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Evening Star, Volume VII, Issue 2033, 10 November 1869, Page 2

The Quartz Reefs.—We haye seen specimens of quartz from Cromwell, which appears to be very rich in gold. We understand they were taken almost at random, and judging by them there is every prospect of a large development of quartz mining in the district. Art. —We have been shown some very well executed water-color paintings of

New Zealand insects, flora, &c., by Mr John Carter of this town, intended for transmission to Melbourne. They were beautifully and truthfully drawn and brilliantly colored. A peacock’s feather was a finished specimen of artistic skill. Otago University.—The Council of the University met in the Provincial Council library this afternoon, and adjourned until six o’clock this evening. The Maoris in Gaol.—The Maori chief Tauioa, on seeing Ah Leong, a Chinaman prisoner, in gaol yesterday, appeared astonished at his swarthy complexion, and claimed him as a little South Island Maori. John answered in Chinese, “ no savee,” when Teoue Keura, a Maori prisoner, said he was an Otaheite Maori. They all admired the beautiful plaiting of John’s short tail. No one can convince them that he is a Chinaman. The Interproyincial Cricket Match.— The team to represent Canterbury at the forthcoming match, -will be chosen from the following, who have been selected to practise : Messrs Alington, Cotterill, Dickenson, Fowler, Hobbs, A. Lee, G. H. Lee, Mainwaring, Maples, Miles, Moore, Odell, Pierce, Parkerson, L. E. lleade, Stevens, Souter, Taylor, Walker, and Wood. Fowler has been chosen working captain. Princess Theatre. —The drama of “Rob Roy” was played last evening to a capitally attended house. It seemed as though the piece had been put on the stage without any rehearsal; for nearly all the performers were imperfectly acquainted with their parts. Mr Raynor's impersonation of the (mtlaw was a very fair one ; but it 1 eked sufficient fire. To-night, the drama of the “Crown Prince” will be produced, with Mr Rayner as Frederick. On Thursday night, Mr Whitworth takes a benefit, when the successful drama of “Helping Hands,” with the henejicictre as Lorenz Hartmann, the blind violinist, and the “ Grand Duchess” will be played. We hope to see Mr Whitworth’s claims for public support will he recognised in the shape of a full house. The Maori Prisoners.—At seven o’clock this morning, thirty were marched in charge of the Warder, to the Old Botanicrl Gardens, to break stones. At the same time thirty were marched to the High School, to form a recreation ground for the scholars. They were admired by all who saw them for their fine, muscular appearance. Their work has been exceedingly satisfactory to the overseers in charge, Mr Outram, at the High School, and Mr Perguson at the gardens. Thirteen invalids remain in the gaol, who will be employed in making flax mats and other light work. Their conduct in gaol has been extremely good. Two Maori catechists—prisoners —read the prayers of the Churches of England and Rome, morning and evening. Auriferous Lands.—The following important communication has been addressed by the Colonial Secretary to the Superintendent :—Sir, —Circumstances attending the sale of certain auriferous lands in tne Province of Nelson having called the attension of the Government to the general question of the sale of such lands, I have to inform your Honor that the opinion of the AttorneyGeneral has been taken, which opinion is to the effect that the precious metals do not pass by a sale of the waste lauds of the Crown containing them, and that an injunction would be granted by the Supreme Court to prevent the gold being taken therefrom. I have also the honor to inform you thut, in order to protect the interests of the public and prevent auriferous lands being bought up by individual purchasers, it is the intention of Government to cause the law in this particular to be enforced. The AtheN/EUM. —The soiree at the Post-office Hall to commemorate the laying of the foundation stone of the Athemeum, proved a greater attraction than could have been anticipated, considering the amusements projected for passing the holiday’s evening pleasantly. The hall was very tastefully decorated, under the superintendance of Mr Thomas Webb, who has on previous occasions evinced his talent as a decorator. There were 330 tickets sold, and though the arrangements were novel, and many of the entertainments impromptu, the evening passed off pleasantly. The programme could not he strictly followed, but it was abided by as nearly as circumstances admitted. Mr John Bathgate was chairman, and opened the proceedings by a short address illustrative of the advantages of scientific and literary culture. The overture to “Tancredi,” arranged as a trio for piano, double-bass, and violin, followed, and was effectively played by Mr Sykes, pianist, and two gentlemen amateurs. The Interval wss taken advantage of to visit the rooms in which were some splendid flowe ing plants and shrubs, supplied by Messrs Beverley, C. Smith, Allan, and Matthews. These had been elegantly ar? rang ad under Mr Smith’s directions. In an adjoining room was an abundant supply of Refreshments, provided by Mr R. K. Murray. which formed part of the entertainment provided by the Committee for their visitors. In the course of the evening, Mr R. Gillies described his visit to the hot springs ; Mr A. W. Lakeman gave a reading from Pickwick ; Mr Charles Smith introduced the question of woman suffrage (on which the ladies, to a woman, declined to vote) ; Mr J. S. Sykes gave a short lecture on the air-pump; while .‘Mr Rennie, of the Taieri, provided a never ending treat to the curious in a magnificent binocular microscope of immense power. Miss Edhouge and several ladies sang, the music was varied by instrumental pieces, and the proceedings were wound up with a dance. Votes of thanks were heartily and deservedly given to all who so strenuously exerted their selves to render the re-union pleasant; aud with the experience gained, there is every probability that future gatherings of this kind will supersede the formal, stiff' tea meetings, with their stereotyped addresses, that haye their day, and are fast growing into disfavor. We perceive by advertisement that there will be an Adjutant’s inspection of arms of the North Dunedin Rifles, at 7.30 this evening. Every member is expected to attend in full uniform.

A of gentlemen met at Powell’s Hotel, a few days ago, at a lunch, to hid an old resident Mr L, Wqavey good-bye. Many hearty and sincere expressions pf gopdwill were tendered Mr Weaver, and wishes of success in his new sphere of business at Cromwell.

WASTE LANDS BOARD. The Waste Land Board met at the Provincial Buildings to-day. The following is a synopsis of the business done. Block No. 0, Maungatua, applied for purchase by Mr M‘Diarmid, was ordered to be put up for sale as land of special value at 21s per acre Section 1 to 7, block 15, Outram, were ordered to be put up for sale as lauds of special value at L 3 per acre section, subject to the present lease, and section 7 subject to valuation for improvements. MrDeCarle’s application on account of J. E. Glover, to purchase laud at Moeraki, parts of 47, 49, aud 52, block 7, was referred to the Government. The consideration of Mr De Carle’s application for a lease on behalf of W. D. Morrison, at Blackleugh Bum, was postponed. Mr J. Richard’s application was referred the Government for the Warden’s report. Mr Josh. Preston was directed to apply again to the Board, when the Wyndham Township is advertised for sale. Mr H. Burrowes was instructed to give notice to the stockowners of his application for a lease to erect an accommodation house. Mr Matthew Thomas’s permission to prospect for copper, was extended to the bush at Hawkeahury. Mr John Brooke’s application, to have section 59, block 5, Dunedin and East Taieri, put up for sale, was referred to the Government. The price of suburban sections at Clyde was ordered to he referred to the Government for the Warden’s report. The upset price to be 25s per acre. Permission was given to William Shaw to cut flax near his own property, but no special protection was granted.