TOWN & COUNTRY.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LVI, Issue 6493, 19 December 1881, Page 4

TOWN & COUNTRY.

FfTBTBSB PaOBOOATIOH OS PABX.IAMBNT, —Parliament has been prorogued until Fob. 10.

Thb Oath ideal Oboaw.—The organ for the Ohrutoiiurch Cathedral arrived by the New Zealand Shipping Company’s ship Waimate on Saturday. Ashbubtoh OAxanoviAir Socibtt.—The esle of privileges in connection with the annual sport* of the Ashburton Oaledonis’* Society took pises on Saturday. Iho publicans' booth* realised £43, the confectioners' £4, and the gates £4l; inoll£Bß.

Bbsidbmt Maoutbats’s Coobt.—The charge-sheet at the Resident Magistrate’s Court to-day has the name* of two persons charged with drunkenness, and of two other prisoners—one charged with indecent assault, and the other with vagrancy. The summons list baa nine case* of the usual character. Hbathootb Boad Distbxot.—lt is stated that Mr F. Jonee has, at tbs request of several ratepayers, consented to stand for No. 1 Ward, the present member, Mr T. Bruce, having declined to be a candidate. Mr B. J. T. ford also has consented to stand for No. 4 Ward, and an old resident in Sumner is likely to represent No. 5 Ward.

Bstbbtaihmhst at Boptbbbook.— An entertainment wm held on Thursday evening in the district school, in did of the prise fund. The programme wo* nicely rendered by the pupils, end wee well received by the audience. Assistance was kindly given by Mr and Mrs Smith, of Ashley, and Mr Good, of Bangiora. The usual compliment to the Chairman and the visitors terminated a pleasant evening. Imported Stock.— The ship Walmale, which has just arrived, brings a Clydesdale two*jear*old entire, St Andrew ; a very fast trotting entire, Berlinj and ire Leicester ewes and a ram. The whole of the etoek has arrived in excellent condition, and is con* signed to Messrs Kobert Wilkin sad Co. In addition to the horses and sheep, there are three hedgehogs, six choice Aylesbury dock*, two Mount St Bernard pups, and a remark* ably small prize skye temer. Acoxdbst at Post Lbvt.— A serious acddent happened to a son of Mr Badcliffe, of Port Levy, on Friday afternoon last.' He, in company with two other youths, was out •hooting in the bush at Port Levy, when one of the latter accidently discharged his gun, the bullet entering young Badcliffe’* body just under the left shoulder. Information was sent up to Port, and the steam launch Lyttelton left lor the Bay early on Saturday morning with Dr Macdonald. The lad was brought to Lyttelton, where he was taken charge of by Mr W. Badcliffe. At last reports he was doing as well as could be expected.

A Peasant Awbbhooh,—Mr Charles Clark, in fulfilment of a promise he made at the declaration of the poll, entertained on Saturday a party of journalists at his residence, Colombo road, sooth. After a sumptuous luncheon, at which several happy speeches were made by the host and his friends, among whom were the Mayor elect of Christchurch, and the Mayor of Sydenham, the party adjourned to the beautiful grounds, where they amused themselves with various outdoor sports, Mr dark making every one feel how genuine wra his hospitality. The thorough enjoyment is not likely to be ever forgotten by those who were able to avail themselves of the kind invitation, and the guests on their departure were most hearty in expressing their feelings to their host.

