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Evening Star, Volume VIII, Issue 2465, 10 January 1871, Page 2

Representation of Port Chalmers. We understand a requisition is being numerously signed to the Hon. F. Dillon Bell, to allow himself to be nominated a candidate for the representation of the Port in the General Assembly.

Postal, —We are glad to observe that the authorities have conceded to the request of the inhabitants of Port Chalmers by granting a post delivery. The delivery of letters by a postman was made yesterday morning for the first time, and must have agreeably surprised many'who, since their residence at the Port, have become quite unused to this convenience, and unfamiliar with the sound of the “ postman's knock. ” Running against Time.— About 200 persons assembled on the Oamaru Cricket Ground on Saturday evening last to witness the feat of H. Howes, running five miles in .30 minutes. He started a few minutes past 7, and succeeded in running four miles in 22 minutes 30 seconds, thereby having 7 minutes 30 seconds to run the remaining miles. The reason of his not having finished the distance was, we believe, his not being able to obtain any bets against accomplishing the five miles in the half hour. — Herald. Cricket in England. —Tbe season has been wound up with an interesting match between. Pooley, Jupp, and Humphrey, and eleven Middlesex amateurs, which ended in a ho'low victory for the former. The amateurs scored only 8 and 11; the players, in one innings, 39, of which Jujjp scored 32. The three Messieurs Grace have been playiiur some of their usual cricket in Gloucester. Mr Gilbert Grace hit three sixes off three successive balls. The Doctor scored 2LI (not out) in one innings, and Mr Fred. Grace struck a ball so hard that, we were told, “it went clean through a lady’s parasol like a cannon-shot.” Fortunate Discovery. —An old saying was verified at theMurrurnudi Police Court lately. The correspondent of the Sinffleton Times states that a man named “ Chartres ” was apprehended for being drunk and riotous, and then taken to the lock-up. When brought before the magistrate, the usual fine was inflicted : but before the man was discharged, he was told by the magistrate that he had been advertised for a long time. Chartres upon making inquiry finds that he has come into the sum of 1>3,000, and that he nas for a long time been sought after by his relatives. He is a north of Ireland man. Had he not been taken to the locß-up, in all probability he would never have been heard of, as he has not passed in his own name, and only gave it by mistake at*the lock-up, being drunk.

Temperance. — A meeting of persons favorable to the re-construction of the Total Abstinence Society in Dunedin, was held at the Athenanun last night, and there were about sixty ladies and gentlemen present. The following resolutions were carried : “ That a Society be now formed for the propagation in Dunedin of the principles and practices of total abstinence from intoxicating liquors.” “That a Committee, consisting of Messrs Neale, Cairns, Graham, Rennie, and Jago, be appointed to prepare the form of pledge and constitution for the guidance of the Society now formed, and report to a meeting to be called at an early date.” “ That this meeting rejoices to learn that an effort is to be made to form the union of the several total abstinence societies in Otago, and pledges itself to render the proposed union earnest and, as far as possible, efficient support, and appoints the Rev. D. M. Stuart, and Messrs Rennie. Jago, Todd, and Graham, to represent this meeting at the approaching conference.” Port Chalmers.—About 30 tons of hag-stones from the celebrated Spittal Quarry, at Caithness, were landed at Port Chalmers yesterday by Mr William Elder. As this is the first direct shipment landed at the Port, it is an indication of progress, and will doubtless have the effect of directing the attention of the Municipal authorities to the state of footpaths, which, despite private effort, retain, even in the principal streets, much of their original character, the uneven surfaces forming a receptac'e for dust in dry weather, which is converted into mud by every shower of rain. We are glad to hear that several of the principal ratepayers in George street have shown a desire to abate this nuisance by making a liberal offer to the Corporation witli regard to the pavement, and though they have as yet received no direct reply, the importance of the proposal will no doubt meet with favorable consideration. It seems a pity that the balance of this shipment per the Otago (of about 100 tons) has been forwarded to Dunedin, instead of being secured for the Port.

