MISCELLANEOUS.

Mount Ida Chronicle, Volume IV, Issue 225, 27 June 1873, Page 7

MISCELLANEOUS.

. The 5 Winner , op, the Deeby.—Ten years ago . the greatest of living Horses, Blair Athol/ upset the calculations of those who follow public running by winning the Derby the first time he appeared on a race-course, and the telegram the other day, acquainted us with the success of his halt-brother, Doncaster, under similar circumstances, thus keeping green to the last the fame of his illustrious sire. Though years ago Sfcockwell had earned the title of "The Emperor of Stallions," the * grand old horse has in his' final season fairly eclipsed his previous successes. True it is, that in Lord Lyon's year, his progeny occupied the three coveted positions, frdt he was then in the zenith of his power, and his harem comprised the aristocracy of stud matrons. . The first and secondtin. this year's Derby were the .children of his old age, produced when he was- already regarded as a light of other days. Before their victory was gained he had passed away to the happy pasture and the most eloquent tribute to his memory has now been recorded in the pages of the " Calendar." - Doncaster is a chesnut colt by Stockwell, out of Marigold. He was purchased by his present owner, Mr. Merry, at the annual yearling sales at Doncaster, for 950 guineas, being one of a lot of four bred and there submitted to auction by Sir Tatton Sykes.— 'Star.'

A Meeting of the Waipori Miners' Association Committee was held on Saturday 7th inst., when a copy of the memorial of the Kakanui Water Eace Company was received. It was resolved that this Committee consider that the Kakanui Water Eace Company has a fair claim on the G-overnment for compensation, and that -this Committee support their claim in'whatever way may be most expedient. A sub-Committee was appointed to consider the provisions of the proposed new Groldfields Bill, and report upon it at a future meeting ; and in the meantime, to correspond with the Central Committee on the matter. It was resolved that this Commitee use their best endeavors to secure the return of Messrs V. Pyke and H. Bastings, at the forthcoming provincial Council election. Mr. S. Caudwell tendered his resignation as Chairman and member of Committee, and Mr. James Eitchie was elected Chairman in his place. An unanimous vote of thanks was given to Mr. Caudwell for his past services in connection ■ with the Association, when the Chairman appointed Saturday, ,5 th July, for the next meeting, and closed the propeedings. 'T'uapeka Times.' Walter Savage Landor used to relate .an anecdote of one of our judges, • which belong to the present subject. Being on circuit, two old,men were, brought before him as witnesses, and, according to custom, he began to chat with them, among other things, about their age, for the purpose of giving a moral lesson to the young barristers. " Well, my good man," said he to the first witness, " how old may you be?" "About eighty.-seyen, my lord." •" I dare say, now, you have lived a very sober life?" " Yes, my lord ; I haven't been to bed tipsy for the last sixty years.'' "There," cried his lordship, turning to the gentlemen of the bar, " you see what a fine thing sobriety is. The witness looks as though he would live twenty years more." The nodded assent. In his turn, another witness came forward, who looked particularly hale and robust. " And how old are you, friend ?" inquired the judge. " Ninetyfive, my lord," was the reply. " Ninetyfive ! I'll answer for it you have led a sober life —haven't you ?" Witness hung his head, and answered, " I don't like to say all before these gentlemen." " Never mind; speak out." "Well then, my lord,' I haven't gone to bed sober for the last seventy years." At this his lorclship looked rather black, and the bar smilecl. The judge then said, "We will proceed with the case, gentlemen." At an Elgin meeting of bakers an enthusiast for good, remuneration of tliat hard-worked class of individuals themselves, wound up with the following : " May the cock of Scotland never crow, May the rose of England never blow, May the harp of Ireland never play, Till we poor bakers get better pay."