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Evening Star, Volume VIII, Issue 2403, 14 December 1870, Page 2

Last Night’s Meetint;. —Wo Live deferred the publication of the particulars of last night’s meeting, for the purpose of giving a complete and as nearly as possible a verbatim report of Mr Vogel’s statements. The peculiar difficulties of reporting with a book in the hand instead of on a desk, with a crowd pressing upon the person and interfering with the free action of the hand, necessarily render any report less perfect than it would be under more favarable circumstances. On these grounds we may fairly claim excuses for any shortcomings both for ourselves and for the reporters of the Daily Times. This, however, forms no excuse for reporting what never occurred or what never was said— a circumstance that has apparently been overlooked by the reporters of our contemporary, whose imaginations on this occasion, as on the first meeting, supplied what might have been said or done. In order to give a fair, impartial, and connected report, which would have been physically impossible had we attempted to publish it to-day, we purpose issuing a supplement to-morrow, containing a full report of the speech ; for we consider the explana-

tions given by the lion, the Colonial Treasurer too important to be allowed to go to the world in an imperfect or incorrect form. On Dit.—lt is reported that certain members of the Provincial Executive have been commenting upon the .Speaker of the Provincial Council, for ordering the gas lamps at the terrace of the Provincial buildings to bo lighted last night' We think the inhabitants of the City very much indebted to him as had not that been done they would have had an incomplete report of the proceedings. Served Him Right.—A few days ago Mr Justice Johnston, at Wellington, sent a juryman to gaol fora week for coming into Court drank. Mayor’s Court. —ln the Mayor’s Court, to-day, a scoundrel named Alfred Hawley was sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment, for indecently exposing his person to some children in the Botanical Gardens. William Garden, for being drunk and disorderly, was lined os ; and Alice Hawley, charged with using obscene language, was discharged, on account of having an infant requiring maternal attention. Rather Absurd. —We hear that a requisition is in course of signature, asking Mr Donald Reid to give his views on the Public Works Act. Wc can hardly believe such a tax will be attempted to be laid upon that gentleman’s time, when it is considered that night after night during the last month, lie was busily emploj'ed in stating his opinions, and that to those statements being approved by the Provincial Council, wo arc enjoying the blessings of a dead lock. Fatal Accident.—Au accident of a melancholy nature occurred on the 12th instant, when a man (name unknown) was drowned in the Oreti River, near Fletcher’s Accommodation House, Elbow, Deceased was attempting to ford the stream, but after two efforts ho disappeared, and nothing was seen of him until his body was found. There is no clue to his identification, but on the body was an envelope addressed “ Mrs King, .South Riverton.” New Publication.—Wo have been favored with a copy of the Otago Provincial Almanack and Directory for 1871, published by Messrs Rcith and Wilkie. It is well printed, and, in addition to the usual information, contains some valuable astronomical observations by Mr if. Skoy, the Government Meteorologist. The work is embellished with a map of Otago and Southland, which, besides being a novel feature in annuals, gives it an increased interest and value. Telegraphic. Yesterday we received the first message sent from the newly opened station at Tauranga. Wc are now within twelve hours’ communication of Auckland, the distance from Cambridge, the furthest telegraphic point on the Auckland side, and Tauranga being traversed by a horseman in that time. The work of extension is being vigorously prosecuted, and in less than three weeks our readers may reasonably expect to be congratulated on the establishment of telegraphic communication between Dunedin and the City of Auckland. Princess Theatre.—As might have been expected there was not a crowded house last evening. The pieces presented were—the “ Stranger,” and “Valet-de-sham;” in the former of which Miss Bowring elicited by her splendid acting the hearty applause of the audience, and in the latter piece Miss Carry George played in her usually charming milliner, ami with her usual success. Mr Steele also delineated in a most effective manner tbo part of the “ Stranger.” This evening Shakespeare’s-play of “ Romeo and Juliet” will be presented, Miss A. Bowring personating the part of Juliet and Miss Garry George that of Borneo. The entertainment will conclude with “My heart’s in the Highlands. ” City Council.—The business trans-

