DUNEDIN.

Grey River Argus, Volume XI, Issue 995, 4 October 1871, Page 2

DUNEDIN.

[from our own correspondent.] September 23. Things here are very quiet. The only occurrence which has broken the monotony was the arrival of another batch of Chinese — those which lately arrived in Auckland on board the ship J oshua Bates, which put in there leaky, and with scurvy among her passengers. The ship did not come on, and her passengers, after enjoying a run of a few days on the small island Motuihi, were so far recovered as to be brought down by the s.s. Taranaki, which was coming here with the Frisco mails, ex the Nebraska. The Chinese were brought to town by a special trip of the Golden Age, and with the exception of some five or six still suffering from disease,. the lot looked just about as well as any similar crowd. There was the same bustle and jabbering on the jetty as they were landed, but after that had subsided they walked away as quiet and unconcerned as if they had lived here all their days. They are all destined for the gold fields, and will take their departure by waggon and on foot in the course of a few days.

Considerable interest was directed towards the trials which were to take place before the Supreme Court and juries during this week— two of them in particular. That of M'Leod for libel was looked on for its political bearing, and it was expected that some rather queer disclosures would come out regarding the conduct of affairs during the late election for the Superintendency. It will be remembered that M'Leod was secretary to Reid's Committee, and that he published the letter containing the libel with the view of damaging Macandrew's chances of election. But all these expectations were disappointed. M'Leod, thinking discretion the better part of valor, sent an ample apology to Mr Driver, who was said to have written the letter, which apology was accepted, and the case accordingly withdrawn. The other case was one of breach of promise, with plenty of amusing letters between the parties, and numerous witnesses, but it lias been withdrawn for the present, and is not likely to to be heaid of again, as it is rumored the services of a minister, not of a judge, are what will be wanted to bring the affair to a proper termination. In the Bankruptcy Court, on Monday, John Maclean and Henry Driver were, after a long examination, granted their orders of discharge. The Rev. Mr Gow, of Hokilika, has accepted of a call from the St. Andrew's congregation here, and is to be placed by the Presbytery shortly. It is to be hoped this congregation will be more happy with the new minister than they have been with those lately holding that office. The new Presbyterian congregation formed j here, that of North Dunedin, have given a call to the Dr Copland, of Lawrence, which has been accepted by that gentleman, and he is to be placed shortly. The four Presbyterian Churches in town will then be in full swing immediately. The Congregational Church, Moray Place, which has been in an unfortunate state of vacancy lately as regards a minister, is to occupied on and after to-morrow by the Rev. Mr Roseby, from Sydney. The Rev Mr Bannerman, of Clutha, delivered a lecture in the' First Church here on 'Monday last, the subject being the lecture delivered lately by the Bishop of Nelson on "Periods, Persons, Points, and Prospects, of contact between the Presbyterian and Prelatical Church system." Mr Bannerman reviewed the Bishop's lecture

at considerable length, and showed the groundlessness of a good many of his Points, as well as the air of arrogance and affected superiority which prevaded the whole of his lecture when speaking of the Presbyterians, and that it would be long ere anything like a union could be formed between the churches on the stand points chosen by the Bishop. The lecture was well attended.

It is some satisfaction to learn, from the Parliamentary telegrams this week, that the Water Company's Extension Bill, notwithstanding all the factious opposition shown to its passing by our Mayor and his tail, has got through the various stages in the Lower House, and is likely to become law. In order to meet some objections to the proposed North Cemetery, it has been determined to shift the site five chains farther to the north, so as to be as far as possible from two or three houses in the line of Dnndas street. ■ '. After many efforts, all hitherto futile, a Golf Club has been established here. It boasts of a fair membership, and .has a good supply of all necessary tools. The " green," however, is. at a rather incons venient distance— viz., at Cavershara^ there not being a piece of ground available any nearer town. If once the turf on the Forbury Park had got well grown, it would form a very good golfing green. Previous to the commencement] of the cricketing season, foot ball has been largely indulged in by the muscular Christians of th,e town, and sonic very good games have been played.