Pbhsxstatiohs. — A very pleasing ceremony took place on Thursday evening last, in the Sydenham Presbyterian Church. After the usual weekly practice of psalmody by the choir, Mr J. M'Cleery, Vice-President, in the absence of the Bev Mr Cairns, President, on behalf of the choir, presented Mr J. H. Edmonds, choirmaster for several months Bat, with an edition of the “ Psalms and ymns for Divine Worship,'* in use in the Presbyterian Churches, handsomely bound in morocco. Mr Edmonds, in reply, expreesed Ids happiness at the appreciation his services had received. He exhorted them to continue the same regularity at practices, as that had been the most important element in their past success. The choir then bade Mr and Mrs Edmonds good-bye, expressing their deep sorrow at losing them, and their best wishes for their future prosperity and happiness.— On Thursday afternoon tine scholar* in the class presided over by Mre Scott, head mistress at the district school, Bangiora, presented Mr* Scott with a very handsomelybound photographic album in crimson plush, in token of the assiduous manner in which she had discharged her duties, mid as a souvenir of their respect. Scwday Bonooh Tbsats.— The teachers and scholars of the Sydenham Presbyterian Sunday School, accompanied by parents and friends, numbering about 850, proceeded from the Ohuroh by tramway on Friday last to Papanui, thence to grounds kindly placed at their disposal by Mr D. Kruse. On arrival a general scattering took place, and a number of games were shortly in full swing. Between refreshments racing was heartily entered into, and a strong rope added greatly to the day's amusement, being the medium by which the allied strength of both sexes and all sixes was Silted against one another. Before leaving ie children gave throe ringing cheers for Mr Kruse, Bev Mr Cairo#, Mr Dunoon, the euperintendent, and other#, and after being •upplitd with huge of lollies, they returned to the tmmears, and reached Sydenham safely, after spending a most enjoyable day. The various Sunday Schools in the Northern District took advantage of the anniversary on Friday to take their outings. At Kaiapoi the teacher* and friends of the children attending* the Methodist Sunday School proceeded to a paddock lent by Mr J. Bickers, near the Maori Pah, Woodend, whither they were conveyed In a number of vehicle* lent for the occasion. There was an ample supply of provisions for alt, and the-day was apent very enjoyably. The children attending the Wesleyan Sunday School, Kaiapoi. proceeded In the earn# way to Mr Evans' paddock, at Ohoka, about 800 being present, and the day was spent In a similar manner. The Southbrook Sunday School children went to the Woodend Beach with their teacher*, and had a merry time of it, though the wind was some* what unpleasant, and added an undesirable condiment to the food in the shape of sand. In each case the children indulged in sports, for which prises were given.

Ltntn/«w Uiamm J. D. M«ph«r*an «u the only pm&n nominated oa ifumrdßx AH the t«s*aey on iheLyttelton jfo’botir Board, and ho wae thoraforo declared duly elected, tun Matobal BAJfQtmr.—ln conntcuon with the Major’s Installation benqwot, we hate been r» quitted to Mate that •* the gathering take* place early in the day, gentlemen win not be expected to appear w full evening drew. Fine At Horobata,—The residence of Mr Edwin ferfctt, of Horomta, *a* discovered to be on fire shortly after midnight on Thun* day. but too late for any effort* to eitingubh the damn being successful Everything «m dsilroyed, the inmate* having hardy •efficient time to ear# themselves. Maaowio Bam.—-A very enjoyable ball was given in Ashburton on Friday evening by the Hatonlg fraternity, the assembly taking place in the Masonic Ball, which wae suitably decorated for the oceanic*.; Over ICO pervoo* were pretent, and the arrangement* were a» complete that enjoyment wae perfect. or nan mam Musical dc-otirrr.—Mr O. H, Merton, eon,, hat contented to continue the practice* of the Sydenham Amateur Metrical Society, and to conduct their nett concert, “The Pilgrim Father#," which will lake place about the middle of January. Mr J. H. Edmond*, the former conductor, left Christchurch on Saturday but for Temula. IVTSBOOtOiriAP W«ATSSB fICMAMO*. The following mceeage ha* been received “ Sydney, Friday i On the South eoaet of Australia there ie a moderate south-east wind. In Hew Sooth Waite and Hobart, moderate winds aleo prevail Barometer: Port Adelaide and Sydney, 20”8j Hobart, 297."

Tag Fima Bsioaos D»KOif»raA7io».— The money taken at the gale* of Hagley Park at the fire Brigade demonatralloia on Friday amounted to £6l 16* 3<i, about £3O let* than what vaa received on tbe earn# occarioo lait year. The member* of the Brigade expect eome addition* to thi* tom from vsriou* aonroet, but etBI it i* feared that the receipts this year will sot cover the expense* of the dlipiay. Wobkiho tfaa’g Otcs aj»i> M.B,A~Mr T. B. Whiteman wae on Saturday evening el cted Vice-Prerident, in place of Mr Jam#* Hutchison (who retired through prewure of buibe**), by a oooriderable majority. Through the lihenriity of two or three gentlemen of tbe city, a complete edition of tbe “ Kucyclopwdia Britannic*,” 18 volume* of Hansard, and sundry other valuable volume# have been added to the library. Oeicxxt.— A list of the player# ehosen to practice for the matches against the Bnghshmen and Otago will be found under the beading of ericiet. The Selection Committee have been very liberal in their choke, and the list includes pretty well every playor of any note in Canterbury. A list of the matcher to be played by our Dunedin visitors during the Ohristmaa holiday#, also appears io the same column. Lito.l Box Mimuto.—The police were last night informed that a little boy named Daniel Sinclair wae missing. The boy, who is seven years old, went with some other children to St Andrew’s Sunday echool, but when the reel went in ha remained outside, saying he would wait there. At the condotioa of the school he was nowhere to be found, and aa he Is unacquainted with the town, having only just coma from Dunedin, hi* friend* are anxious about him. Niw Year's Bat.—The Lancaster Park Committee announce a grand Caledonian and Athletic gathering, to be held on their grounds oo Monday, Jan. 2. A very influential Managing Committee ha* been formed; and they have issued a long and interesting programme. Tbe prises wul be more than usually liberal, atui should draw a large number of competitors. Many of the items will be of peculiar internet to those who hail from the north of the Tweed. There will he Highland dance* and music, bicycling, a grand hand competition, and the more in* terestlng of tbe usual athletic create.

