MISCELLANEA.

Hawke's Bay Times, Volume IV, Issue 194, 30 September 1864, Page 5 (Supplement)

MISCELLANEA.

Tin: Militia. —The Otago Dailg Timas says : —“ M e understand that Mr. John Cargill has been appointed Major of Militia, and tliat lie has received instructions at once to call out the Militia in Ot ago. This step has, no doubt, been taken in accordance with a resolution proposed by Major Richardson, during the last meeting of the Assembly, and assented to by the bouse. It was as follows ; —“ That it is highly expedient that the provisions of the Militia Act should be strictly carried out in the Middle Island, until such time as the whole male population, between the ages of 16 and 55 (with the exception of that portion which is exempted by law) are sufficiently organized and drilled to take an effective part in the defence of the colony.” New Zealand Exhibition. —Entries were passed at the Custom-House, Otago, on the 2nd of September, upon the first consignment of goods from home, for the New Zealand Exhibition. It consisted of a box of geological specimens. The New Zealand Exhibition. —Official information has been received by the local committee of the New Zealand Exhibition, that passengers and goods will be taken to Dunedin and back during the Exhibition, by all the steam companies, at one fare and one freight for the two vovages. An abstract of a return of hotels and boarding houses in Dunedin has also been forwarded, from which it appears that there is at present board and lodging accommodation for nearly 2,000 persons, at weekly rates varying from one to four guineas per head. MARRIAGE OT FRENCHMEN IN THE COLONIES.— The New Caledonia Jlonilev.r notifies that Frenchmen married in the colonies under forms of English law,are not considered legally married, and recommends such to comply with the French law, according (o the Code Napoleon. The Seat of Government Question. — The J\[arlhorongh Press of the 10th inst., gives the following account of the state of the question as viewed by the public of Pioton ; —“The Commissioner shave been announced as coming day by day through the week ; but up to the time of writing this they have failed to put in their appearance. People are beginning to speculate pretty freely as to the probalile choice of the trio of cornmissioned dignitaries, and new hats, bottles of sherry, oysters for half a dozen, and other, things eatable, drinkable, or weara'de, are the basis of numerous hots as to the locale of the new Seat of Government. Some back their opinion upon Wellington, others Pieton, a few go in for Wanganui ; but Nelson finds no backers. The last place may be considered as scratched from the list.” Advertisement Extkaokdinarv. —The Southland D-.tily Neics, of (he 23rd of August, contains an extraordinary advertisement, cautioning persons not to purchase any land in this, or in Stewart’s Island, the whole being claimed by some nameless persons, who say their agent, Mr* James M’Namara, lias a legal transfer of the whole estate, registered in the Registrar’s office, in the Supremo Court of New South Wales. Not content with claiming the whole of the islands in the lump, (Mr. M’Natnara specifies, also, particular properties which his principals lay claim to. We print the advertisement as a curiosity :—“ Caution to Purchasers of Land.—The public are hereby cautioned against purchasing the following properties, the same having been purchased asunder: In the year 1832, by indenture of agreement, John Jknkinsop purchased from the native chief then h possession, all that poiece or poareel ofland lyhu' ft, the head of Cloudy Ray, comprising the whole cf (lie Whyrow [WairauJ plains.—ln the year 1838, by similar indenture, Thomas Jones purtiasecl from John Touwaick, chief of the Southern tut of the Middle Island, all that piece ofland at loi-toi river, commencing from the entrance, oxtncling twelve miles on (ho north side, extending tventy miles inland. I n the year 1810, John Jones old to Frederick Wright Unwin, his one-half nare in and to the Island of Tawai Paenamonoe, r Ivaikaldu, also called Middle Island, and also fie island called Stewart’s Island, &.c., situate beween the degrees of 45 and 49 south latitude, and 00 and 175 degrees of east longitude. The above luds have been legally transferred to the pircsent differs, and arc registered in the Registrar’s office, 1 the Supreme Court of New South Wales, in the ;ar 1810.— James Macnamara, attorney for (ho Jesent owners.” Another Arctic Expedition.— From a private mrco wc [Liverpool Albion'] learn that another (pedition to the Arctic regions is in contemplajbn. Captain C. F. Hall, who returned some be ago from an Arctic exploration in search of /.r John Franklin, has announced his intention of Tiling on the 15th of June for a more thorough oyage for his discovery. Capt. Hall takes with im a sailing vessel, but on arrival at the scene f his labours will leave the ship and trust tborofler to bis boats and sledges, and the hospitality f the Exquimaux Ho hopes to return in 3 Tears. Why was the Greek Slave very badly used?— ’ecause the sculptor chiselled her out of her !othcs. Why is a sovereign like a whisper?—Because s uttered but not aloud (allowed). What is the difference between Charles Kean ■id Jonah?—Charles Kean was brought up at don, and Jonah was eaten and brought up '

