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Evening Star, Volume IX, Issue 2791, 27 January 1872, Page 2

Gaol Return. —The following is the state of H. M. Gaol, Dunedin, for the week ending 27th Jan, Awaiting trial, 1 man ; 1 woman ; under remand, 0 man, 0 women, penal servitude, S3 men, 0 women ; hard labor, 3(5 men, 19 women; imprisonment, 0 men, 0 women ; in default of bail, 2 men, 0 women ; debtors, 1. Total, 123 men ; 20 women. Deceived during the week, 4 men, 3 women; discharged, 3 men, 2 women. Life Assurance. —The Grey River Arijus of Jan. 17, says:—The residents in Grey mouth are among the most provident in the Colony if, as is generally supposed, life assurance is a test of thrifty habits. Between the proposals obtained by Captain Baldwin and those previously obtained by Mr M'Beath, the Postmaster, the assurances in the Government Department at Greymouth will amount, we believe, to nearly L4o, 000, whilst the Australian Mutual Provident is said to have obtained nearly Lie,ooo. LOO, 000 for Greymoufh is upt bad. Captain Baldwin leaves town this morning. During his stay here he phtained upwards of sixty proposals. The Interprovincial Race.—The amalgamation of the Christchurch clubs for the interprovincial race, generally supposed to have been finally settled, has suddenly collapsed, and an amalgamation now appears to be out of the question. The delegates of the Canterbury Club reported the result of the meeting of delegates to a general meeting of the club on Saturday last; but it appeared that tin y bad unintentionally exceeded their powers, aud the terms of amalgamation not being satisfactory, the report was not ajn

proved, but, on the contrary, the club decided to enter a boat for the great race entirely on their own account. The Avon Club being also determined to do the same, the Union and Heathcote Clubs are left out in the cold altogether. The Times says It may be however that in view of the anticipated arrival of a new boat for the former club at an early date, that the two clubs will strike up an alliance and select a joint crew, rather than take no active part in the big event of the season. A Brave Action, —Perhaps nothing is more difficult—certainly nothing involves greater personal risk than to stop a terrified horse galloping at full speed, drawing a carriage behind him, with some portion of the

gearing broken, which, by its repeated action upon the animal, impels him to frantic efforts to free himself. Yet this feat, requiring the utmost activity, coolness and daring, was successfully achieved by Constable O’Donnell this morning. An rye witness informs us that about noon, through a bolt attaching the shaft of an express waggon to the body giving way, the horse became frightened; and notwithstanding the utmost efforts of the driver to pull him'up, the animal galloped furiously towards the Octagon, up Princes street. It seemed an act of madness to attempt to stop it, and yet in view of the imminent danger to those in the wagon, and to passengers and conveyances in the street, some effort was desirable. But who was to run the risk of a broken limb, being maimed for life, or probably of death ! On the rise of the bill, nearly opposite the Medical Hall, fortunately constable O’Donnell happened to be, and without the slightest hesitation, he contrived, by a desperate effort, to overtake the waggon, seize the shaft, draw himself rapidly towards the horse’s head, and, seizing the reins with a powerful effort, threw the animal on his haunches, and brought it to a stand-still. What his feelings were on hia success and escape Irotn danger we do not know; but this we do know, that it was a moment of intense interest to the spectators, who felt both relief and gratification that so daring an act should have resulted so happily. The driver too deserves commendation for his manly efforts to retain command over the horse. He never wavered nor manifested any desire to escape, but did his best to bring him up, and through his coolness very materially aided Constable O’Donnell in his efforts. We are very lavish in our gifts to those who are successful in depriving enemies of life in war : is there no public recognition due to those who risk their own lives to save others in times of peace ? It must be remembered that Constable O’Donnell ran greater risk to-day than any swimmer need incur in saving a drown ing man ; and probably saved several from severe injury or death : yet the Humane Society rewards every successful effort to save from drowning, with at least a medal. Being a municipal affair, the City Council, never very remarkable for its recognition of public services, might for once redeem its character and set tbe example of conferring some honorary or more substantial reward. They would, for once at least, do something praiseworthy.

The next rehearsal of the Dunedin Choral Society is announced to take place on Monday, Febuary 12th.