Popcxab Bforts.—A meeting of the Popular bjports Association was held on Saturday morning, to sounder protests and rscclvd suggestions. Tne protest entered against Goodwin In the two-mile running handicap, af water haring been thrown over him, was disallowed, but it wai resolved that no interference with competitors should be allowed in future. The champion prise of £S 5a for the competitor scoring the greatest number of points in the two mile warning handicap, two-mile running handicap, one-mile running handicap, and certain other events, has been awarded to F. Woods, of Wellington, who gained 9 points with three first prizes. T. Lyford also gained 9 points, with two first prizes, one second, and one third. ini VotCKTMaa.—At eight a.m. on Friday, the members of the S Battery of Artillery, under Lieutenant Strange and sublieutenant Hill, and the Christchurch City Guards, under Chptein Wolfe and Lieutenant Franc's, mustered at the drill shed preparetory to proceeding to Port for a day’s practice. The Artillery numbered some 58 men, while the City Guards muttered S 6. Both corps, preceded by the Artillery Band, marched to j the railway station and went by train to Lyttelton, where they were met at the station by the Naval Brigade about 40 strong, under Lieutenant M’Clellan and Sub-Lieutenant Dransfield. The Artillery engaged in shot and shell practice, their guns having been tent through by train on the previous night. The City Guards and Naval* betook themwives to skirmishing on the hills along the Governor’s Bay road. After about two hour* and a-half of hard work, the men returned to Lyttelton, and the Christchurch corps came back to town by the half-past 3 p.m. train. Colonel Faeke, Major Lean ana Osptein Slater were present during the day. Puuaavr Poirt. Our eorroepondent writes:—Now that the turmoil of the General Flection is a thing of the past, perhaps you can find room in your journal tor a few notes from this quiet little township. Lately we have opened our new talcyards, but they are not quite so large as they were AiginaUj intended to be. This result is due to the fact that many who warmly supported the scheme in its early stages faded to take up the shares which they had promised to do, acd to the directors had to out the proverbial coat according to their circumstance*. The yard* are, however, very substantial and fairly commodious, and will greatly add to the trade in live stock in this pastoral and agricultural district. Two toiriiss connected with our churches have taken place t both very largely patronised. One, held last night in connection with the XogUsh Church, was succeeded by a concert, and this was supplemented by a dance. We are badly wanting rain, as the crop* are not looking to well as they should on each fine heavy soils as exist on our limestone downs j and farmers are looking anxiously for heavier shower* than those which have lately visited us.

OaWSATIOSf StKTICS AT TUB OiTWQMUI. —The first ordination sertioe held in the Christchurch Cathedral was conducted by the Meet Bee the Primate a 111 a»m. yesterday. when the Bor 0. H. Qoseet, assistant curate of Bangiora, via ordained to the priesthood, aad Mr B. F. Qarbett was ad* mitted to the diaeooate. The service began at the conclusion of morning prayer, and mu commenced with hymn 3M —*• Oh, Them who makest soul* to shine," sung a* a processional. The Ven Archdeacon Barrie then preached an impreeeire sermon from XL Timothy,«. oh, It—“ Be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus." The preacher pointed out the special difficulties and dan. tors that beset the minister ol the Gospel in the present day—the all-pervading mate* rialitm, the mom depravity both in comrner* dal and social life, the severance of education from religion, and, in this Colony, the unsettled condition of a great part of the population. Bo concluded with an eameat exhortation to the candidates to fulfil their arduous but honourable duties with all their ability and energy, and in a spirit of firm trust in their Lord and Master. The cervine, which was full choral, was then proceeded with according to the customary form, the Hot 0. H. Qowct being presented to the Primate by the Very Bee the Dean, and Mr Qarbett by the Yen Archdeacon Barrie. The Litany was intoned by the B«v H. llton, and verses 3,4, and sof Psalm 43 were sung as an anthem. There was a large congregation present at the ceremony.

