DUNEDIN.

Grey River Argus, Volume X, Issue 778, 12 January 1871, Page 4

DUNEDIN.

[from our own correspondent.] » December 31, 1870. Matters political are much quieter this ■week, the holidays drawing people's attention in other directions. Nevertheless there is a good deal of work being done by the committees of the rival candidates for the Superintendency. As yet no other candidate is heard of, so it is likely that Messrs Macandrew and Reid will have all the field to themselves. The partisans of the former gentleman are saying very little, but those in favor of Reid are taking every opportunity to crack up the claims of their favorite and blacken the character of his opponent, and fill the columns of the daily press with letters on the subject, mostly all rhyming to the same tune — abuse Macandrew and praise Reid. The Hon. Hr Stafford arrived here the other day in the Phcebe. I hear some talk of inviting him to address a public meeting on the present state of New Zealand politics. Mr Macaudrew has issued a long. address to the electors, in which he boldly lays down the platform on which he seeks their suffrages. As an instance of the vigor with which the General Government mean to push forward their Public Works scheme, there appears in this morning's papers an advertisement calling for tenders for the construction of the first section of the Olutha Railway— from Du-nedin to Caversham — to be lodged early next month. The holidays on Monday and Tuesday were very well kept — the first particularly. The weather was beautifully bright sunshine, with just enough to temper the hejit. The Oddfellows' Fete, at Vauxhall Gardens, on Monday was largely attended, and went off very successfully. The s.s, Maori took a large party down to Kaik, at the Heads, and then on to Waikouaiti, where they landed in the ship's boats, and spent some time wandering over that beautiful locality. The Golden Age also carried large numbers to Porto bello and Port Chalmers, where they spent the day. There were no acci-

dents of any note to mar the general pleasure. The long-talked of Pantomime, was produced at the Princess Theatre on Monday. It hinges on the old story of King Alfred and the Cakes, and has been prepared with great care. There is some very fine scenery and other accessories, and the acting is very fair in byth parts. The Charle3 Dickens Panorama also opened on Monday. jThis has the merit of being the first thing of the sort which has been locally produced, all the pictures having been designed and painted in Dunedin. It comprises view? of the most striking situations found in the works of the author, commencing with his Sketches, and continuing to the unfinished Mystery of Edwin Drood. A running lecture with a series of readings, accompanies the views as they are unrolled. lam very sorry to say, however, that the Panorama has not been so succassful as its merits deserve. The Chinese giant, Chang, with his wife, Kin Foo, are also here just now, and are on exhibition in the old Athenseum, They are visited nightly by large numbers of people. The Volunteer Artillery held their annual ball last night in the Post Office Hotel, which was profusely decorated for the occasion. There was a lar^e assemblage, all the beauty and fashion of the town being present, and dancing was kept up with great spirit till an early hour this morning. Great preparations are being made by the Caledonian Society for the coming gathering. If the weather only keeps tine, this will be one of the best meetings that has ever came off. About L2OO is offered in prizes, and some of the best athletes in this province have signified their intention of being present, ao that some good sport may be anticipated. The ring has been enlarged, and several other improvements have been effected. The weather has been very fine all week, and the crops are making rapid progress. In some places they are almost as far forward as if the long draught had never happened, although in other spots they are too far gone ever to recover. Altogether, the yield is expected to berather under the average. This is the last day of 1870, so I conclude by wishing you a "Gude New Year."