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Evening Star, Issue 3566, 28 July 1874, Page 2

The sailing oE the mail steamer Cyphrenes has, by order of the Postmaster-General, been postponed till to-morrow, at 3.30 p.m. This step has doubtless been taken in order to admit of the Suez Mails, ex Albion, being distributed by her to the Northern Ports. An unusual reason for the non-publication of telegrams is given by the ‘Taranaki Herald,’ which says ;—“ We learn that the telegrams did not go through on Saturday last. The reason assigned by the Native for not conveying them, was that, his father having died, he was engaged in making a coffin for him, and could not get another man to take bis plapß.” The Mornington Band of Hope held its usual fortnightly meeting luht evening, iu the district hall, Mornington ; Mr A3 orris in the chair. There was not a very good r-atteudauce, considering the extremely tine weather. The programme was of the usual character, consisting of songs, readings and recitations, an 1 apparently seemed to keep the audience in good hum >r. Mr William Asher, one of the candidates for the repi esentation of Bell Ward in the City Council, met a large number of his friends and supporters last night at the Bainbow Hotel, George street. Mr Davidson having taken the chair, the Candida; e explained his views to the meeting. At the conclusion Mr P, Meenan proposed, and Air J Craigie seconded the motion—“ That Mr William Asher is a fit and proper person to repr.c.ent Bell Ward in the City Council which was carried unanimously. The meeting then resolved itsell 'into a committee to secure hi* return.

A Waipori correspondent of the 1 Tuapcka Times ’ says that, after the heaviest fall of snow known in the district f".r ten years pa?t, on the 22nd inst., a slight thaw set in, which, no doubt, will cruse a flood in the river if it continues for any length of time. I he Drainage Channel works will suffer considerably, if the fickle river rises to any ex tent. Mining operations are discontinued for the present, until more genial weather nets in.

The adjourned annual general meeting of the shareholders in the Shotov**r Terrace Gold ’i ining Company was held at too lat« an hour this afternoon for us to report the proceedings, but we are informed that the directors are in receipt of a telegram fn-m Mr Grace, working mana er, to the effjet that good gold has been struck in Eager’s claim. This is the portion of the company’s property in which the principal quantity of gold was obtained when it was in private hands.

There was a very poor attendance at the Princess Theatre last evening, when a drama, founded on Sir Walter Scott’s novel of “ Kenilworth,” and bearing the same name, was played, followed by the burlesque of “ The Three Bears.” We were not present during the first piece, but judging by the manner in which the burlesque was received, the audience fully enjoyed the evening’s amusement. Some excellent scenery has been painted by Mr Williams. The same programme will be presented this evening. The ‘N. Z. Times’ states that “a petition was presented to the House of Representatives by Mr Taiavoa on the 16th instant from A atives of the Middle Island, praying for the establishment of a Native Council in that i-laud. .i petition was also presented by the same hon. member from a Maori of the Middle Island, in connection with claims arising out of the sale of lands some years ago in that part of the Colony. This petition probably relate > to those extraordinary claims which the Maoris resident about Otago Heads have lately been putting forward.”

A number of the immigrants by the Mairi Babn will to-morrow be removed to the old Immigration Barracks in Princes street south, which is being fitted up for them. Mr Allan this morning sent by the damson to Oamaru from the Mairi Bhan thirty-eight women, seven single men, and fourteen children, or fifty-nine souls in all. This number includes all tho single females that were on the boat. A number of single men and women were engaged at the Barracks yesterday. The married men are employed in forming a road and making some necessary alterations. The single girls by the Denny will be removed to the Caversham Barracks on Thursday. Ihe ‘ Bruce Herald ’ gives the following statistics with respect to mining water-races in the Province :—Marewhcuua has about 150 miles of head-races, at an average cost of L3UU a mile, including rock-cutting, tluming, and tunnelling This would give an expenditure of L 45,000 for water purposes ouly in the last eight years. Hamilton’s sixty miles of head-races cost an expenditure of L 20.000. The Kyeburn has sixty miles of head-races, at a cost of LIO.OOO. .•sfc Bathan’s head-races are about ten miles in extent, and have cost their owners about Lo'o,ooo. Naseby is about to have a sixty mile Government head-race, at an expenditure of L 42,000. Hyde has about seventy miles of head races, at a cost of L2OO a mile, or u14,000 for the district. These figures, although referring to only certain poitions of the goldfields, give a length of 410 miles, constructed at a cost of L 161,000, showing an average of about L 392 per mile.

