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Evening Star, Volume IX, Issue 2670, 7 September 1871, Page 2

Journalistic. —We understand that Mr J. L. Gillies lias accepted the editorship of the Bruce Herald. Foot Ball. —The match between the High school and University teams, with twenty-five men aside, has been arranged to take place on Saturday next; to commence at two o’clock sharp. The ground has not yet been chosen ; but we believe the match will, in all probability, be played on the southern recreation ground. Supreme Court.— The trial of F. W. Rt-icheltwas continued to-day. The only fresh evidence was given by Dr Deck as to the explosive properties of kerosen % w'hich he had tested. Another new- witness was Mr W. Mander, w’ho gave evidence as to the value of the goods in the custody of the police. The case for the Ciowu had not finished at four o’clock. Roslyn Election. —Mr M‘Glaslmn first, and Mr M Tndoe afterwards, addressed the electors at the Fleshy t.erian Meeting House, Maori Hill, last night. A unanimous vote in favor of Mr M‘Glashan to represent the district was accorded to him. Mr John Cargill held a meeting at the Kaikorai drill shed, when a vote of confidence in him was carried. Dunedin Mutual Improvement Society. —The general meeting of this So ciety took place at the Athcmeum last eveevening, the president (Mr Beveridge) in the chair. Mr Pirrie read an essay on “The present condition of England.” A discusvole of "thanks to the essayist was carried unanimously. Delivery of Mails, —ln refavmco to the letter we received complaining of delay in the delivery of mails into private boxes, we are informed that the average time at which the mails from the North reach the Post Office is not earlier than five o’clock, and that the delivery into private boxes is seldom later than half-past five to six o’clock. Many persons mistake Cobb’s coach, which arrives at four o’clock, for the mail; but it does not carry the mail. Cricket.—The annual meeting of the Citizens Club was held at Watson’s hotel, Walker street, last evening, the president (Mr H. S. Fish) in the chair. The balance sheet showed that during the past season L2O had been paid off the liabilities of the previous season. The office bearers for the ensuing sea : on were elected as follows : president, Mr H. S. Fish; vice-president, Mr A. T. Dunning ; secretary, Mr J. F. Peake ; treasurer, Mr Watson ; committee, Messrs G. W. Geddes, A. Josling, Clark, Marsdcn, Glen, Hendley and Pledger. It was resolved to reduce the subscription .to half a guinea, as an inducement to persons desirous of joining the dull; and it was agreed to get an entertainment with a view to paying off present liabilities. From the manner in which the latter project was taken up, there is little doubt that the entertainment will result in a large addition to the club’s funds. A Terrible Calamity.—So much attention is given just now to affairs on the European Continent, that anything happening elsewhere that would arrest attention in peaceful times is entirely ovcrlooded. The last"Californian mail brought intelligence of one of the most fearful earthquakes of modern years, which has occurred in China. Accoading to the report of the American Minister in China, the earthquake happened at Bathang, which lies on a very elevated spot beyond the Province of Szchucn, on April 11, and about JO miles from Tatsein. The quakes lasted for four days, and the earth opened in four different places, emitting great flames, The official reports say for several days before the earthquake the water had overflowed the dykes, after that the earth cracked in many places, and black fcctid water spurted out in many places. Nearly 2500 persons were killed in the ruins of the houses, and a tract of country 20,000 square miles in extent was entirely devastated. An extract from General Lowe’s report will convey an fidea of the severity of the shocks.” In some places steep hills split and sunk into deep chasms, in others mounds on level plains became precipitous cliffs, and the roads and highways rendered impassable by obstructions. The people were beggared, and scattered like autumn leaves, and this calamity is the most distressing and destructive that has ever occurred iu China. “ Pippins and Cheese to Come.”— Tliis was the title of a lecture delivered yesterday evening by Mr Hubert Gillies to the members of the Knox Church Young Men’s Association. Mr Keith occupied the chair. The lecture referred to the trials of the early settlers of Otago, and how in the words of Shakspeare “ pippins and cheese ” became their subsequent reward. The lecturer exhibited a copy of the first paper published iu the poviuce called the Vlogo

New*, printed on December 13, 1818, just nine months after the arrival of the first settlers. It belonged to a Mr Graham and passed through the usual struggles of a first attempt. The powers of that day once tried to suppress it and withdrew their subscription of 40 copies because the editor spoke his mind. The settlers, however, rallied round the editor and presented him with a purse of 80 sovereigns. The journal died on reaching its 91st number, the editor stating it did not pay, and soon after poor Graham died too. In the year 1849 the population of the province amounted to 745 souls, of whom only 439 were above 15 years of age. According to an official return the number of stock was horses 35 ; cattle, 3G7 ; sheep, 2,430; poultry, 593, all told. Labourers wages were 3s to 3s (id per day. 'Die revenue for the year was L9OO 10s 7d ; the expenses, 1.693 4a 90, leaving a balance to the following year’s account of 1/214 5a lOd, thus in those days they lived within tMir means. The lecturer humorously described tbo condition of the settlement in the winter months at that early date, and the efforts made to get from one part of the town to the other. At that period the settlers had to grind their own corn. He read an advertisement of a settler at Porfcobello hay, offering the use of his steel hand-mill at the rate of Is per bushel, the parlies using the mill to take the corn there and grind it themselves. The lecturer stated that many a time had lie ground his corn before getting his supper, an operation which he expected most of the young men of 1871 would object to. In alluding to the means for public worship he read a notice informing the members of the Church of England in Dunedin that that on “.Sunday, Feb. 15,1859, they would meet for the first time for public worship at the gaol, Dunedin.” In concluding he said “ pippins and cheese ” were now being enjoyed by many of the early settlers, and be believed the sam reward was before the young men of the present day whom he advised to stick to Otago and make it their home. De did not believe the province was used up as some would make out, and though ortunes could not now be rapidly made, there were still “ pippins and cheese” to be had with industry and perseverance. The lecturer was loudly applauded and a most hearty vote of thanks to both lecturer and chairman closed the proceedings. It will be seen by a reference to our advertising columns that his Worship the Mayor, at the request of a large number of citizens, convenes a public meeting at the Masonic Hall, on Monday evening next, to consider the question of “The Gas Monopoly.” Mr John Cargill will address the electors of lloslyn at the drill shed, Caversham, this evening, at 7.30; and at the Morniugton school house, to-morrow (Friday) evening, at 7.30.