Colonial Journalism.—The Geelong Chronicts having determined upon limiting the publication of that journal to one instend of two days in the week, lias given a series of reasons for the tion, some of which being sufficiently cogent to warrant republication in our colums, we now subjoin ; —“Because a large number of our subscribers never pay at all. Because many of them pay once in two or three years, while the proprietor pays every Saturday (when ho has the money). Because many of the auctioneers state their clients are too poor to advertise in more than one paper, and the proprietor is too poor to advertise gratis. Because the farmers, who have been always, and still are our fast friends, have, by a visitation of providence, become too poor to encourage literature this present winter. Because the squatters say we go in for the people who eat their beef and mutton, and not for those who buy wool, and that m consequence the Chronicle is unworthy of their support—the logic of which reason it is very hard to discover. Because the Legislature imposes a tax on the conveyance of newspapers through the post, which presses very hardly on the proprietor, he not only losing the papers of non-paying subscribers, but having to pay for the privilego'intq (ho bargain. Because the roads are so bad that' it is impossible to reach many subscribers during the winter and often when after much tribulation and many beggings, ‘Onr Collector’ does nucceed in so doing, he is politely told to ‘ call again next year.’ Because a general apathy pervades the entire district, the people seeming to have made up their minds that to do battle with monopoly and class legislation is to engage in a hopeless struggle against might, the consequences being that the farmer leaves his land untilled ; the small capitalist crosses the Murray ; the larger ones go to Queensland or New Zealand ; the shopkeepeer takes refuge in the Insolvent Court; and the labourer feeds himself and his family at the public soup kitchen. They are all too poor to pay for a newspaper, and almost too wretched to read one. Because the proprietor of the Geelong Chronicle is of opinion that every newspaper should be independent, and that when it ceases to be independent it becomes a public nuisance a mere puppet in the hands of the proprietor, who pulls the strings, ‘ cabin’d, confin’d,’ powerful for evil, powerless for good. Diary of the Japanese Ambassadors.—The Japanese Ambassadors, who visited England last year, have published their Dairy through the bookseller, lon-yah, at Teddo. Among other things it is therein said, that the people of the West are very little different from each other; the, dresses are the same as well as the weapons, though one nation manages them better than another; the French, above all, appear to excel therein. Ceremonies and honours are very easy; and the honours to be pa id to a Sovereign are (lie same as to a person of inferior rank—one takes his bat off, makes a small reverence, and therewith the thing is finished. At our audiences with the Princes they were not separated from us by a curtain ; even the Princess was not veiled, and sits as high as the Prince. The lords were very civil —even 100 civil—for they allowed us [to eat and drink more than was in accordance withJour,ceremonies. The lower classes were less civil, ani/ unequivocally demonstrated that they- found.~u 3 «glv- Among the women there are many handsome ones—among others, the Empress of the French. They run like a man. In order’toi'appear taller they wear a high bonnet. Even fashionable women dance very much ; they hanglon|tho arm of the men, and one secs the men frequently run along the street in the arms of women. We believe them to be their wives. Women in general enjoy too much liberty, and the fashionable ones wear the same dresses as those of the lower class. The dress of the women, especially at night, is not always decent. Excepting the Dutchwomen, all other European women stand below' the French. The men are stiff, rough, and a little proud ; they wear no weapons, and very seldom the distinctions of their rank. It appears that everybody, even fashionable people, frequent the Cafes. High officers even frequent the theatres. We were sorry we could not understand’jeverytiiing there. Almost everybody bad a "spyingglass, which, perhaps from distraction, was always directed to us. The merchants arc proud, and the shopkeepers do not like one to turn their articles too much about. It annoyed ns very much to sec raw meat exhibited in the towns. Eating meat is often very healthy ; but why exhibit it to every one ? In Paris and London they run (walk) very fast, just as they do in onr country when there is a fire. The houses arc so high that they must he destroyed at the first earthquake. They appear, however, to stand against fire. Domestic Servants.—A correspondent of the Dublin Erening Mail gives t he substance of a conversation which took place between herself and her housemaid about three years ago:—“Finding the paper, doors, and even furniture of my house much injured by the constant friction of her hoops, I determined to endeavour to put down the fashion of wearing such articles in-doors. Calling her, I said I could not, in future, permits hoops to be worn in-doors. She appeared greatly shocked, surprised and angry, and replied that, although she had a good place, and liked the family, she preferred leaving indeed, would almost rather die than give np her hoops ; and left the room in tears. Fortunately for her and me, this occurred a few days previous to onr beloved Queen’s last visit to Ireland. Ihe day after her Majesty’s arrival, the housemaid came to me with a letter in her hand and said, ‘lf yon have no objection, ma’am, 1 have changed my mind about leaving, as I have just received this letter from a friend of mine at .Kingstown, who closely watched her Majesty when landing, and she declares she neither wore hoop nor crinoline ; so I am satisfied to leave off mine indoors.’ Next morning she appeared with the largest bustle I ever saw in my life; but as this holds a high position, and causes no injury, I made no remark.” An Irishman’s Description of America. An Irishman, in describing America, said, “I am told that you might roll England thru it, an’ it wouldn’t make a dint in the ground ; there’s fresh-water oceans inside that ye might drouud Quid Ireland in ; and as for Scotland, ye might stick it in a corner, and ye’d niver be able to find it out, except it might be by the smell o'whisky.”