A number of commercial travellers nut at the Imperial Hotel last evening, for the purpose of presenting Mr James Goldsmith with a token of their esteem prior to his leaving for Europe. Mr Austin was appointed chairman, and, with a few remarks, he presented a handsome gold chronometer watch to the -suest of the evening, containing the following inscription :

Goldsmith, Esq., Commodore of the Flying Squadron, by the commercial travellers of Uunedin, on his retiring from]the road, as a mark of their esteem. ” The chairman said the recipient had ably and creditably maintained the di .nity of a true commercial traveller, and wished the recipient health and prosperity, and a happy and safe voyage Home. Mr GoLismith briefly responded, saying he had been in the Province for thirteen years, and was about to proceed Home cn Jus own account, where he trusted he would bo as successful as he had been in conducting the business of his employers in Dunedin, We have been favored by Mr A. Beverley with the following particulars in reference to the comet which has been visible within the last two or three days :—“Dune din, July 28, 1874.—A beautiful small comet is at present visible in the east before dawn. It was seen bv nr Hums on iSi nday morning, audit was then lO.leg or S.E. from Procycm, and appeared as origin; as a star of the first magnitude. This morning (Tuesday) it was 18deg. east from oirius, amt was equal to a star of the second magnitude. It is moving rapidly towards the south, and will probably be seen near the western horizon this evening after sunset, if the sky be clear. The form of this comet is an oval, about three times longer than broad, brightest near the margin, and having a beautiful nucleus at the smaller end. Its rapid motion shows that it will soon become invisible, and that it probably belongs to the class of wanderers through space which visit the solar system once, but never again return. It appears to have passed its periheliou, and to be receding from the sun; but another observation will be required to confirm this. If so, its perihelion passage will have been observed by European astronomers during last week. Wellington does not possess a distillery ; the following, Lorn the ‘ iN.Z. Times’ of the 18th inst, may there ore be excusable;— ‘ * The Colonial distilleries, it was stated last night in the House, now produce not only whisky, but brandy, geneva, rum, ac,—any description of liquor, iu short, to which the toper can give a name. When a member of

a Jolly Nose Club calls for ‘dropsof brandy,’ and fancies he is drinking the produce of the vineyards of France, or at least Edinburgh whisky rectified in or near Paris, he is only putting to his lips the product of Melbourne molasses distilled in JSew Zealand, When he thinks he is indulging himself in that product of the distillation of juniper berries which assists in making the Dutchman phlegmatic and fat without robbing him of his acuteness in business, he is only imbibing the Dunedin article. So with bis rum. \ud, yet, if he were to ask in any hotel, in any town of the Colony, excepting the capital of Utugo, or, mayhap, Auckland, ho would be assured, with a deprecatory shake of the landlord’s head, that he did not keep Duuedin whisky, much leas Dunedin or Auckland brandy, gin, or rum. One hon. member spoke of Colonial spirits as ‘ poison and others explained apologetic dly that

numerous experiments had to be tried since 18(}S to bring the process of distillation to perfection, and that ‘ now ’ good liquors were produced, However that may be, all Jolly Noata will be glad, no doubt, when the last drops of the spirits distilled in the Colony up to this time have pa.sed out of the market aud from the bar.” An extraordinary general meeting of the shareholders of the National Fire aud Marine Insurance Company ’ was held at Farley’s Hall yesterday afternoon, for the purpose of submitting for the approval of

