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Evening Star, Volume IX, Issue 2591, 7 June 1871, Page 2

Court of Appeal.—An Order in Council appears in :he Xew Zealand Gar.eUe of the Ist hist., fixing the sittings of the Com t of Appeal to be held in tho Supreme Court House, Wellington, on the Bid of July. The Suez Mail.—The Suez Maymail, which will bring telegraphic advices from London up to May 15, is due at Melbourne to-morrow. Justices of the Peace.—Messrs W. Grummitt of Mount Ida, and John M‘Neill of Balclutha, have been appointed Justices of the Peace for the Colony. The University Council. The only conclusion arrived at to-day was the appointment of Mr Tancrid as Chancellor, and Mr Carleton, Vice Chancellor of the Otago University, for the ensuing two years. Princess Theatre. There was again a large attendance at the theatre yesterday evening ; and from the way in which the different performers were received, it is evident they have a firm grip on the public. It is announced that the programme will be changed to-night. Concert and Readings.—This evening a mixed entertainment will be given in the South District School, for the benefit of the Benevolent Institution. Mr Bathgate is announced to take the chair. Miss Bell is to be pianist; and as the musical selections, both vocal and instrumental, are good, a most enjoyable evening may he anticipated. Presbytery op Dunedin. This morning the certificates of tho Hev. J. McCosh Smith, M.A. and B.D. of the Communion- of the Free Church of Scotland, were laid on the table by the Rev D. M. Stuart, and Mr Smith was warmly welcomed by the Presbytery. Tho petition from the North Dunedin Congregation, praying to be declared a Sanctioned Church, wss laid before the Presbytery, and supported by the deputies. The prayer of the petition was granted. The resignation of Mr Scrymgeour was to be dealt with this afternoon, “ The New Zealand Herald.”— This month’s number is remarkable for the excellence of its engravings, and is especially interesting from q mtaining ah extended view of Sydney, and an admirably-drawn and well-cut engraving of Forbury Park Racecourse, with the Bay and hills in the distance. In addition to the illustrations, the summary for the month contains a wellwntton account of the leading social ani political events of the Colony. Altogether this month’s publication is especially adapted for transmission Home.

The Telegram Case.—A telegram in the Press says of the charge preferred by Mr .Barton against Mr Lemon, that the case presen ted no features of special interest, and seemed weak from the first. The only witnesses to-day were Messrs Walmsley and Hall, operators. The witnesses refused to answer some questions, being afraid to criminate thcmselvet, which was overruled.The case was dismissed summarily. It is understood that the Government will not resume Mr Barton’s prosecution if no proceedings are taken by the other side. Immigration,—We learn from the correspondence received by the incoming mail, that the Home Agent, fearing that the Colonial Treasurer should have been charged with authority to enter into arrangements for the conveyance of immigrants, delayed entering into any contract for the present season with Messrs P. Henderson and Co., or other parties. Mr Vogel, however, had informed him that he did not feel at liberty to advise or instruct bim, and as the want of a definite arrangement might injuriously affect the regularity of the despatch of vessels during the season, he was shut up to conclude a definite arrangement with Messrs Henderson and Co., which he woijjd do immediately after the mail left. The rates will probably be the same as last year.

Soiree.—The members of the Kaikora and Eoslyn Institute held their inaugural Soiree last evening in the drill shed at the Kaikora, Geo. Hepburn, Esq., in the chair. The building was crowded. The liberal provision made by the Committee for the tea meeting, presided over by the ladyfriends of the institute were duly appreciated, if the rapid disappearance of the good things provided were any criterion. The entertainment was a success and our friends in the suburbs may eougntulae themselves on the x-esult of the amalgamation of the so. eicties. The evening’s amusements were agreeably Interspersed with speeches, songs from old friends, and recitations, all of which were well received. We cannot withhold our special comme> datum from Miss Hayes and Mr Matheson, whose excellent singing was enthusiastically received, Mr Mitchell

did the comic business in a manner that was highly applauded. The whole entertainment was thoroughly enjoyable, and the committee deserve great credit for the arrangements which led to so great a success. Licensed Victuallers’ Association.—The annual general meeting of the Olago Licensed Victualler’s Association, was held last evening at the Fire Brigade I looms. Thera was a full attendance. The report of the committee was rend and adopted, which, with the balance-sheet, showed that the affairs of the Association are prospering. The election of ofilc '-bearers for the ensuing year resulted as follows :—President, Mr W. Watson ; Vice-President, Mr J. Ca.rnll ; Treasurer, Mr Job Wain junr. ; Hon. Secretary Mr 11. W. Sh phcr.l ; Dommttec Messrs Fidley, Bay ley. Fricdlich, Buck, MTlroy, Hutton, and IS. Lyons. Auditors—Messrs Thompson and Maegregor. A number of new members were ballotted for and elected. Several propositions for the advancement of the interests of the Association were considered and adopted. It was determined to celebr ite the anniversary of the Association by a supper on the 4th of July next, and a committee was appointed to carry out the arrangements Votes of thanks were recorded to the past officers and committee for the efficient manner in which they bad performed their duties ; and a vote of thanks to the chairman brought the proceedings to a conclusion.