I Zealand Exhibition.—We learn from a Otago papers that the New Zealand Exhibition tiding is now rapidly approaching completion, le small towers at the angles is already finished d the walls being cemented. The building of o of the large annexes are not to be undertaken present. A great number of applications for EWMJCfI have been received, and some of these from So home country. The undertaking looks proising. The Siamese Twins. — A correspondent of the acpn, Ga., Telegraph , who lately visited the amese twins, gives the following account of err?.;—Though united by a ligament, as strong lifp itself, they live a mile apart, spending alternately three days at one and the other’s house, and allowing no circumstance to deter their departure from one to the other when tire regular time arrives. The one at whose house yon visit them leads the conversation and acts as master of ■ceremonies, while the other speaks only as occasion or politeness may require. One has eight and the other nine children, but one of them is in the ! war, the rest being girls and little boys. The twins lire good neighbours, intelligent men, and thoThey are, to all appearance, Bfe-SSparate and different men, with very little BBrcial resemblance, and a marked contrast, of character., Eng is the most positive, self-willed, and uncompromising. They are seldom both sick at the game time. JWhy should death result from a separation of persons unlike, and so little subject to be afllicted by each other’s infirmities P” ;; .pOMPUISOBT TAKING 'OF L.VND FOR PUBLIC ’Wouks.—A despatch lias, been received by the jGovernor from the Secretary of State for the colofnies, in which Mr. Cardwell says that, “he cannot ►Jdvise her Majesty to give her assent to the Act jof the General Assembly of last session enacted i'to enable the Provincial Legislatures to pass laws ■authorizing the compulsory taking of lands for ■works of a public nature.” The objection is, that the Act applies to native, as well as to other land, and Mr. Cardwell says : —This appears to me open to grave obj&tion in point of policy. The Home Government has, I think, under present circumstances, a right to require laws calculated to affect *so seriously the relations between the European and native races should be enacted on the responsibility, and by the authority, not of a local council, who, from the nature of the case can only represent local interests, but of the General Assembly, whose decisions are adopted with reference ! to the interests of the whole colony, and are brought I under.the cognizance of the Home Government.” If native lands were excepted from its operation, Mr. Cardwell says the Act would be unobjectionable. 1 The Otago Exhibition. —The Otago Dailg Times publishes the following gratifying information with respect to the approaching New Zealand Industrial Exhibition : —“ By the mail from England, advices have been received by the Royal Commissioners of the New Zealand Exhibition, that Mr. A. S. Grant has been appointed garl Russell agent for the Commissioners in ;. The Secretary of Stale for India in Counomises ' a valuable collection of Indian manured articles, as well as a considerable number issified specimens of raw produce immediately able for export from India.’ 'I he Lords of the CouT.iriftee of Council on Education will con- , tribute a series of examples illustrative of the course ot instruction pursued in the schools of art in Ehgland which receive assistance from the Government, in 38 frames. Their lordships express their pleasure in contributing, and their entire concurrence in the opinions as to the very great value I*.of such exhibitions, as the one to bo held in New gZealand. Further applications have been made H through Mr. Morrison for 4,000 square feet, addiBtional of floor room, and 2,950 feet hanging space. I This class of goods to be from steam machinery to I manufactures, all of very useful character.” L A Lady’s Account of “the Business of a [ Lodge.” —How expenses can be incurred byjissoi dated bodies is graphically described in All the ' Year Round , by a lad} - whose husband joined the Oddfellows, and who was curious to know the ) business of the Lodge:—“l was determined to : know what they did at the Lodge ; and so one when I thought George and the members 9 would be in the midst of their business, I put on if my bonnet and shawl and a thick dotted veil, pL walked down to the Yorkshire Grey, and slipped b into the u parlor, which I knew was next to the large room where the Oddfellows held their meetings. I had a glass of shrub and a biscuit, and told the young man that, as I was rather tired, i I would sit and rest myself a bit. Well, I hadn’t a- been there five minutes before 1 heard voices in 1 the next room, and George’s above all, crying, I “ Order, order!” And then I heard somebody I say, “Oh, bother the accounts. Put the books h away, and let’s get to business.” “Hear, hear,” cried, and there was a tremendous knocking on the tables, and a voice called out, “ Give your orders, gentlemen, the waiter is in the room and then there was a scuffling about, and a clinking of glasses, and after a little delay a voice cried out, ‘ Tile the door, Joseph, Brother ; Benslcy will oblige.’ I heard a bolt go, and a there was more knocking on the tables, and then W somebody—Brother Benslcy, I suppose —began r to sing the ‘ Haymakers’ through his nose, and after each verse they all took up the chorus. At the end of this song, which seemed to be applauded with hammers, I heard another voice ask, , ‘ What shall we say after that. Brother Benslcy ?’ 1 and Brother Benslcy replied, ‘ May the present moment be the worse of our lives.’ ‘ Hear, hear, r hear!’ and the bummer went at it again. I stopped a full hour, and this sort of thing went on all the time Afrer each song, it was always, ‘Give j your orders, gentlemen, (he waiter is in the room I and then, 1 Tile the door, Joseph, Brother this, I that, or the other will oblige,;’ then the bolt went, and the song began, and the company took up the f: chorus and clapped their hands and Knocked, and made such a noise as I never heard.” i The Superintendent of Canterbury has removed | the restrictions on the importation of cattle from K (he provinces of Nelson, Marlborough, Taranaki, Hawke’s Bay, and Wellington. This measure is reciprocated by the Wellington Superintendent. i\yiiv is a retired milkman like the whale that swallowed'Jonah? —Because he took the profit (prophet) out of the water ?

The Sects in the Aioir. — From a War Office return it appears that or, the Ist April last there were in the Army 109,760 Episcopalians, 20,703' ’ Presbyterians, 5290 oilier Protestants, and 58,508 Roman Catholics. In the Royal Marines, at the same date, there were 12,398 Episcopalians, -) 10 Presbyterians, 2,379 other Protestants and 1,148 Roman Catholics. A Bold Off eh. —Am one the recent extraordinary advertisements is the following Ttiis is leap year. I’ll wait no longer. So hero I am, twentyone years, healthy, prepossessing, medium size, full chest, educated, prudent, large sparkling eyes, long, black, flowing-hair, and as lull of fun as a chcsmit is full of meat, born to make some man happy, and want a home. Does anybody want me ?” Ax Arithmetical Woxdeii. —If twelve persons were to agree to dine together every day, but never to sit exactly in the same order all round the table, it would take them thirteen millions of years, at the rate of one dinner a day, and they would have to eat more than 479 millions of dinners before they could go through all thcarrangementsin which they could place themselves. A has only one change, A B two, ABC six, four letters 2f, five 120, six 720, seven 5,010, eight 40,320, nine 302, 880, ton 3,628,800, eleven 39,916,800, twelve 479,001,600. Bonnets. —A great variety is still observable in the shape of bonnets, some ladies preferring the low, and some the high brim, while a portion patronize the Marie Stuart’s shape. The square low fop, however, being newer, is almost likely to win the day. The tulle bonnets, sprinkled with dew drops, are the prettiest for the season. A branch of flowers is placed dropping over the soft crown, and a smaller one in front; the toilette covers the front of the bonnet, and falls over the face. • “ June Tailors make a Man.’’ —This phrase originated in the following incident :In 17 12 an orphan boy applied at a fashionable tailor's shop in London, in which nine journeymen were employed. llis interesting appearance opened the hearts of the benevolent tailors, who immediately contributed 9s. for the relief of the little stranger. With this capital he purchased fruit, which he retailed at profit. Tune passed on, and wealth and honour smiled upon this young tradesman, so that when he set up his carriage, inst ead of t rembling the College of Heraldry lor a crest, he painted the following motto on the panel of his carnagedoor, “ Nine tailors made me a man.” As a fop was riding a very line horse down the Camden-road, a young and pretty lady was very evidently admiring the animal, when lie stopped and impudently asked, “Are you admiring me,-, inissr” “No,” was the ready reply ; “ i was admiring the horse, not the donkey.” It is said that a small piece of resin, dipped in the water which is placed in a vessel on the stove, will add a peculiar property to the atmosphere of the room, and will give great relief to persons troubled with cough. The heat of the water is sufficient to throw oil'(he aroma of resin. Among the rules of the hotel in the “diggins” at Reese River, are the following;—“Lodgers inside arise at five a.in. ;in the barn at six o'clock ; each man sweeps up 1 1 is own bed ;no quart/. taken at tlie bar ; no fighting allowed at the table ; any one violating the above rules will he shot.” “Mr Smith.” said tic counsel, “ you say yon once officiated in a pulpit—do you mean that you preached ?” “No, sir; 1 held the caudle for a man who did.” “ Ah, the court understood you differently. They supposed that the discourse! came from yon.” “No, sir; I only throwed a light on it.”