the shareholders certain proposed alterations in, and additions to the Articles of Association of the Company. Mr B. B. Cargill occupied th< chair, and there were about forty shareholders present. There were five alterations, all of which were carried unanimously, aud are as follows :—ln article 17, “three” was substituted for “six”; in article 31, “second” for “first”; in article 80, “sx weeks” for “one month”; in article 83, “or posted to” was insert'd between “at” and “the”; and an addition to th ■ articles was made to this effect ‘ That, from and after a certain day to he named at the meeting, no person or persons shall individually, jointly, or in common hold more than 1,000 shares ; without prejudice, however, to the right of any shareholder or shareholders to retain all the shares of which he, she, or they shall have become the registered holders up to the day to be so named as aforesaid.” A long discussion ensued on the last alteration, the chairman explaining that it was the very essence of a company of this sort that its shares be widely distributed.—(blear, hear.) It was desirable as a mere matter of responsibility that the shares should not be held in too great masses hy individuals, but that they be distributed among as large numbers as possible ; and should there come about a large accumulation of shares in the hands of a comparatively small number, it would have the effect of preventing business being done in the shares, and would contract the sharelist, as well as the responsibility of the company. August 17 was fixed as the day on which the new articles come into operation, a meeting to confirm the action of this meeting to be held in the meantime.

As is usual in Dunedin on the first appearance of a Christy’s I roupe, the California Minstrels were favored with a crowded house on opening at the Q men’s Theatre last evening, the dress circle and boxes being well filled, while the lower parts of the bouse were literally crammed, and money refused at the doors before the advertised time of commencing. The first part of the entertainment was of that description incidental to a Christy’s performance, and served to introduce the various members of the comply* ®nch of whom on making his appearance was cordially received. The opening piece on the programme was an overture by the Minstrels, which was well played. The orchestra is a most efficient one, and during the evening played some very sweet music! Mr Amcry sang the first solo, a basso song, “ Let all obey, ” from the Enchantress, which was well rendered;’ bub “The Village Blacksmith,” which he afterwards gave, could not be called a success. Mr Mavor has a clear tenor voice, and his rendering of “Ettie Dear” was deservedly applauded. Mr Campbell’s baritone song is deserving oi mention. The first part of the entertainment was brought to a close by an amusing medley. Messrs Button audKelly were inimitable as cor-ner-men, and the jokes being original, and the humor racy, they were thoroughly relished In the second part Mr Kelly was very amuaas the water-mel-.n man, and Mr Sutton’s comic songs and dances were encored. A couple of farces, in which the members of the company took part, caused roars of laughter. The troupe were evidently not seen at their best, owing to their rough trip down the coast; and Mr Rockefeller,

oue dt the principal performers, was, in consequence, confined to his bed. This caused an alteration in the programme. A. violin solo on popular airs, given by Mr Herman, who will be remembered from his connection with the Excelsior troupe, proved one of the most enjoyable features of the evening. We can heartily recommend this performance to those of our readers who desire an enjoyable night’s entertainment. The amalgamation of the Alexandra and Leith Lodges, 1.0.0. F., was celebrated at the Caledonia Hotel, Great King street, last evening. Between sixty and seventy members of the Order and visitors sat down to an excellent repast provided by Host Cotter. The H. W.G.M. Bro, Michie occupied the chuir; the vice-chair being filled by the Noble Grand of the Lodge (Bro. T. Bracken). The usual loyal toasts having been disposed of, the Secretary, Bro. Bcyd, read the report, from which it appeared that the number of members on tho books at the time of the amalgamation was sixty nine, which was increased by the initiation of ten new members. At the end of the term the Lodge mustered sixty-six members, and the funds in band, after defraying all expenses, amounted to LS93 Iss I Id, or an average for each member of i.5 19s 4d. The secretary proved by statistics that the amalgamation of the two lodges was a wise proceeding, and concluded by stating that with tho aid of the liebekuhs they had the means of founding a Colony of their own. The chairman men said the next, duty he had to perform was of a very pleasing nature—namely, tho presentation of a testimonial to Bro. Bnyley, who bad for the last t-n years filled the post of Treasurer to the Lodge. This was given as a token of the es.eem in which he was hel<l by the members, and the recipient should not value it so much on account of its

