DUNEDIN.

Grey River Argus, Volume IX, Issue 626, 22 January 1870, Page 3

DUNEDIN.

(from our own correspondent.) . .. January j 5. The annual sitting of the Synod of .the Presbyterian Church in Otago and Southland was held this week in the First Church, Dowling street. The Rsv A. B. Todd, of Tokomairiro, the retiring Moderator, opened the proceedings ; aud, after the usual preliminaries, the Rev Mr Johnstone, of Port Cualmers, was appointed Moderator for the year. The usual introductory address was then delivered by the new Moderator, after which business was, proceeded with. The work of the Synod is mostly done by committees, who present reports on which discussion takes place, and motions of approval or disapproval; are made accordingly. Reports were brougHt up from the Church Extension Committee, and their new charges sanctioned; from the Sustentation Fund Corny mittee; and increased diligence in collecting iutulcated on the congregations ; from the University Committee, in reference. to the appointment of the Professor of Moral* Philosophy in the new University. A meeting on Missions was held in connection with the Synod on Thursday evening, which was well attended; and addresses were delivered byHhe Rev Mr Blake, Missionary to the.Maoiis at the Heads ; by Mr Honore, Missionary io the Maoris in Southland; and by other gentlemen. Yesterday a long discussion took place on psalmody, or rather the report of a committee on that subject. Many members of the church are of opinion that an addition to the means of praise in the shape of a small collection of hymns is desirable ; while others, again, would confine the church entirely to the psalms, or at farthest, to the present collection. This subject has been fought over repeatedly, and seems as far from a settlement as ever. The various school meetings \mder the Education Ordinance for the election of committees, and the transaction of all other business connected with the management of the education of our youth, were held this week. From Hie reports laid before the different meetings in our neighborhood, it is evident that the cause of education is ; progressing here in a very satisfactory way. A meeting in reference to the proposed settlements at Preservation Inlet and Martin's Bay was held yesterday, J. Ashcroft, M.P.C., in the chair. It seems there are a number of people willing to go round and settle there, but nothing very definite was arrived at by the meeting. The Gathering of the Caledonian Society, adjourned from the 3rd in consequence of the wet weather, came off on Saturdaylast, and-'-nras-'in every way a success. The only drawback to the thorough enjoyability of the meeting was the rather dilatory way in which the sports were brought on — too long an interval being allowed between each, which wearied out the spectators — of whom nearly 3000 were present — and spread abroad a rather discontented feeling. The sports themselves were very good, ; and~ quite up to the average, the number of competitors, indeed, being rather more numerous than usual. As usual, most interest was manifested in the running and walking matches, which were all very weli contested. The handicap walking match, in particular, caused great excitement, the three winners in the previous days' match being pitted against each other at short Intervals. M'Gregor at scratch, Eadie 10 yards, and Thomson 25 yards, were the three, the distance a mile. The latter went off with a great burst, was never reached, and came in an easy winner ; M'Gregor partly broke down at first, but pulled up, and came in second, Eadie a bad third. The velocipede race; from, which great fun was expected, turned

out a rather poor affair, as only three started, and one broke down, leaving the other two to finish at their leisure. On account of the dilatoriness mentioned above, some of the programme had to be left out ; but there was enough to spin out the sports till near 8 o'clock at night, by which time must of the spectators had left. There is an idea current that another gathering should be held on Anniversary Day (March 21). The Formiry Park Company are proceeding rapidly with the formation of tho new racecourse, which is expected to be ready for the usual sporting events in March. This will be a great convenience to the public, as the distance from town is only about two miles, and over a good level road. A good deal of draining and clearing yet remains to be done, as the comrany intend the Park to be available for purposes of general recreat on as well as racing. The Provincial Hotel, Theatre, &c, collapsed this week, greatly to the astonishment of many. The bailiffs were in possession on Thursday, all the boarders got notice to leave, the various bars were closed, as well as the billiard saloons, bowling alley, &c, &c. This is much to be regretted, as the circumstance has thrown nearly 80 people of one grade or other out of employ. Yesterday's papers contained advertisements to the effect that the whole concern was to be sold by auction in a few days by Messrs M 'Laundress, Hepburn, and Co. The City Council met on Wednesday, and among the business brought before it was an offer from the lessee of the Gas Works to make over to the Council the whole of his interest in the present establishment, on equitable terms. The letter was received, and is to be taken into consideration by the Gas Committee at once. It is to be hoped that this will lead to an amicable arrangement, as there can be no doubt that Dunedin isby far too small a place to support two worts, and will be for many a year to come. Though the present works are not all that can be desired, it will be much cheaper to adopt and improve them than to build new ones, and subject the community to all the expense and discomfort of having the streets torn up for the purpose of laying two entirely new sets of pipes where one is sufficient. The body of Mr Balfour, or at least part of it, sadly mutilated, has been got, and was brought to Dunedin by the Wainui. It is to be buried to-day beside his friend Mr Paterson, in the South Cemetery. The funeral is to be a public one. The weather has been very showery and unsettled for two or three days back. Harvest is beginning, and will be pretty general in a few days.