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Evening Star, Issue 2989, 17 September 1872, Page 2

Political. — His Honor the Deputy Superintendent left Wellington for Dunedin by the Tararua last night. New Industry.—A new industry appears likely to be initiated in Southland, in the shape of the collection for export of rabbit skins. A dealer there offers 2d a-piece for 20,000 skins.

Sporting,— At a meeting of tlic Jockey Club held at the Empire Hotel last evening, it was resolved to hold a race meeting on St Andrew’s Day (November 30), instead of the 9th of that month, as originally proposed, so as not to interfere with the Volunteer and Friendly Societies’ fete on the latter day. Port Chalmers Railway.—The locomotive “Josephine” made another anO more successful trial trip to Burke’s Brewery to-day than yesterday. The time occupied in the journey was only nine minutes. The engine behaved admirably, turning the curves in a smooth and satisfactory manner. Mr Burke entertained Mr Prondfoot and party in his usual hospitable manner. On the return trip a few hogsheads of beer were conveyed to Mr Dodson at Fort Chalmers. Exhibition of Flax Machinery. The letters to the various Governments of the Colony, asking for monetary aid in carrying out the proposed exhibition of flax machinery have elicited favorable replies from the Canterbury and Otago officials— LoO being promised for each Province, and had it not been for the change in the Colonial Ministry, there is good reason to believe that a favorable answer would have been received before now from that quarter also. 'I he time has not yet been long enough for replies to come to hand from the Northern Provinces. —Lyttelton Times.

The Volunteers.—Major Atkinson, accompanied by Captain Stavely, inspected the Anderson’s Bay division of the Naval Brigade, on Monday evening. There were present 1 sub-lieutenant, 2 petty officers, and 24 volunteers, being a total of 27 out of a possible 30. The company was put through the manual and platoon exercises, and was afterwards exorcised in piling bayonets, &c. The men present were complimented by the Major on their steadiness and general efficiency. Great credit is due to Sergeant McPherson for the pains he has taken with this division of the Naval Brigade, which lias, since under his charge, greatly increased in efficiency and strength, new recruits presenting themselves to bo sworn in every drill night. Before being dismissed, three hearty cheers were given for Major Atkinson.

A Stupid Act. — This morning the police received information that a man named Charles Humphrey, said to he a son of the late Alderman Humphrey, of London, and a recent arrival here, had grievously wounded himself. On proceeding to the Australasian Hotel, in Maelaggan street, where Humphrey has been staying. Constable Anderson found him bleeding from a severe wound in the left arm, 'which appears to have been inflicted by Humphrey with a penknife while in a state of intoxication. He and the landlord had some quarrel over monetary matters, the upshot of which was that Humphrey took to drinking heavily, and injured himself as stated above while in one of his drunken tits. He was removed to the Hospital. The Ha/.JIAR.— Tho Soutli Australian Hall, the new locale of the bazaar in aid of the funds of the Blueskin Church, presented a very animated appearance last evening. The attendance was, we were glad to see, large, and apparently a considerable amount of business was done. In the drawing for the devotional chair, Mrs John Cargill

proved to be the winner ; and for the handsome table, the work of Mr Williams, George street, Mr Watson. This evening is positively the last night of the bazaar, When it will open at seven o’clock, and admission will of course be free. Several valuable articles arc to be disposed of by rallle at 8.30, and we would recommend those who are on the look out for bargains, and are disposed to help a good cause, to visit the South Australian Hall this evening. Mr Jas. Milner wil act as auctioneer.

Reunion. —The members of the Colored Opera Troiu e celebrated their anniversary by a supper held at Wain's Hotel last evening, and advantage was taken of the occasion to present Mr G. V. Westropp with the proceeds of the late concert given fur his benefit, and to make a presentation to Mr G. Wright, another member of the troupe. The chair was occupied by Mr H. S, Fish, jun., and the vice by Mr G. It. West. A capital spread having been done ample justice to, the usual loyal aud patriotic toasts were given and duly received. The “ Army, Navy, Volunteers” was responded to by Captain Copeland ; and '* The Mayor and Corporation” by the Mayor. Afterwards Mr Marcus Hume handed to Mr Westropp a cheque representing the net proceeds of the concert, which were a little over L7O, and in doing so, expressed the regret of the tioupe at losing Mr Westropp, who had always been a valuable ally, and thei” sincere wishes for his future success. Mr Westropp made a suitable reply. Mr R. Hume next presented Mr Wright with a very handsome clock which bore the following inscription : respect by the members of the Dunedin C.U.T., September IG, 1872,’” and in doing so facetiously observed that that was the method the troupe had of encouraging its members to enter the matrimonial state; Mr Wright having recently done so. In responding to the toast of ‘ The Troupe,” proposed by the Mayor, Mr M. Hume, whose name was associated with it, traced its rise and progress. He said that perhaps it would have been as well had the Troupe’s efforts been confined to the amusement of the patients of the Lunatic Asylum, the purpose for which it was originally formed; but at the same time there could be no question of its entire success since it came before the public. It had, however, been the means of producing a sort of “ Nigger mania,” and he thought the thing was getting stale, and that they should rest on their oars for a while. The commencement of their public appearances only dated two years back, since which time they had given thirteen concerts at Dunedin and elsewhere, the gross proceeds of which amounted to over LOGO. The Troupe had also given its services very freely in aid of charities, and before sitting down, said he wished to observe that during the past two yeaisthe troupe had given concerts in aid of the funds of the Benevolent Institution ; and as that really very deserving institution was short of funds at present, they should close their season by giving another concert in aid of it. (We may remark parauthetically, that judging by the manner in winch the proposal was received, Mr Hickson will have no difficulty in securing the troupe’sservices.) In replying to the toast of “The Choral Society,” Air West made some excellent observations, in Avhich he urged upon the troupe not to confine its efforts solely to the “ nigger business,” but to attempt something higher. For the benefit of other musical bodies, and as affording an instance of the value of steady rehearsal, we may mention that it was stated during the evening that during two years, every practice, with three exceptions, when one or two would be absent, was attended by every member of the troupe. The evening was very pleasantly spent, the speeches being interspersed by some capita! songs

The lecture night in connection with the A.1.0.0.F. Lodge has been postponed till tVie '2si.li inst.

The opening of the new Headquarter Drill .'lied will be celebrated by a concert and dance, to be held on Friday evening, the 27th inst.

The annual general meeting of the Dunedin Cricket Club will be held at the Shamrock Hotel, to-morrow (Wednesday) evening, at 7.30. Gentlemen wishing to join are invited to attend.

Professor Black’s lecture on “The place .and functions of oxygen in the three kingdoms of nature,” will be delivered this evening, under the auspices of the Dunedin Mutural Improvement Society, in the Lower Hall of the Athemeum, at 8.30.

A meeting of the Otago Institute wall be held in the University Buildings this (Tuesday) evening, at 7.30. Business : Address of Mr J. 8. Webb, “ On the work of the past year in astronomical science and celestial physics;” paper Mr A. C, Purdie, “ On recent additions to the Otago Museum.” M, Villaine will (by request) explain the principles of his invention of a submarine boat for gold mining purposes.