T«« Mato.—The iawaid Inglieh mail vit Sau Frauoiaeo arrived in port on Saturday morning by the a*. Uawea. F*b»i»o Am mam us Poems —a correefiondsot write# to u» on tha»ubject of f««ding i mpounded animal*, quoting a case at a country pound, where a fine wa* alraof!, starved to death. He with** to know whether “ the law can touch pound keeper* for mjdly to animal*.” We are not aware of the iute of the law upon the point, but we ihouH certainly i»y that hamamiy would prompt such official* to eee Hat animal* under their care are properly suppl ed with food.

‘Out »Mt*r of the Lyttelton Orphans** dmitm to resetpt ■fAS I* from Moom Slot. dayaadCo-, *«d to tmm the Ctevk EM, Court lesatott, towards tto Clittlrssar I'rtxe awl Tr-,-. Paad.

The sale of privlheea «*. »to Worth Caatorto,; vaeeawiil Ut toll at M*«*rs Mateos, lleat «r.-5 room* at 3 p.m. to. morrow.

Owners tit aa J other* fateeaated in the towi>r n«atfceote ram* are ttmirA.vi that •etjefal «i.trie« eta*# at 3 „V.o«k to-olgh:, at the Wharf Koto), Wo.fatoo. Oa Friday sad uacordsy neat a totw. In with the teslwato fowl We*. Isyaa Church, wttl be field ta the Oddfellows’ Mall.

The tnattal of the ratepayers in the Oxford Koe) Dotnl dtetrtet, to oloet two m*m will be told oa Jaw. X. Tteaaoimal asoatir.* <■,« th* SllMMoro itoid Bosrl arid ate %alt« ptso* ■■■<% tk« nn« day, >h« Ashtey Bond Boar* «»»;J bo 4 it# anamU meeting tm Thursday, Jaw. A. when th*e- r_. nr«r« wlllto *S«*«d to saw* ou the Board in #*.•■* r.i tkmm res.gfeh.sr, The MaJewelt head Board win also me'- on the aaftoday to cJMt two i; A nramoMd uteatlag of the toy a: i.i: ,j oi Christchurch Lod.a 1.0.0. F., M.U., w»;i r-» to it thlt attain*.

Oa fhersday staniog next the Christchurch Murfoal jfctoiety will p»r(«m the erato>.. A " vtw? X«e«Sah " at the 11*11. An tdj->Qto*.4 m ntine *f feraone int. r«»t«l fa the s»t»hl .hmwat of a Frmwa M«»tao4 miry prrv dtwe Exo.n Company wul Dm held as tfc# A*rwmk tarsi iri I'aetorai A-w.«aUtoa mat or- a aosa*. net ftftl at XI t.i», 'The aamta) tseetlsg of ratepayer* la the 1 pray, goo Hoad Board Metrics wUI to fee d at she T. »rra office, Lincoln road, oa Toe.day, Jaa. I, at i.noo, to elect two »emj«r».

Tbs aaanal msttag ol aatepijM* & st--. Muu Elver ttAd B ard Cfewviet »Ui m told en Trtdsy. Jsa. 0. at aooa, to aoainata thr«« tzMta.r-r« to •wtt ra Um BoarC. BhoaM a yaii to Aab-sulwl. !t will to Lad «u itwadaf, Jao 9. The annual mmtifif of rat«mvcr» la f fe« t#.t.sWtou dleunet wUt be told oa finrwlay, Un. S. to BootlaatetoaE«atto(* lokim tto Ssmmi. u* poll l« dsataaoad. u will to bald oa J*s. s. All pamoos later*.ted io haUtlmg tto a. bsa! race me«t>cs at tea Meraaal *#» iavitad 19 at tto Haraaat Hotel at two (/cloak aa Mooda/, u, T to eateiea for all ito Uulwp «.«ate ta ecsaeew Mon with tea Upper Kleeutoa apocte will ckxna tomarrow avails*. Ad advartteataast eLawtox* ausoas cm teat Mr Moatafce will today open hte Ifetol aar.aa’. cattet- »*« earc.val asd teory tear la H.tu* j I= d Mowton’a pteHtsea, €a>tol atmwt. Tto mil wtdlaaa varioty of sovalttM will to foaad imij far teapeetloc and pmebmm, aad Is addittos ta.r# «ui to os eahlfciUco a large colteetioa of picture* to tto toat imstot*. A pafel c m*otiof wIU to told Uiis svaalag at tto Bitod Bootd office. Otoko. a tceoUog o t ntepayan win to told tide «v«shi« at tea Town Hall, rapesni, to eoturislor mttten to cenaeotiott site tea b« Botmck <4 Bt Altesa. Tbe Satepol t armors' Clab will toJda meetisg at ttoir ctomtof* tele evetdag. at oltto o’clock. A ja aid of tbtt boLklt? t £sf FXme Sydeatom Baglai Otsttelt will to told to-iay aoi teMDonrow at tee Oddtttip ws’ HaH

