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Kumara Times, Issue 1144, 29 May 1880, Page 4

The latest swindle in America is styled "census-taking.” A gentlemanly fellow drives up with blanks for statistics on the farm—bushels of wheat, number of cattle raised, acres under cultivation, &c. Between the table and the foot of the page, where the signs his name attesting the statement, is a blank space, whose existence is accounted for as affording room for miscellaneous information. In a month more the farmer receives notice from a neighboring bank that his note for Ll5O dollars is due. He knows nothing of the note, hut investigation shows that the “census taker” has filled in tiie blankwith a promise to pay, which, being now in the hands of an innocent holder, must be paid by the unlucky dupe. The North Eastern Ensign thus writes respecting the Kelly outlaws;—“lf aeonstable or stranger is seen in the Valley of the King River, the fact is carried straight to the Kellys by bush telegrams. It is not necessary that * the telegraph ’ should speak to the Kellys or eve a see them. A certain way of tying a handkerchief on the sleeve of a coat, when riding along a bush track, constitutes a cypher word which the outlaws can read without showing themselves from one of their watch towers. The gang have given up all hope of being able to break away, and they are now playing a waiting game, which must inevitably be won by the police ; but'Whether the end will come in a month, or six months, or twelve, no one can ?ay. The present operation of simply watching the Kellys is costing the Colony nearly 15000 a year j and all the return the Colony get for the maney is this, that the police have deprived the outlaws of all hope of escape, that they are leading a wretched life of anxiety, and daily becoming less and less trustful to their friends. It is some satisfaction to know that they have been effectually cornered, and that their capture or death Is only a question of time. We know also that anything like another outbreak of crime in tbe infected district has become Impossible.” From Sydney we (Otago Daily Times) hear of the death of the well known comedian, J. J. Bartlett. This gentleman was at the zenith of his popularity in Melbourne from 1862 to 1864, when, nnder Mr Hoskins’ management, he played a series of light comedy parts, of which Lavater, in “ Not a Bad Jndge,” was possibly the most successful j although there were some enthusiasts who declared that his Plumper, in “ Cool as aCnonmber,” and his Dodshnn, in “The Contested Election,” was quite equal to th e deluuatioss of the same characters by Hoskins himself, Mr Bartlettleft Melbourne about 1868, and since then has alternated his time mostly between Sydney and New 2 aland, m this country making and losing two small fortunes. Bis last appearance in Melbourne was as Pistol, in “Henry Y,” at the Krincess Theatre, with Mr Rignold. The deceased gentleman was generally liked amongst his rother professionals, and thought not unexpected, his death will be generally regretted by all who knew him.