i utrmaic woitu, but as showing the high estimation in whicn he was held by his brother * ’ddfellows. He (the chairman) wished Bro. Bayley long Ufa and happiness, audhandel him a handsome gold albert chain, with locket attached, the latter bearing the following inscription on one side ; “1.0.0. F., Loyal Leith Lodge and on the reverse, ‘‘ lo Brother F. Bayley, in appreciation of his services as Treasurer. July 27, 1874.” Bro. Bayley, in responding, thanked the members ol the L odge for the kindness and good feeling displayed by them towards himself, and said he would be proud to wear the testimonial presented to him that evening. He had been treasurer of the Leith Lodge since its formation, and it appeared evident that he had given satisfaction, or he would not have received such a recognition of his services. Bro. BayJey, on resuming his seat, was loudly cheered. Several o her toasts having been proposed and duly acknowledged, the meeting dispersed shortly before midnight.

The adjourned annual meeting of the Dun* edin Jockey Club was held at the Empire Hotel last night, Captain Hutchison in the chair. Ihe following report was read and adopted :—“ Your committee have to report that turn race meetings have been held during the past season, the total receipts, ineluding the balance from last year, and the amount received from tbe Tradesmen’s ‘■aces, which was passed into the general accounts, being L 3.170 I4s 6d, and the expenditure L 3.050 9s lOd, leaving a cash balance to the credit of the club of Llll 4s Bd. In accordance-with the wishes of their predecessors as embodied in their late report, your pommittee instituted a race {mown as Dunedin Cup at the annual meeting, which they are h*pj>y to say met wiin general approval. The number of nominations iqr this race was thirty-niue. The interest felt by tbe general public in this and other races of tbe meeting was shown by the fact that betwen 2,0(l0 and 3,000 strangers were in Duuedin during the Cup day, whereby all classes of the trading community were benefited. With regard tb the annual meeting, your committee have to report that the success far exceeded previous years ; not a hitch occurred, nor was a protest received, and the whole meeting passed off in an orderly manuer. Tho purchasers of tho gates, booths, stand &c., have expressed themselves as satisfied with the result. The expenses of the annual meeting were L 872 5s lOd j of that amount the sum of L 284 3s 41 was expended in additions and alterations to the grand-stand

and paddock, and on the purchase of various racing appliances, which will be found of great advantage at future meetings. In conclusion, your committee have to congratulate the members of the club on the success which has bien achieved ; also on the present pecuniary position in which it stands, the assets, as shown by the annual balance-sheet, being LSII 4s Bd. and the liabilities nil.”— (he following office-bearers were elected for the ensuing year :—Committee of management: Messrs Dowse, Hutchison, f) «flsou, Scott, Moo e, Beany, Gmi ley, Median, '-'aagart, C. VV. Ciutcu, and Stavely. President: Mr John Stephenson, Vice- President : Captain tlutchison. Treasurer :Mr Marshall. Ans’isors : Messrs Meenau and Cutten. Secretary : Mr Sydney James.—The meeting concluded with the decision being arrived at that Mr Dodson pay os r er to Mr Haines the stakes lodged in the former gentleman’s hands in the matter between Messrs Lyons and Co. and J. H. Garwood.

Mr Wilson will address the ratepayers this evening at the Star and Garter Hotel, at halfpast seven.

Mr Asher will address the ratepayers of 801 l Ward at Hastings’s Hotel, Goorgejstreet, this evening, at 7.30.

Mr Peter Gibson will addjess the ratepayers of Leith Ward at the Star and Garter Hotel, Albany street, to-morrow evening, at eight o’clock.

Mr Grant will address the ratepayers of Leith Ward at the Star and Garter Hotel, Albany street, to-morrow evening, at eight o’clock.

The twelfth anniversary of the Court Pride of Dunedin, A 0.F., will be celebrated by a concert, soiree, and dance in the Headquarters Drill-shed, to-morrow evening, at seven o’clock.

We notice by advertisement that Mr Birch will address the electors of Leith Ward at White’s Hotel, Albany street, on Friday evening, at half-past seven o’clock, when he will fully explain his views on municipal matters to the ratepayers. This will be the only meeting Mr Birch will hold, as his intimate acquaintance with the requirements of the Ward and his long connection with civic matters are sufficient guarantees that the interests of the citizens generally will be properly attended to.