A Tamer* to Xmxotaxux*—ln aoawar to an inritatum vo attend a temptncee demoestratton to Hackney, Sir (tenet Wo!»«ler ha* written the following letter.- “ War Osß».—Dear air,—l do not expee to be here on the date of toot meeting, to 1 •bail Dot be able to comply with the result which you bare addressed to c« ia inch flattering terms. Although 1 do cot like takng so active part, ia temperaae* meetag*, there it ao one ia Knglaoo whose best a mote sincerely in the good cause you advxai* than mine. About 90 per cent of tt-.e incur Army i* owing to drunkenae** mi when our man are moored from the t*r.pe*tlon of intoxicating liquor, mot is prvt •*-> unknown among them. During the :->••*- tiost I conducted ia Sooth Africa in ISIi, ar own personal escort was composed * u.V: exelnmrely of teetotalers. they h»i hard work to do, hat graabUog heard from them, and a be tier-behave; man I was sem satiated Of, a fact « •'% I attribute to thrir being olmoes aU ‘ciAj abstainers.—l lure tbs honour lo re VMZ-J dear dir, rsry faithloUy years, O. W To Mr A K. Thomas, Fawerser.r: Clmslon.” • TBBBMBSIBO Mb GUBRQBB—Tur Jr ci an Eaxlsah Premier, confronted by i; .Irish “difficulty,” is not exactly a bed <’ roses. Ur Gladstone's letter bag, «!»-»;« * foil oar, is just now exceptionally wsi<u:<Not a day passee but he has a midmost rf * ■core of letter* threatening him and his «iiall kinds of grow and murderous Some of these epistle* bear the Irish a»£mark, hot on the average the greater coster come from English to wee where Iriazmes chiefly congregate. A great deal of twable would be saved to the writer* of these biters if they knew the business-like master in which this portion of the Premier’s correspondence is dealt with. Mr ff. 1L ilaistone, who is now at. Hawaxden, and who, among other secretarial duties, usd*rtai#» the opening of hie father’s letter, has » keen •cent tor these effusions, cultivate! and sharpened by many years’ No time ia wasted ia reading the trash which is quickly dropped into the w*tepap*r basket. This daily receipt of ikeateoiog letter* has ess* to be one of the tvjulat and inevitable concomitant* ol pro minis; pahhc life. Mr Gladstone reckon* that le has received more threatening letter* titan any pubUo man of the age, acd that he has been feast disturbed by them.

