enormous deficiency between the estimated value of the property and the amount realized, this action was brought to have the matter thoroughly investigated The verdict was in favor of the defendant, the answers to the pleas (seven in all) releasing him from any liability. The Carandinis, it is believed, close their engagement here this week. Undoubtedly they have been a complete success, and, after they have turned their backs upon us, many will regret their absence. The lessees of the Princess's, at the termination of this engagement, purpose anf entire redecoration of the theatre. The vestibule has undergone a very pleasing change in addition to the alteration in the general arrangements, and in future it will be kept select. His Worship the Mayor, arrived in Dunedin on Monday last, having been ap pointed Solicitor General, and Representative of the General Government in Otago. It is said that he has not yet reported himself at the Corporation Offices, and great dissatisfaction is expressed at his accepting office, which will doubtless place him in a position antagonistic to Provincial and Municipal opinions. Mr John Bathgate has resigned the office of Manager to the Bank of Otago. Mr William James Mudie Larnach, late of

the Bank of Now South Wales, lias been appointed his successor. A public meeting in support of General Early Closing was held last week, and was addressed by most of the ministers of religion, and -many other influential residents. The Carandini Family have concluded their series of concerts, which lasted a month, and were very successful. The Dramatic Company take possession of the Theatre next week. At the Polytechnic, an entertainment is to be given by Messrs Howard and Varley. Our streets are now presenting duite a new and pleasant appearance, owing to the exertions of Mr Barnes, who has entered upon his office with the evident determination to institute a reform. A A publican lias however given notice of his intention to' sue the Corporation for compensation, for damages 'caused by the overflow of a drain into his cellar. The Escort brpughtdown 4193 ounc cg of gold.