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Evening Star, Volume VIII, Issue 2216, 14 June 1870, Page 2

The Assembly,— The Claud Hamilton sailed to-day with a great many of the Otago members of the Assembly. The Superintendent does not proceed North for a week, and rumor says that Mr Haggitt will be appointed deputy. The Mayor does not propose going to Wellington at present.—We will publish a second edition containing the Governor’s speech on opening Parliament. Supreme Court. —There was no sitting to-day, the case set down for trial— Fuller v. Murray—having been struck out. Spiritualism. —Mr W. Christie delivered a lecture on Spiritualism in St. George’s Hall last evening. There was a numerous attendance, and Mr Black presided. Wo are obliged to hold over our report of the lecture until to-morrow. Telegraphic Money Orders.—The regulations for the issue and payment of telegraphic money orders have been published. Postmasters are authorised to grant a money order, payable at any other money order office in the Colony, and for any sum not exceeding LIU. The commissions to be charged are as follows : —For sums not exceeding LI, sixpence; and a corresponding increase of sixpence for every additional pound up to LlO. In addition to the commission, a telegraph fee of one shilling is to be charged and collected by the issuing postmaster.

Education Board.—The adjourned meeting of the board was held to-day, but in consequence’of some necessary iu ivganLtO oiie of the candidates not being received, the consideration of the appointment of ; a commercial master was postponed. The Univjjusitv. We understand that 59 appltc|itujns have been received for the appointment of Professor of Mathematics in comixion with the University, and GO for the other chair. The Council meet on Monday next to consider, the matter of making arrangements for filling up the chair for Natural History. Masonic Hall.—We were glad to see such a numerous attendance to witness Mr Cottevell’s entertainment last evening. The programme, which was the same as that presented on previous occasions, was faithfully carried out, and the entertainment gave deserved and general satisfaction to the audience. The programme will be repeated this evening. It is entirely free from the monotony that sometimes attends monologues, for Mr Cotterell is far above the average, and anyone paying a may assure himself an intellectual treat. Thursday being the Fast Day, no performance will take place on that evening. Entertainmen r. —To-morrow evening the amateur Colored Opera Troupe arc to give one of their pleasing entertainments in the North Dunedin Drill Shod, in. aid of the fund for lining that pla e. We have been desired to state that tho shed has received its inside lining, and the cross beam (which was such an eye sore) lias been removed. It is now a useful and comfortable hall. Should the weather prove line, a large attendance may bo expected, as a very good and attractive programme has been prepared by the troupe; and every effort is being made by tbe promoters of these concerts to make it a successful affair.

Native News.—TheTamnaki llerahl of a recent dale, stitc :-Wc have been informed by Mr Vause, owner of the Industry, which arrived here on Saturday last, that the natives at Raglan and the districts thereabouts, are most favorably inclined towards a permanent peace. The Maori King is at present a guest of Mrs Charlton, Kawhia. We believe that it is Tawhiao’s intention to throw open both Aotea and Kawhia, which shows that the natives intend to he more friendly with the Europeans than they have been for some time past in that part of the island. With regard to Te Kooti, Mr Vausc tells ns that the King would not be the means of his being caught, but he would not shelter him if he came within his territories. Tawhaio is still unfaborable, we are told, towards making roads and the extension of the telegraph over his ; and it will be some tune before the prejudice is likely to be got over, Wairau Goldfield. A Nelson contemporary of Jane 4 says ; —By accounts received from Marlborough last evening, we learn that the goldfield on the north side of the Wairau Valley is extending, and that several claims are turning out well. A nugget weighing 1 oz. 7 dwt. had been found ; in one claim 5 ozs. II dwts. had been got in a day and a half. From between 200 and 300 men were on the ground. A gentleman who visited the Held this week writes as follows : “ I have no doubt that the field will be very rich, and probably extensive. From what I have heard there can be but little doubt that gold exists in other gullies. The prospectors appear to have found gold in the creek coming out at Koek Ferry (Onamalntu). Greenlaw is said to have struck g-dd at the junction of the prospecting creek and Bartlett's gully, also heavy gold, which fact seems to point to the probability of that also bung goM-bearing. Should it prove so there would be room for (many more) meu. Mr Farj EON. —The friends of this gentleman will be glad to hear of his success at Home. Speaking of him, the Home Heim says “Mrß. L. Farj eon’s ‘ Griff’ appears to have taken the English press ami public by surprise. His style of writing is spoken of in terms of great praise ; indeed, the commendation he has received from some of the best and most critical papers in the United Kingdom is remarkable for its heartiness and unanimity. Mr Farjeon’s career as an author will he watched with interest. ‘Grif’ is at present published in the expensive library form, but in a few months a new and cheap edition will be published. It is certain to command a large sale. No better proof of Mr Farjeon’s success could be given than the fact that Messrs Tinsley Brothers have engaged him to write a work of fiction for their magazine. The first part of the gfcpry will appear in the June number of Tinsley's 3I(t;/ozine, and will 1)3 illustrated ; it is expected that it will be completed in ten or twelve monthly parts. It will then he published in book form. The title of the story is ‘Joshua Marvel,’ and some exciting episodes of Colonial life will bo narrated in its pages.’' The Coming Concert.—Tho concert at the Post Office Hall iikely to attract a large audience to-morrow. If report he correct, although the last concerts were considered very good, tho present is likely to excel them, on account of the advance made in bjtli the instrumental and vocal departments. It can scarcely, however, be said that the present position of the Society has realised the hopes of its promoters, and of those who have labored with them since its institution. Their object was to unite the musical talent of Dunedin In one association, so that a taste for really good music might ho diffused and cultivated. Like other fine arts, there is a freemasonry in music that sets class distinctions for the time being at defiance. The, musical smallcoal man could throw aside bis sack and join with lords and ladies in interpreting the classic works of the best composers and they submitted themselves to the guidance of bis genius ; and it is this spirit that the Society wishes to create and perpetuate. Already the Dunedin Private Musical Society numbers several honorary members. Guo purpose of the present concert is to secure further support and to provide new music, so that the best compositions may become known and appreciated, and in these desirable objects, apart from the enjoyment of the concert, wo do not doubt the public will gladly share.