CoseaußSaia Bosoi.—Jhe revival of claims to payment of their maaey by the holder* of hood* of the defunct Confederal* State* of America must kpjxv an anachronism to moat quiet and resectable people. After the close of the American dni war ell property belonging to the Confederate Government was seised and confiscated by the victorious North. Among the property thue summarily dealt with was the eetten tinted la the death, on which the Storting (or cotton) Loan was secured, and which wae appropriated by the conqueror to hia own purposes. Not content with that, the North shortly afterward* alto secured the addition of an amendment to the Cocstimtion of the United State*, under which the Southern Slate* were prohibited from at any future time recognising, or taking any »«ept to pay, the loan* contracted by their Ooverement, oa the ground that throe were ‘rebel*’ debt*. Nevertheless, tn spite of these facte, there is, a* intimated, a revival of the claim* of the Coatalemte bend* holder*. After seventeen year* hare passed sine* the cod of the war. they have begun to urge their taro upon the consideration el the United State*, and a brisk speculation hat sprung up in bond* on both •idee of the Atlantic. Use version of the matter it that the bondholder* are preparing to push their claim* to a fund—variously estimated at from 5,0tM),0G0 to 17.000,000 dollar* alleged to be in the Bank of England and in ether bank* in this country and on the Continent, which formerly belonged to the Confederate Government, and to which the bondholders, it i# now averred, have the first right. Whether thi* be like ground of the claim, or whether they hone to obtain recognition of the debt m any shape or form from America, the whole thing seem* a very desperate busineat. However, il ha* given rite to numerous and large dealing*, and not improbably, before the babble bursts, will give occasion to a good many more —M»m# News. A MaosmeßST Gist.— The chatelaine presented to the Princess of Wale* at Swansea by the Harbour Trust, on the occasion of the opening of the new dock, was exceptionally magnificent. The body of the chatelaine U of a rich renaissance style, and hat a gold and jewelled coronet at its summit. The two tide scrolls bear escutcheons, one having on It the anas of the Princes* herself, and the other the bearings of the Harbour Trait. Both escutcheon* are in enamel- Various nautical and national emblem* occupy the field of the chatelaine, and in the centre a trident is held by a cable which aUo hold* the pair of gold scissor* in the centre of the ornament, from which they can rosily be diseogaged. The artist has in no way diiguncd the. article, hut ha* rather given them an ornamental Value. The scroll which surround* them develops* in the centre of each oval of tha scissor* into a Tudor we rot with gem* —i the outer red rose heiojf composed of fine diamonds. Several arttcle* depend from the chatelaine. On# i* a

stutivo gold anchor, opposite which » gold notnt-bottle, tho moat elaborate of all Jhe top, coronet shape, opens with a bayonet joint* and than {some* a band of large and flue turquoises. Below is an encircling |>aad of largo diamonds, and between these borders is the initial of the Prince** set with diamonds. On the reterso of this is a pretty device, the letter A, intertwined with rose, thistle, and leek. A third pendant from the chatelaine is a ** Light Buoy " of now patent construction, which answer* as a depository for small thing*. A four) h Is a ships com* Q inside a steering wheel bonier, at the of which is a bloodstone signet, bearing the letter A, adorned with ravens' wings and surmounted by the coronet. The Princes* was also presented with a bouquet holder, ami the Prince with a drinking bora so con* strncted that it may bo used in hunting fey being slung across the shoulder, or it may slide into the stand prepared for It, and form an ornament.

Tun Co anvil TtrvNit. ~ The Channel tunnel, many people will be surprised to bear, is making progress. On the French side the work has readied a distance of 1800 metres, while on the English side 1690 met res have been completed. Tin* makes in alt 8400 md res, or considerably more than one-tenth of tie entire extent of piercing to be aeoom* nibbed, the lunnel being rather more than 29 ki lometres lon#. Supposing that it is decided to go on with the work, and that the needed 80 millions can be raised, the funnel might he completed in a few year*. The original calculation was that it would only require two years to pleroe a way of oeven or nine fret in diameter from one tide of the Channel to the other, a machine being worked from each side. Now lhal the experiment is proceeding in good earnest, there seems every reason to think (he task might be accomplished within something loss than that period from the present date. If so, another four year* would probably be required to complete the entire work and render it St for traffic. Fashion is Dmaic.—There is a fashion in drink m la drees. Everybody knows that black beer, in its several varieties of porter, stout, and cooper, fans for generations been the popular drink of the Londoner. The forever who respected the maxim which eejorne the ut« of M the drink of the country,” swallowed it, although often with awry face j the countryman called for it because it was the drink of the Londoner t and the genuine Cockney would consume no other malt liquor. All this is changed. Beer, we are credibly informed, has fallen into desuetude, and the light alia are succeeding it. The alter whom the beverage was named, no longer cells far his pot of "porter," but for “ four ate." And it is the same with the general public. This fact is recognised by the great brewery establish* sente, those of them who formerly brewed black beer now producing ale. Enterprising caterers at one lime thought that in the druggie for supremacy lager beer might have a chance of the second pure, if not the first j but from the return of the total quantities of foreign beer end ale retained for homo consumption in the last three years, it would appear that the foreign ai tide has not the slightest chance of g, tting a footing here. The fight is between black beer and onr own ike, and the victory seems already more than half won by the latter.

