North Otago Times. WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 1878.

North Otago Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 1888, 15 May 1878, Page 2

North Otago Times. WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 1878.

\M* thtf *ttxioui tooling which hu prevailed during tho recent interruption of mble communication as to what might be transpiring in Europe, it is with a feeling of relief that the telegram! which we published yesterday will have been read, showing as they do, we think, indications of the probability of a peaceful issue of the present differences between England and Ruasia. The determined stand taken by Earl Beaoonsfield appears to have induced Russia to pause in her ambitious designs, and to consider whether she dare venture to push them in defiance of British opposition. That she has 1 failed by all her manoeuvring to secure the open or covert aid of Austria seems certain ; and it appears equally certain that in tho event of a collision between the Lion and the Bear, Turkey will not side with the latter. We are told that the President of the Ottoman Council has doolared that Turkey will observe neutrality ; but three days' later news adds that " the relations between Russia and Turkey have been esbranged," and that tho Turks have only partially evacuated Shumla, because Russia has only withdrawn her forces to but a short distance from San Stofano ; whils it is added that " Baker Pasha has declared that if Russia attempts to seize Stamboul the Turks would resist. Eighty thousand mon occupy tho lines of defence." It would therefore appear that Turkoy lias not thrown herself into the arms of the conqueror, but is far from treating him as a friend ; and in such case it is not difficult to imagine that were England to declare war the Ottoman troops would ere long be found actively engaged in Assisting her arms, and at the same time taking the opportunity to repay Russia for tho*punishment she has so recontly inflicted upon them. With Servia arming, andßoumania, incensed at tho Muscovite breach of faith, turned from an ally into an enemy, and with every probability of having to meet Austrian as Avell as British troops in tho field, Russia may well hesitate ; the more that tho British fleet is now in a state of preparedness such as probably it never before exhibited, and presents a force such as never yet was brought into play in the history of naval warfare. But Russia would not only hare to fight armies and navies ; if she elects to fight, she would have to fight money — not tho least important of the triple alliance, while on her side there can be very little of that indispensable artiolo. It is not surprising therefore to hear that in St. Petersburg the desire for peace is increasing, while at the same time the Home Cabinet is evidently of opinion that the prospects of a peaceful solution of tho difficulty are strengthening. Russia appears disposed to mike concessions, and if these take the shape of referring all matters affecting tho ro-ndjustment of territory absolutely to the Congress, there is overy room to hope that a satisfactory settlement will be arrived at. The position is, howerer, still an exceedingly critical one, and will call into play all the diplomatic skill of London and St. Petersburg, while a single false move on either side will bo tho signal for a conflict of greater magnitude than Europe has seen during the present century.

Municipal Council. — A special mooting of the Council is called for tliis morning at 11 o'clock.

Oamaru Waterworks. — The contractor for these works advertises for tenders (receivable up to tho 21st imt.), for the completion of about 53 chains of tunnelling.

Masonic, E.G. — The regular monthly meeting of Lodge Waitaki, for passing and raising, takes place to-morrow evening, at Imif-past 7 o'clock/ in the Freemasons Hall, "SVansboek street*

Be It So I — We have all heard of the enthusiastic Methodist brother who shouted "Amen," hit or miss, after having been warned not to interject his responses in the wrong placo ; but now comes the story of an exhortation in which the speaker, on saying " This is, perhaps, the last timo my voice will ever be heard in this houso," was followed by a vigorous, though thoughtless, "Amonl"

The Expeditionary Force. — The following nro tho regiment* which will be tho first ft> take up active service in the Ei\pt in the event of our going to war, viz. : — Tho 4th and sth Dragoon Guards, Ist and 2nd Btigooiis, 7th, Bth, and 19th Hussars, 2nd battalion Oronadior Guards, 2nd battalion Coldstream Guards, Ist battalion Scots Guards, 2nd battalion 4th Foot, 2nd ! battalion sth Foot, 2nd battalion 6th Foot, 2nd battalion 10th Foot, 2nd battalion 14th Foot, 26th Foot, 29th Fqot, 30th Foot, 41st Foot, B2nd Foot, 58th Foot, Ist battalion 60th Foot, 78th Foot, 86th Foot, 93rd Foot, 99th Foot, and the Ist and 3rd battalions of the Rifle Brigade. In addition to these, the twelvo battalions at Malta and Gibraltar will bo employed, viz., the Ist battalion Ist Foot, Ist battalion 4th Foot. 2nd battalion 23rd Foot, 27th Foot, 42nd Foot, 61st Foot, 69th Foot, 71st Foot, 98th Foot, 101 st Foot, 102 nd Foot, and the 2nd battalion of the Rlflo Brigade.

