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Evening Star, Issue 2900, 5 June 1872, Page 2

What is A Gentleman %—A new definition of a gentleman was given in the Supreme Court, Wellington, lately, when a witness said a man was a gentleman because “he did nothing.” On hearing this, Mr Justice Johnston said he had heard the word gentleman defined as “ one ■ ho spent other people’s money.” The City Lamps. —“A Citizen” writes to us, enquiring whether the new gas contract allows of the turning off of all street lamps north of the Octagon before five o’clock in the morning during the winter months. He says they are sometimes turned off earlier than that ; and hopes the matter will receive the attention of some City Councillor.

Scholarships. The examinations in Christchurch for the scholarships offered by the New Zealand University, took place on the 21st ult., ten candidates presenting themselves. At Auckland the examinations commenced the same day, under the supervision of Mr Carleton, when only two candidates came up for examination. At Nelson there were nine competitors, the supervision being undertaken by the Rev. G. H. Johnstone.

The Suez Mail.—The non-receipt of the usual telegraphic summary of news on the arrival of the Suez mail, is accounted for by the fact that the branch mail steamer bad not been telegraphed from A delaide when the Albion left. The Frisco mail brought telegraphic intelligence to April 2(5, or four days later than the English papers, which will come to hand to-morrow. We must wait for the news which is transmitted via Gallo, till the next boat from Melbourne reaches Hokitika.

The Police.—ln consequence of the numerous applications for the vacancies in the force, the Commissioner has determined to select only men who arc sft. IDiu. in height. The ranks arc being quickly tilled up, and already the services of live special constables have been dispensed with. The detachment of the Armed Constabulary, consisting of a sergeant and twelve men, placed at the disposal of the Government by the Colonial Government, arrived by the Eangitoto this afternoon. They formed the subject of considerable attention on thenway from the wharf to the depot, and the criticisms passed on them appeared to be generally favorable. They are mostly young men, present a good appearance, and have considerable military dash about them. Licensed Victuallers. —The annual meeting of the Otago Licensed Victuallers Association last evening was well attended. The committee’s report showed that the number of members at the end of last month was 80, being an increase of three daring the year; while the total funds at the credit of the Association at that date, after paying all expenses, were Llll 10s. 2d. Tlie following were elected office-bearers for tho ensuing year :—President—Mr John Carroll; Vice-President— Mr E. B. Hammond ; Treasurer—Mr J. Wain, junior; Hon. Sec.—Mr G. Jacobs; Oommitlee —Messrs J. E. Hutchinson, Field, W. Fraser, T. Pavelitch, T, Hancock, J. Buck, and W. Thompson ; Messrs Sheppord and M‘Gregor. Friendly Societies’ Hall. —We are glad to find that Dunedin is at length likely to have a room capable of holding a large audience where concerts and lectures can be given, as well as theatrical entertainments. A space has boon cleared opposite the City Buffet, on which a ball is to be erected !)2 feet (loop by a width of 5 J feet in the clear. There will be seat room for 1,300 people. Fronting Friuces-etreet three shops

will be built with a lodge-room above, 45 by 34 feet. Separate passages will be provided leading to a spacious vestibule behind the shops, and to the pit, stalls, and resented seats. A ladies’ retiring room will also be provided with every convenience for robing and Committee rooms for lodge purposes will be added. Proper arrangements are made for the thorough ventilation of the hall. 'The plan has been prepared by Mr Saunders, architect, under whose superintendence the building will be constructed. Mr Gore has taken the contract, which is to be completed in about five months. The Provincial Council in Court. —The publication which, in the country districts, has earned for itself the strange title of the “ forty thieves,” was the subject of au action in the Resident Magistrate’s Court this morning. Messrs Mills, Dick, and Lyster sought to recover from Mr T. L. Shepherd, M. P. C., the sum of one guinea as his contribution towards the expense of producing the lithographed “roll of Provincial Councillors for 1871,” published by that firm. It was admitted on behalf of the plaintiffs that Mr Shepherd had refused to pay one shilling towards the affair; but they considered that, in honor, he should pay the sum claimed, as others had done so. It transpired, however, that ten other hon, members had declined to “stump” up; but the magistrate was left to form his own conclusions as to the reason. The defence was that the plaintiffs had been distinctly given to understand that Mr Shepherd would not pay for the “honor” which had been dune him, as he considered the thing a pure commercial speculation; and that he merely consented to allow his likeness to appear in the publication in their interests. Mr Shepherd, in his evidence, criticised the publication in rather uncomplimentary terms ; and said that instead of members being called on to subscribe, he thought they had a right to bring actions against the publishers for having caricatured them. Mr .Strode held that it was clear the plaintiffs had full notice of the defendant’s refusal to subscribe to the publication, and gave judgment in his favor.

We have received the current number of tke “ Illustrated New Zealand Herald,” which is the best number wo have seen for some time. There arc three capital Colonial views—the Town Hall, Queenstown ; Milford Haven, and Ohia Gorge. We also received the “ New Zealand Church News.”

We perceive from our advertising columns that Captain Wilson is about to supply a felt want to persons engaged in inaricine pursuits, and trust his efforts in preparing gentlemen to pass the Marine Board examination may prove successful. Captain Wilson is well known in town, and possesses testimonials of the highest class. We notice that Professor Haselmayer intends to give his magical entertainment at Port Chalmers this (Wednesday) evening and to-morrow (Thursday) evening. There is little doubt that his extraordinary dexterity in the “ black art ” will arouse the same interest and command the same liberal support there as was awarded him in Dunedin.

A General Meeting of the members of the Dunedin Football Club will be held on (Saturday, Sth inst., at 2 p.m., on the Cricket