Osxxwato r» CmusATios.—A Loudon paper thu* amtumgly writes on the prospect of a visit from the ex-Sing of Zululana:— She dote of the Transvaal troubles and the advent of a more peaceful epoch is Natal will be appropriately marked by a notable emoGiiaios to the captive Zulu King. Insbruetioat have been sent to the Cape to •Bow Getaways tho fullest measure of personal liberty short of return to his native country. This will be interpreted, no doubt. Into freedom to go at large in Capetown. By-cad-bye, it will probably be marked by permission to visit England. This is said to be OatewayoV moot earnest desire, nor la it strange that he should wish to see a country of which he has heard, and from which he his suffered so much. If he comes he will assuredly be the success of next London season. 'Bis imposing figure, clad In the European garments he already fancies, will be visible everywhere. No entertainmen-. will be complete without him. He will go to Court, will dine at Marlborough House, and be a bone of oaateßtion among all the ball-giving dowagers of Beljpavm, whose parties ho will brighten by performing a few of the warlike dances of n native land. Society is wonderfully charitable to distinguished personages. It will forgive the royal visitor his polygamous vumage, and will probably include all the wives ia the invitations it sends the King. Lire their consort, they will doubtless adopt our ways, and it is ea-y to foresee the flatter of excitement caused among the Court milliners by the advent of so many royalties who hitherto have had absolutely nothing to wear. After that the familiar parody of a wellknown book, “How to Drees lake a Zuln, by a Zulu, os Nothing a Year," will cease to have any force. Ext&aosdisabt Foixt. Writes the London correspondent of the Melbourne Argot : —1 have often remarked on the foolhardiness with which Smarms are handled in this country, and on our stupid habit of practical joking with them, but a mors curious accident -indeed a double - barrelled one—arose out of this custom the other day than cos could have imagined possible. A man who had a friend going out to Australia, bought a revolver as a present to him, imagining, doubtless, that tbc colonies were in a state of chronic disturbance, and that every other person be mot would be a bushiwsger. Of course, be imagined the weapon { to bo unloaded, and to illustrate, V for fun," atad for the benefit, of his maid-servant, the effects of it, be pot the muzzle to his mouth, pulled the trigger, mid fell down a corpse, The terrified servant rushes Into a neighhour's with the news, taking the weapon with her, and imagining, I conclude, it to be an ordinary pistol, puts It to her mouth to •how what faappenro to her muter, pulls the trigger, and Is shot dead. If I were the perron for whom this unlucky gift was originally intended, I should hardly like to take it alter two such catastrophes j but this is a matter of sentiment. I know as eminent surgeon who shaves himself to this day with the ream with which Oreanoere cut up bis wife, and which he obtained in right of his being the medical witwia at tbs inquest. “Whynot?" he says, when remonstrated with, “it Is a first-rate razor.” OnmA&TAB----We find the following in a fils by the m*fl, from which it will ho seen that there was acme shadow of foundation for the report about the wiling of Gibraltar : —When topics of Interest fail, the Spanish nevepapers invariably introduce the question of the eo-called “ revindication of Gibraltar. The Bock ic the big gcowberry of the Madrid journalist. Ihe papers of that capital have just started the subject again, bet this time on quite a different basts. The proposal now is to buy it bock, and to open subscriptions to obtain the necessary funds, in aid of which one patriotic local banker bos already promised £IO,OOO. No mention Is mode of the amount which would probably be necessary, nor does the possibility of England refusing any sum, however large, appear to have entered into the calculation. “Gib," as it ie familiarly styled, is, perhap*, the most important of all oar Crown Colonies, not excepting Malta, which would not long b® ours if we did not hold the mouth of the Mediterranean. Ite loss by treaty, cole, or capture would be a first greet blow to our national prestige no lees than to our power inEuropeT Degradation in the eye* of the whole world would inevitably follow. The Minister who recommended ila cession would be in danger of impeachment, the commanders who suffered it to fall into an enemy’* bands might meet the fate which overtook Admiral Byng. hpsln may therefore consider the day of recovery still miennitoly postponed. After all, although the Bock may bo said to stand on Spanish ground, Spain did not actually hold this impregnable natural fortress for mors than throe or four oenturirs. It was Moorish till the Sfteenlh, and In the beginning of the eighteenth it became British.