Savings Banks. —The annual returns shewing the transauctions of the different savings banks in the Cobmy during the year 18(10, have been published. The receipts of the Auckland bank during the year were L 21,207 14s 6d, of which L' 4,(172 Is 9d was lodged by depositors, and the payments L 14.844 18s od.;_ the cash onjiand at the cud of the year being L 0,502 17s Id, an

T."-'*. increase of L4.000..0ver, the preytefus year. Its assets amounted to L30,79l 14s I*l, ■while-1/237 '4s I'd is ■ duo to depositors. The now Plymouth Bank received L 1,490 (is Id, and paid away L1,49d Ids Gd, The profit on the year’s mnuagemenit' amounted to L 379 16s 91. The Colson Bank received 1.5,12s sd, and piid away L 5,256 12s 7d ; the balance on hand being LlOli 10s IGd. The Lytteltoud’ank only shows a balance of 1,34 9s lOd, but tho Invercargill shows the large balance on hand of L 1,044 15s 3d. The Dunedin Bmk had a balance from ISiiS of L 3.224 7s 2d ; during 1899 the amount lodged by depositors was L 20.799 8s Sd ; interest was paid on loaii, debentures, &c., to tho amount of L2,5G7 2s lid; loan repaid, L300~; and L237'19s 3d balance diie to the bank, brings up the total receipts of the year to L 29,129 2s. There was repaid to depositors, L 17,403 9s 9d ; invested in mortgage, L 3,000; in debentures, L 250; and premiums, Ll,S2(i; LS,OOi) were deposited in the Bank of Australasia, and charges are set down at L 367 10s 9d. The Mataoka. The information communicated by the Aberdeen clipper, Alexander Duthie, A. Douglas, commander, which arrived in Loudon on April 9, from Melbourne, creates a hope that a crew of one, at least, of the several missing ships from Australia and New Zealand have reached land. On January 6th, when about twenty miles off the Forth Cape of the Aucklands, the thick weather which so frequently envelops those dangerous islands suddenly lifted, and shortly afterwards several fires were seen on tho brow of a cliff. The desire to rescue thc-o castaways was, of course, uppermost in the mind of Captain Douglas, and the small chart in the margin of Imray’s “South Pacific” was anxiously consnlte I. The returning fog, the wilderness of the sea, the strong current, the precipitous character of whst tire flying nature of the wind made at times almost a lec-shore, and the probability of tire wind shifting and making it quite so, combined with the tenderness of the ship, at last decided Captain Douglas in deeming it too serious a risk to attempt to allow either his vessel sr his boat's crew to endeavor to communicate. To this decision lie was in some degree reconciled by the knowledge that depots containing pro vinous, slops, guns, ammunition, &c., arc publicly advertised as having been for some time established on various parts of the islands for shipwrecked mariners, and that they are every now and then visit d by vessels of one kind or another, under the direction of the New Zealand Government, with a view to their replenishment and the rescue of the unfortunates who may have landed there. With these facts before them, possibly the General Government might he induced to send a vessel to the Aucklands immediately. Theatricals in England.—“ AngloAustralir.n” supplies tho following items of theatrical news :—“Mr G. F. Rowe’s farce “Sampson’s Wedding,” at the Lyceum, bids 1 fair—thanks to the excellent acting of Mr Charles Wilmot—to retain possession of the bills for some time to come. The Lent m Boys, after a very long stay at the Cambridge, have returned to the Crystal Palace, where they appear daily in their Japanese entertainment. They also appear at the London Pavillion every evening, and have made themselves very great favorites. Julia Matthews opened on Easter Monday at the Royal Standard, in the new opera-houffe of “Guy Fawkes.” Miss Holt, who is described in the hills of the Canterbury Hall as “ the charming souhrette and burlesque actress,” is announced to appear in a “ new and magnificent Scotch spectacular burlesque ballet.” Farquharson, the bass singer, has lately been in London. He gave an entertainment the other day at Myddelton Hall, entitled “ Reminiscences of the Antipodes,” to a crowded audience, and was received very well. Clarauce Holt has joined the London Star Dramatic Company, which is about starting on a provincial tour. Joe Jefferson is at the National Theatre, Washington, still in his everlasting “ Rip Van Winkle.” Mr John Dunn recently made his first appearance, after his long absence in Australia, at Niblo’s Garden, New York, in the “Emerald King.”—The Home News says : —Mr G. F. Rowe played his Mr Micawbcr for the 160 th time on April 15th at the Olympic Theatre, and on Easter Monday appeared in the same character at the Alexandra Theatre, Liverpool. After fulfilling two or three country engagements, he \j’dl return to London in June, and will then probably play Micawber at the Standard Theatre. The reputation he has made as a comedian of tho higher class, is one of the events of tho past dramatic season ; and although he has played in London only half-a-ycar, he is an established favorite. In connection with the preceding remarks, it may be mentioned that Mr Rowe lias gained laurels during the past month as a dramatic author. A comedietta written by him, entitled “Sampson’s Wedding,” was produced at the LycCum Theatre with complete success. Tho principal character is played by Mr Charles Wilmot, from New Zealand. His (plaint and quiet stylo of acting has been highly praised. One of the very best actors in London has spoken of Mr Wilmot as being the most promising and legitimate of the low comedians who have lately essayed their powers on the London hoards. Mr Wilmot plays also in Hervc’s “ Little Faust,” which was produced at the Lyceum in a style of great magnificence on Easter Monday night.