The Sherwood Estate. — The " Evening Star" writes : — That was a lucky venture of Mr Rhodes' of Christohurch. Barely three weeks ago he purchased at auction at L 9 an aero (which was then considered an extravagant price) tho Sherwood Estate in South Canterbury from tho Messrs Parker. Mr Rhodes carried into effect the intention of tho previous owners, and had the estate, which comprises 6500 acres, cut up into •mall farms, whioh were submitted to auction oh Friday at Timaru. There, wero buyers troth all parts of the Middld Island, including «many from Otago. The lowest price was L 7 an acre ; tho highest, L2O 10s ; and the average a- little over LI 3. Thus an outlay of L 57.000 turned him in, scarcely three wfldka after, L87,686— a handsome profit truly.

Rapid Railway Construction. — Tho '• Rangitikei Advocate" of a late date publishes the following: — "We learn on cood authority that the Hon. Mr Campbell, ol tho Douglas block, has already constructed thirty-throe miles of railway in ,the Middle Island, under the District Railways Act of last session, and has oxpreaiod his determination to carry out tho proposed Poxton and Sandonline." Commenting upon this, the Christchurdh "Vteam" writes :— Aa the Act in questibn dnty came into force in December, tho rapidity With which these miles of railway have been constructed is unparalleled. Tho m6at singular part of tho circumstance is that thbjr should hare been constructed without the knowledge of tho Middle Island people

themselves, who have not heard of tho constructive feat referred to. Is it possible that someone should have been hoaxing our contemporary T" Our readers will bo able to answer the question, at anyrate as regards the " thirty-threo miles in the Middle Island," which exist only in the imagination of the "Advocate."

KtfrLE Match. --The following are the names of the Oamaru team in the match to bo fty«d on Friday between No. 1 Company and th* Christohurch Engineers, viz.: — Captain S\ihiptor, Lieut. Headland, Sub-Lieut. Morris, Sergt. King, Vol. R. Harding, Vol M'Corkiiulule, Vol. Lonnie, Vol. A. Hardy, Vol. Russell, and Vol. Scott.

A Breakdown.— About noon yesterday, just as a four-wheeled cab, driven by Mr Plank, was turning Boe's corner, the hind axlo snapped short on fcho off side tho whool remaining behind, while tho vehicle dragged several yards. It is fortunate that attho | time no one was in tho cab, or wo might have something moro sorious to put on record.

I St. Paul's Church Soiree. — Tho annual soireo of St. Paul's Church takes place this evening in tho Volunteer Hall. Tea will be served at half-past six, after which addresses will be delivered by the Revs. Dr. Stuart, P. Barclay, H. Dewsbury, J. Steven, J. Cameron, and other gentlemen. A number of hymns will bo ■ung by the choir, which, we believe, has made great preparations for tho occasion.

An Uns woury Presence. — An individual of a very undesirable sort, or in other words a gentleman in an elevated state of mind, was found fast asleep in the rooms of the Young Men's Christian Association on Monday evening. A most melodious snore arrested the attention of a gentleman proceeding to one of the adjoining offices. On finding out tho state of affairs he at once procured the services of a constable, and between them tho aurprised individual who, by the way, must have been inspired with an intense love of literature to have climbed so high, was speedily ejected — staggering down Itchen street apparently disgdated at the inhumanity of those who had interfered with him in tho gratification of his tastes.

Waiareka-Livingstonb Railway. — In reply to tho telegram forwarded on Monday to the Minister for Publio Works by Mr Sumpter, as Secretary to the Railway Committee, asking that in making the survey for an extension of the Waiareka Branch lino to Livingstone, the route from Teanoraki as well as from Windsor and Ngapara might be surveyed, tho following messago was yesterday received from tho Under- Secretary for Public Works :—": — " A copy of your telegram will be postod to Mr Blair, Dunedin, with instructions that, if it can bo arranged to survey the proposed route, tho Minister has no objection."