“The Evangelist.” — There is very much readeable matter in’ this month’s number, although in some respects we should like to sec an improvement in it. The editor must not be offended if we especially draw attention to the style of two articles, the matter of which is good. We have before expressed the opinion that the style ecclesiastical is not often attractive in the pulpit, and never is out of it. We never can understand why an extia good man should not use the same style of expressing thought as other people—why he should not wash his face and comb his hair, so that nobody may imagine he wants to obtain a character for fasting We lave full faith in the piety rnd self-denial of the clergy, and therefore we do not like them to give way to what the thoughide-s call “cant.” The “ Professing < 'hriMian drawing back,” and “The Chili Jesus,” are both spoiled by this failing. We should judge the writer of the latter has no conception of the best way of talking to children, or he would have descended from his stilts and cut out most of his long adjectives, been less argumentative ad sermonising, and more illustrative, and then perhaps his papers might have claimed to be the right thing in the right place- in the corner for the young. “ The Wynd Churches” in Glasgow, is worth reading ; as also the paper on “The Epistle of Ignatius.” There is also in the general religions intelligence, and the “Notes of Travel in New Zealand,” much to ainuse, instruct, aud interest.

Inquest,—The late hour at which the proceedings terminated last evening, prevented us from giving a report of the adjoined inquiry. touching the death of a male child born of one Bridget Gee, on the 29th ult. The evidence adduced was merely, if [ cdtiop of that given at the past enquiry ; it being necessary to repeat it, in order that the girl might have an opportunity of cross-exami-ning if she so desired. She did not do so, however; her friends being of opinion, that there was no necessity to do so, and it was intimated that'she would only obtain legal assistance at the further inquiry. The Coroner on summoning up, pointed out that •the great question for the jury, was to say from the evidence, and not from theory, whether the child’s death was caused accidentally from falling, as had biten suggested on the door, or whether on the other hand, the girl had deliberately killed it. The great point that did enable them to decide that question was the nature of the injuries the child had receivod. As Dr Borrows had said, and as their own common sense ought to tell them, such injuries could not have been caused by falling. A child’s bones are elastic, and lie could not see how |a fall from the mother to the door, -as had been suggested, could have produced such injuries. The child could not fall on its jaw and head at the same time, producing fractures in these two places. But, besides these, there was the severe cut. Now, this could not in any way have been caused by a fall. It seemed to him, from the evidence, that there had been, on the part of the woman, a deliberate intention to destroy the child, to kill it, to get rid of it; if that was their opidioji, their verdict would be one of murder against her. The case against her was clear, abundantly clear. Had the injuries been merely a fractured skull, a point might be stretched in her favor, but iu this case the injuries were extensive. After lialf-an-hour’s deliberation, the jury returned a verdl t of wilful murder against Bridget Gee, wi b a rider, that in their opinion “there was a want of charity shown to Bridget Gee by her employers, and that had they sent for medical assistance at an earlier period, it is probable Bridget Gee would have been saved from her present position.” The Coroner committed her to take her trial at tho ensidng criminal sessions of the Supreme Court.

Education. —TJxo departmental report on education has been laid on the table of the Provincial Council, from which wo learn that there are 90 elementary schools established in connection with the Board 10 more than during the year IS7O. 149 teachers arc employed in the schools—viz., 100 schoolmasters, 21 schoolmistresses, 7 teachers of sewing, 3 male and 18 female pupil teachers. The Board has also sanctioned the establishment of side schools at Taieri Firry and Clarke’s Flat, near Lawrence. The total number of childreu attending the schools in connection with the Board is 3,809 boys and 3,110 girls—together, 0,919. Of these, 236 boys and 222 girls are under five years of age ; 1,966 boys and 1,637 girls, five and under ten ; 867 boys and 711 girls, ten and under twelve ; 622 boys and 470 girls, twelve and under fifteen ; 118 boys and 70 girls, fifteen and upwards. The branches of instruction given arc—reading, writing, arithmetic, grammar, English composition, geography, history, Algebra or Geometry, Latin, French, drawing, bookkeeping, singing from notes ; ami the girla are taught sewijig. The cost of maintenance of the schools is ; -Contributed by the Government, L12,92S 19s 3'.; school fees, ! <>,099 Is 5d ; contribution- and irom other sources, L 1,538 ■ < KM ; iota., 1.20,566 7s (id. The cost of the Gigli .Seiiooi for boys is : Salaries of Rector and masters, i I.ImO ; Janitor, LG4 1 - ; printing, fuel, and repairs, 1479 1s Bd. Toe cost of the girls’ Provincial School is set down at: Salaries for three mouths, L 100; contingencies, L 231 I2s lit}.

The salary and expeuces of the Singing. Master is L4OO ; of the Drawing Master, 1,461'17s 6 1; Public Libraries, L 822 13s 8d ; school maps and appliances, Llo9 10s 3d; school sites. L 193 10s 10d ; Provincial scholars, L 236 los. As a set off against these expenses, there are fees—High School boys, L 674 ; girls, one quarter, LlB9. Drawing-class fee, L 93 4s 0d : and receipts from education reserves, L 1,498 12s Bd, The total cost, therefore, is L 21,193 17s 7d. The girls Provincial school was opened on the Gth February, with a roll of 78 pupils. By the end of the quarter 102 were in attendance ; and the number has since increased to 122, of whom 15 are boarders. The boarding accommodation and the class rooms are now so crowded that the Lady Principal has found it absolutely necessary to i efuse admission to several new applicants. The report thu summarises the course of instruction given to the girls In addition to the ordinary course in English and French, lessons are given to the elder girls on botany, chemistry, and natural philosophy. Tea of the pupils study German, and shirty*live learn music. Lessons are given in drawing by Mr. Mutton the Provincial Drawing Master ; and in class-singing by Mr Taylor, the Provincial Singing Master. The work of the school is conducted by the Lady Principal, Mrs Burn, Principal Assistant, Miss Macdongall; Resi-. dent Assistant, Mrs Rhind ; Resident (music) Governess, ’ Miss fiuie ; Visiting Music Teachars, Miss Bell, and Mr Lees, In the higher branches the Rector and Masters of the High School give .lessons. The report concludes by remarking, “ It is very evident that Mrs Burn has succeeded iu securing for the girls Provincial the confidence of the public.