Prc-Nic.—The annual pio-nic to the children of the St Paul’s Sunday School took place yesterday at Vauxball Gardens. The weather was everything that could he desired. About eleven o’clock, the children, under the supervision of the superintendent and teachers of the school, assembled at the old jetty, and were conveyed across to tbe Gardens by the steamer Golden Age. Arrived there, the usual sports, such ns cricket, football, racing, &c., were indulged in until about one o’clock, when they did hearty justice to the good cheer provided by Mr Hudson. After lunch, they had an agreeable change in the shape of dancing in the rotunda. After spending a pleasant afternoon, the children had tea, and returned about seven o’clock, one and all having enjoyed their holiday very much. We were in error yesterday in stating the number of children present ; there were over 300 on the grounds.— Yesterday the annual pio-nic of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church Sunday School came off in a paddock at Hillside (the use of which had been kindly granted by Mrs Cargill), when a large assemblage of children turned out, numbering about; 300, who with their teachers, parents, and friends joined in the various games provided for them with great zest, and seemed thoroughly to enjoy themselves. Tim Key. Mr Scrimgeour and the office-bearers were also present, apd entered heartily into the enjoyment of the young.

sfcers. The provisioning for the multitude was left entirely to Mr Murray, of Rattray street, who supplied everything of the best, in variety and abundance. The amusements were gone into on the low ground, and tea was provided in the paddock behind the manse, and belonging to the congregation, from which perhaps one of the finest views can be obtained that the eye could desire. Fire Brigade. —At the monthly meeting of the Brigade last evening. Captain Wain in the chair, Mr Thom is Mitchell’s resignation as a working member was accepted, and Messrs Clifford, Atkinson, and A. Miller were proposed as working members. It was unanimously resolved to carry out the arrangements for having the Brigade enrolled under the Volunteer Act. Some other business of a general character was transacted, after which Captain Wain presented the retiring secretary (Mr Pufilett) with a testimonial in appreciation of his services to the Brigade. The presentation took the shape of an illuminated ticket, very nicely written by Mr Spreat, the frame being made by Messrs Steele and Waites ; the whole being enclosed in a morocco case, elegantly mounted, the work of Mr J. P. Oliver. The wording is as follows : —“ Dunedin Volunteer Fire Brigade. Life member’s ticket. Presented to Mr R. Puffiat by the officers and members of the Brigade as a mark of their esteem and respect on his retiring from the office of Honorary Secretary, held by him for the last four years. Signed, on behalf of the officers and members, by the Captain and Secretary.—Decemb°r 9, 1870.” In acknowledging the gift, Mr Pulflet said that he felt proud of the position ho was placed in, as the recipient of the highest honor the Brigade could possibly have conferred on a member. He felt it almost unnecessary to say that he had always endeavored to promote the welfare of the Brigade so far as Iris abilities would allow him. He felt deeply sensible of the high respect the members had shown him during his tenure of office as secretary and as a member. In accepting the testimonial, he received it with pride and pleasure, and so long as ho was spared he would always look upon it as the greatest compliment and highest the Dripade could have paid him. He also stated that he was happy to find that it did not depdve him of the op-po-tmiity to still give his humble services to the good cause the Brigade was baxded together to support; and he would only be ton glad to respond to their call whenever his assistance might be required. “The Prophecy of Blois.” —The Constitutional publishes a prediction wellknown in certain parts of France as “the prophecy of Blois.” It was made in 1808 by an Ursuline nun of that city, and she foretold that troubles would come upon both Blois and France in 1848 and in 1870. The former part of her prediction has come true ; and therefore there is a probability that the latter part of it also may be realised. While foretelling terrible troubles to France in the present year, the mm went on to predict la sauveur accorde a la France, and added that he should be a man whom the country did not expect. According to her prophecy, the r/rands mat hears were to begin after the middle of July—it will be remembered that the war dates' from just before that time—and before the vintage. The troubles foretold were to affect the capital especially, in which there was to be a fearful fight and very great massacre. “ Both good and bad will fall in battle, for all the men will be called out and only the old men left in the place. The time,” adds the nun, “will he short; for the women will prepare the vintages, though the men will return to complete the work. Meantime no news will be obtained, excepting through private letters. Presently, three couriers will arrive at Blois, of whom the first will be in too great a burry to stop at all, and the third, who will come by fire and .water’—probably, that is, by railway—“ will be the bearer of good news. A Te Deum will then be sung, such as never has been heard sung before ; but this Te Drum will not be in honour of him who reigned at the first, but for the saviour granted (accorde) to Prance.” The prophecy of Blois ends by a statement to the effect that “the Prince will not be there; they will go and seek him elsewhere; and after the Prince ■ has ascended the throne, France will enjoy peace and prosperity for twenty years.”

The usual monthly meeting of the Third New Zealand Building aud Mutual Investment Society for receiving subscriptions will be held this evening at 7 o’clock. The members of the Loyal Alexandra Lodge, A.1.0.0.F., aud sister Lodges, are requested to attend at Wain’s Old Masonic Hall, to-morrow (Wednesday) evening, at 8 o’clock.