acted at this afternoon’s meeting of the Council was not important. The Public Works Committee reported having called for tenders for the supply of kerbing necessary to complete LI, 50!) Avorth of work in South, High, and Bell Wards, as part of the permanent improvements to he undertaken under the ucAvloan—thcAvorks to be proceeded Avith being Walkcrstrcct kerbing, Maelaggan street S.JO. side kerbing; and St. AndrcAv’s and Filled I street, kerbing; also recommending the granting of the use of the Southern Recreation Reserve for ploughing matches, Avhich suggestion Avas agreed to. The tenders for supplying metal, with the exception of those of Messrs Crawsh.w and Procter, Storks, and Crawfford and Dick Avhich Avere rejected as informal, Avcrc referred to a committee. The Colonial Prize Firing.-—The nineteen Company Representatives of the first district competed this morning for a a choice' of three to represent the district. The competition took place at the Anderson’s Bay butts. Thu Avoather Avas lino, bright, and clear ; the Aviml very deceptive, bloAviug sometimes from the left front, ami other times directly across the range, Avhich Avas a severe test on the judgment of the competitors. The conditions of the firing were—Ranges 400, 500, and 600 yards ; position—kneeling at 400 yards, any position at 500 and 600 ; 5 shots at each range, Avith 1 trial shot at each. The three highest scorers, and consequently representatives, are—Sergeant Taylor, of the Scottish Company ; Capt. M ‘ Farhiml and Gunner Donald Reid, Dunedin Artillery—with a score of 46 each. The, other scorers in order of merit arc—P. O. Mackenzie, Dunedin Naval Brigade, 43 points ; Volunteer M'Larcu, South District Killcs, 41 ; Lieutenant Grant, Dunedin Naval Brigade, 40. Wc arc glad to see that tAvo of our old marksmen arc again to the fore.

The New M’.ui, Contract. — lt is satisfactory to find that the Dn'ihj Tiun-s stands proudly alone is its condemnation of the contract with the North Pacific Transportation Company. Even the Chamber of Commerce has expressed itself in opposition to the dictum of our contemporay : and the Provincial Press, as represented by the two Oamaru papers, the JhinMan Tinii’n, Mount Ida Vhronidt', and Waikonaitl Jfrrald, have spoken favorably of the contract. The I Vakat)}> Mad considers that Mr Vogel (the Postmaster-General) lias cut the “Gordian knot,” He has shown his usual ability in the matter. He saw the windfall that Mr Noilaou (confidential agent) placed in his way, and the Colony cannot say that its interests have not been duly cared for. The bargain is nearly all on the side of the Colony. All tlie other proposals are below the dignity and honor or the Colony. Another more valuable issue is at stake by that of cultivating friendly relations with America, which has certainly oli'erecl to cul-

tivate our friendship. The soupcon mentioned in the concluding paragraphs we-look upon as bread cast upon the waters. The arrangement is a wise and judicious oue. Wo hope up-country people will study the question placed before them. We have not weighed the various merits of each clause, but the whole proposals give a wide range, and arc so favorable to the general interests of the Colony that they command our unequivocal support. The School ok Art Exhibition. — Few persons will be prepared to sec so many and such admirable sketches as arc now under exhibition at the School of Art, in the New Rost Office building. Previously to the arrival of Mr Hutton, it was almost impossible to find studials in drawing. Beautiful as is the scenery around Dunedin, judging by the little attention given to the cultivation of drawing in light and shadow and water colors, a stranger wmbl have imagined there was no talent in the City. That was some twelve months ago. But a new era ha-= sprung up. Mr Hutton’s ladies’ class has shown that opportunity alone was Avantcd to evoke the latent genius, and the. progress made by them is truly wonderful. Mr Hutton says that only some four or half-a-dozen had any previous knowledge of art, yet many of the pictures display a marvellous correctness of outline, and several of them more than ordinary skill in coloring. As a matter of course, the connoisseur sees evidence of art, in all its stages. Some of the most beautiful specimens of outline _ and shadow drawing are architectural designs. We believe no instruments arc allowed in the execution of them, yet the outlines are clearly and decidedly given, and the geometrical figures accurately formed. The dilficult art of drawing from models is successfully cultivated. Homer, the Venus de Medici, scraps from the Elgin Marbles, and figures of animals, in a variety of aspects, attest the industry and effort with which the studies have been pursued. Criticism beyond general remarks would be out of place.