Qnnux. Qhtsnaufti B*oow>.—At U ho *■*» »t wwk at » carpenter's banch. At 16 «• *•» ft boatman on t«® Ohio Canal. At 18 h* *u •tndylng in tho Cheater, Ohio, Sofloi* **»f. At 2l he am* teaching in one of Ohio a

wa m «rad^h? ,I * WDS for * ard with his catered WHlte « » me Ume> At ** ho entered Williams College. At 26 ho era. hoSoMS^tW 8 " 1 * WUh tb ' h '^ CBt Honours of bis class. At 27 fe o was a tntor at Hiram College. At 28 ho was of Hiram College. At 29 he Wa ® a member of the Ohio Benate—the Mows l Of the Forty-second Ohio Regiment. placed in command of a rcb ® 1# untier Uumphrev helped General Buell in the fight «LFi» a prominent *" e siege of Corinth, and in the lApmuil movement along the Memphis and ObarJwtown , miroad. At 32 he was apminm chief of staff of«he Army of Cumber* land, participated in the campaign in Middle JJmneisat, and in the notable battle of atst * WM promoted to the rank of Major*General. At 83 he was in congress, thesnooMsor of Joshua B. biddings. At 48, aa . n conl,nu «'d in Congress since ho waa 88, he was elected to the United States Senate. At 40 ho was nominated for the Presidency of the United State*. At 50 ho was elected President, and July 2, 1881, was shot by Quiteaa, and received wounds from too effects of which he died.

Exhibition or Winks.—An Exhibition of wines, Ac., is to be held at Bordeaux in June, 1882.

SPOKTAKBona Forests.— A writer in a 5,j. Virginia paper combats the opinion, held by many arboriculturists, that an open country is never converted into a forest through the operation of natural causes, and, as establishing the fact that such change doc* sometimes occur, brings forward the case of the Shenandoah Valley. When first settled, about 160 years ago, it was an open prairielike remon covered with tall grass, on which fed herd* of deer, buffalo, elk, Ac., and having no Umber, except on ridgy portion* of it j but m consequence of its settlement the annual fires were prevented, and trees sprang up almost oe thickly and regularly as if seed had been planted. Those forests having been preserved by the farmer, cover now a large part of the surface with hard wood trees of superior excellence. Those facts would also seem to substantiate the theory that the treeless character of the prairies of the Weft is due to the annual burning of the grass by the Indians.

A VmoK of Science— Tho Daily Newt, •peaking of the addrcea of Dr Siemens in opening the winter eouion of the Birmingham and Midland Institute, tajs:—“The concluding portion of the address will be the most suggestive and interesting to the great mass of the public. The progress of electricity, as a motive power and as a means of producing healthy light, has been so astoundmg daring the last few years that the public are prepared to believe almost anythin* to be possible. Dr Siemens, however, speaks with full knowledge when be suggests that it will speedily light oar streets and houses, propel our tram cam, and even the trains on the underground railways, and do much of the work that is now done by other agencies, "But there is a more pleasant forecast than oven this in the assurance that gaseous fuel is to taka the place of solid fuel. All over the land protests ore rising against the desolation caused by smoke. It would at once lift off the smoke-pall which hangs over London, and make London fogs less frequent and less dense. It would save our trees from the coating of black which disfigures them, our public buildings from the defacements they suffer, and our houses from the invading and and all-present dirt. It is a prophetic vision of Science, the realisation of which may, however, be nearer than we dream." The Deaiii of Gold to Aiiehica.. — “ Sending gold to California," remarks the Sydney Morning Herald, “ appears synonymous to sending coals to .Newcastle, yet recently one of the Californian mail steamers took hence a large shipment of sovereigns to San Francisco, where they arrived, and were available for purchasing grain on English account, on the twenty-seventh day after leaving this city. Contract this with the old time movements, when even by the P, and O. steamers gold took GS days ia transit from Sydney to Southampton, and if the same shipment was required for the purchase of produce in California, more than 40 additional clays must transpire before even the advice of its receipt in England could reach the golden city. This operation in Australian gold was of an unprecedented character in connection with our trade, and opens up a field for speculative enquiry as to now the exchange business of the future will be conducted. If America claims gold for the food she sends to Europe, Australia should profit by the course events have taken. It is folly to send coin or bullion to England, if we have a better market for it in San Francisco or New York. If the Bank of France was recently compelled to raise it* rate to hi per cent, and the Bank of England to 6 per cent, to stop the drain of gold to the Doited States, ic is difficult to say what an important part the auriferous wealth of these Colonies may be made to play in the money market of the future, especially as our increased production of wool most make the balance of exchange in our favour, as against the Mother Country. Electricity has removed any disadvantages Australian financiers laboured under during the past, and has opened a new field for the exercise of their talents."