fS i’kagk Suicuoe.— Yesterday.. morning Inspector Kabatreceived a letter through the post purporting to be signed by Mr Thos. L’arsnus, barrister-at-law, but better known to the Melbourne publ.c by the peculiar non tie plume of the “Washerwoman.’' The writer of the letter stated that he intended drowning himself before the letter would be received. He directed the police to search the river at Rew, in the neighborhood of the residence of the Chief Justice, Bir W. F. Stawc[l; that they wou'd see a rope fastened to the fence, and that his body would be found at the other end of it in the water. Acting on instructions, Constables Thompson and Kaleigh at once proceeded to the spot indicatec, and in a bend of the river, at the rear of the residence of Sir W. F. Stawell, they found a clothes-line tied to a post, and the body of the unfortunate man lying in about 2ft. of water, with the other end of the rope tied round his neck, and two turns and a bight round his body, exactly in the manner described in the letter. An open razor was found on the top of the post, which had evidently been recently used, and underneath it was the razor case with the name of Faisons on it. In the pockets of the deceased were found a monthly railway ticket rvith his name on it, asixpmiee, and a threepenny-piece. The body was removed to the Clifton Motel. Studloy Park road, where it now lies awaiting inquest. If is said that several letters were received from the unhappy man yesler-

day by persona in Melbourne, announcing his intention of committing suioidJ;"- Mr Parsons lately published a letter bearing his usual signature, addressed to Her Majesty the Queen and the Victorian Bar, in which he denounced the corrupt state of politics and society, complained of the judges, and generally of the administration of justice in Victoria; at the i-aine time making a final appeal to the Victorian Bar for pecuniary assistance. In the same letter he published a copy of a note ho was about to send to the Attorney-General, asking for a situation for light work, as he -was an old man and unlit for heavy business. Mr Parsons was admitted to the English Bar in 1841 ; he arrived in the colony in 1858, and was admitted to the Victorian Bar in May of that year. He was an able conveyancer, and at one time did a good business ; but his eccentricities interferred greatly with his prospects. In I8!i4 he opposed Mr Francis for the representation of the borough of Richmond in the Assembly, but only polled a few votes. He again announced himself as a candidate for the same jdaee in ISG7, but retired from the contest before the day of election. Of late his peculiarities have become more marked, and his unfortunate pecuniary position preying on his mind, has no doubt developed tliai disease of the brain from which those who knew him boat always suspected him to he suffering. Mr Parsons was a married man, and has left a widow and grown-up family.

This Naval Brigade will muster at the drill'shed, Dowling street, for company drill, this evening. The first monthly meeting of the Otago St. Patrick’s Society will he held in St. George’s Hall, to-morrow (Wednesday) evening, at 8 o’clock. The emumitee of management are requested to meet at 7 p.m. The members of tho A.O.F. Court Pride of the Leith are requested to meet at Krnll’s Caledonian Hotel, to morrow (Wednesday) evening, at 8 o’clock, to determine on steps to be taken in reference to the defalcations of the late treasurer (Mr Creagh).