The Evening Star SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 26, 1874.

Evening Star, Issue 3618, 26 September 1874, Page 2

The Evening Star SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 26, 1874.

The commercial success of the ‘N orth Otago Times ’ induces the proprietors to announce that on the 6oh of October they will publish as a tri-weekly. A deputation of settlers from Clutha will wait on the uperintendent on Monday, in reference to the proposed diversion of the Clutha Railway extension. A fire was discovered yesterday on the premises of Mr Johnson, plumber, George street. The damage was confined to some articles of bed clothing, which ten pounds will cover. Mr Johnson, by whom the fire was discovered and extinguished, was insured. The only business transacted at the Resident Magistrate’s Court to-day was the dismissal of a charge of drunkenness preferred against the notorious LinaO’Callaghan. bis Worship (Mr. J. Bathgate) cautioned accused that if again brought up she would be sent to gaol for six months as an habitual drunkard. At the Resident Magistrate’s Court, Port Chalmers, this morning, before Mr Mansford, R. M., Frank Bennett and John Warren, seamen belonging to the ship Haddon Hall, charged with drunkenness, were let off with a caution; and Kdward Norwood, for being drunk on the railway platform, was fined 20a or forty-eight hours’.

A question affecting the publicans of this City is likely to come before the Magistrate’s Court in a few days. I here seems to be some doubt whether under the new Act night-licenses exist, and, to settle the matter, we hear that the police intend to contest the validity of the proceedings of all publicans who determine to keep their houses open after ten at night.

The circumstances attending the stranding of the steamer Easby off Waipapa Point on hj er last trip from Sydney to this port formed the’ subject of an inquiry at the R. M. Court to-day- The inquiry, which was held at the instigation of the Customs’ authorities, was adjourned till Monday. In order to complete it c'O that day, Mr Bathgate, who presided on tr'e Bench, promised to telegraph to Mr Manatoi'd with a view of getting him to preside over dhe ordinary Court. The adventures of an amorous and inebriated swain are thus recited in the police records of the * Hawke’s Bay Times ’ : “James Walsh Jwas charged with being drunk and disorderly on the Spit. From the evidence of the police it appears that he had accosted a number of ladies in the street, saying, “Give me a kiss, my dear,” Fined 10s, his Worship remarking that if any of the ladies had laid an information against him he would have been much more severely daait with. The oryaniz ition of a Fire Brigade at Auckland under Mr John superintendence is now proceeding satisfactorily. The new organization limits the number of members to fifty, exclusive of officers, aud provides for ti.o esta-dishmeut of companies. The ‘Herald’ tells us tfiat “the work of re-modelling the fire service appears to be carried on with aad judgment by the new superintendent, who is determined to make the best application of the means at hand.”

A concert in aid ef the Wakari School Prize Fund was given in the district schoolroom last eremuji; and notwithstanding the unfavorable weather the room wua crowded. The performance commenced with an overture by Messrs Sykes and Kelly, which was applauded, af.er which came a glee by Messrs Matheson, muir, and Johnson, followed by a scene from “ Pickwick,” by the pupils of the school, which caused great

amusement. Mr Lennon sang “The Death ef Nelson” in good style, but his second song was a failure. Mr Connolly’s “Pad iy’s bedding” was encored, a;id he favored the audience with an Irish jig. Miss Whittington recited “ Beautiful Snow” iu a manner deserving of the highest praise. “ Box and . m °h Messrs Whittington and Nightingale appeared, brought the entertainment to a dose. The room was then cleared tor dancing. 'I he performance at the Princess Theatre I‘Asfc i:vearig was for the benefit of Val Vose, the ventriloquist, and the attendance was the largest during the season (all parts of the hous-r being full), fffhe entertainment commenced with “ Box and Cox,” the characters ;' ein - essayed by Mdlle. Montebello, Mr St. Vincent, and a Mr Carlos ; but none were able to fill their parts, the result being that the piece dragged considerably, and it wus a relief when it was ot.-t. > oung England, Alberto, and Annette followed on the treble trapeze, an advantageous ehange Vose appeared with the who e of his figures, and by the introduction of some local hits made his part of the entertamment a genuine success; the best proof of which was that he kept his audience in a state of continual merriment during the whole time he occupied the stage. In bis talking hand illusion he was equally successful. In returning thanks to those present f r their attendance, he announced his intention of re-visiting this City as s ion as his present engagement was completed, which would be in a very short time Mr •St. Vincent’s songs were well reeived; and the clever De Castro Family went through their unrivalled acrobatic exercises iu excellent style. Airec repeated his wonderful performance with the swi ging ladder. The same programme will be given to night!

• Jul y Hie letter from its i ans correspondent, gives a few details which illustrate the difference between French and English practices. In the French Assembly an interesting debate occurred, during which the speakers were interrupted by violence. On the third reading of the Municipal Bill, a division was called on a motion to fix the minimum age of electors at twenty-five. The proposition had been previously rejected by a majority of eleven. As several of the deputies (representatives of constituencies) proposed voting in a manner that led them to fear facing their constituents, were it known, the very objectionable course was adopted of taking the vote by ballot. The result was the same, Responsibility to electors is but a farce where power to resirt to such an expedient is conferred. la England and England’s Colonies, if the Press offend a man by ca ling him a Bumble, or publishing a well-deserved comment on a public document, a prosecution for libel is the result. They do things differently in France. Instead of going to law, they fight it out. A few drops of blood are drawn, and all is peace—no motions for new trials —no interminable law suits. The following paragraph illustrates their method. It is extracted from the same letter: “A controversy between the ‘ E Tenement’ and the ‘ Soir re: ulted this morning in a duel with swords, on the frontier of Luxembourg, between M. Aurelien Schoil and M. .Robert Mitchell, In the third round M. Scholl received a thrust in the right forearm. The arteries and nerves were severed, and' in his attempt to parry the stroke, the point of the sword breaking off remained in his arm completely penetrating it. The duel was at once stopped ; a surgeon who was in attendance as a friend of both parties, extracted the point; and the combatants, according to the account dra*u up by the seconds, left the field completely reconciled ”

We have to acknowledge the receipt from Messrs Weob and iulton of the report for 1874 of the Northern Assurance Company. The first meeting of the Musical Society in connection with All Saints’ Choir wifi be held m the bchoolhouse, on Wednesday evening. We would remind our readers that the moonlight excursion to Port Chalmers and concert there m aid of the Catholic Church Building ± und, which bad to be postponed on Wednesday on account of unfavorable weather, will take place on Monday evening. We are glad to find the Scott Scholarship hj und will not be allowed to remain at a standstill. A grand vocal and elocutionary entertainment is announced to take place at the temperance Hall, on Friday evening, the Ist October, m aid of the fund. Mr Bathgate. R.M., will preside. On Monday evening the Colored Troupe will make their re-appearance at the Queen’s theatre iq one of their pleasing entertainments; the programme of which* will be found m another column. The Troupe’s efforts, although few and far between, have always been highly appreciated ; and we feel sure that on this occasion the Theatre will be crammed, as apart from the enjoyment which may reasonably be .expected, their patrons will have the satisfaction of knowing that the proceeds of the concert are to be devoted towaids the establishment of the much-needed Sailors’ Home in Dunedin. On Tuesday eveni g a performance will be given in aid of the funds of the Artillery Band, when several novelties will be presented.