Nbw Guinea and Victoria. — A movement has been initiated in Melbourne for the a.inoxaMon of New Guinea to Victoria. Among the reasons given aro the following : — That Victoria has a larger population than any of the other Australasian Colonies, but a smaller torritory ; that the annexed islands would be field* for the growth of tropical productions used there, and places where adventurous youth could find scope for thoir energies ; that as the connection between the guardian colony and the islands must be by sea, Victoria is quite as well adapted for the position of guardian colony as any other colony ; and that ono result of the dependency would bo tho development of the seafaring proclivities of the Victorian people.

A Cricket Incident. — A writer in the " Leader " tolls the following anecdote of the groat match between Fifteen and Eleven of Australia : — An amusing incident occurred during this match, which I do mt think has seen the light previously. In the early part of the second innings, whilst the brothers Bannerman were together, tho younger called a run, which 0. Bannerman responded to, but was then ordorod back. Having gone too far to retreat, »nd finding his brother standing unmoved in his crease, the elder brother exercised his birthright, and catching hold of tho younger by the collar dragged him out of his ground, which ho himself then immediately occupied, with tho remark, " You're better out than I am." Tho result was that A. Bannerman lost his wicket, but his side won tho match. Such an instance of presence of mind in an emergency deserves to be recorded.

Great Pedestrian Feat.— On February sth, Mr W. H. Smythe, " Tho American Postman" as ho is popularly called, completed, nt the Rotundo Rink, Dublin, his task of walking 2000 milos in 1000 consecutive hours within ten minutes of tho allotted time. This is undoubtedly tho greatest pedestrian feat that has ever been accompliscd, and quite throws into tho shade all previous efforts. Smythe commenced hi 3 walk on tho morning of St. Stephen's Day at tho Rotundo Rink, the conditions being that he should walk one mile at least in each hour. Ho continued perseveringly at Ins task, night and day, his long, easy stride and steady gait remaining unchanged throughout, Three of tho best of the city bands (including tho "Martyrs") were present, and tho enthusiasm was immense, cheer after cheer being given in the heartiest manner as eacli of the last few miles was covered. The track measured nine laps to tho mile. At tho conclusion of tho porformanco ho announced his intention of competing for Sir John Astley's prizo of L5OO, in London.

Waitaki Road Board. — The usual monthly mooting of this Board was held at the Board's office, Tyno street, yesterday. Present — Messrs Duncan (chair), Borrio, Easton, Borton, M 'Donald, Connell, Smillie, Davidson, Aichoaon, Evans, and Oliver (Engineer). The minutes of the previous meet ; ng were read and confirmed, and the outv >rd correspondence was approved. A eire ' • r asking for certain statistical informatior t.9 received from the Registrar-General, whi the Clerk was instructed to supply. Th( inicipal Engineer wrote stating that the ' idgo over water-race, on road to Hal farm, would be ereottd aa soon as pos 'j. Mr W. Fenwick wrote with referc • ) to proposed road to Municipal quarry. In c inection with this matter, tho Engineei produced a survey plan, showing the amount of land required nnd the cour«o of the proposed road. After a considerable amount of discusiion, it was resolved that tho Chairman, and the members for Landon Subdivision, be appointed a Committee to wait on tho Corporation, re obtaining a guarantee that tho Corporation bear all expanses over and above the amount (L 300) voted by tho Board. Permission was granted to tho Hon. H. J. Miller to erect a gate on roadline between sections 23 and flfi, block 1., Oamaru District. A deputation, consisting of Messrs Catder and Hargraves, waited on tho Board with reference to roadlino on tho west sido of main road at Landon Creek, pointing out that as Mr M'Mastcr had fenced his land, acceis to properties in thd rear was how cut off. Tho Chairman intimated that the Board would consider tho matter and forward tho result of their deliberations. Tho deputation then withdrew. Mr Borne moved that the Chairman, with Messrs Honour, Evans, and Procter,, wait on Mr M 'Master" with a view to arrange for an outlot aloni? Landon Crook through section 49, block 1., Oamaru District. Mr Borton moved, ai an amendment, "That thetrack, as recommended by the Engineer, for tho purpose of combining two roads bo adopted, and that, failing an arrangement with the proprietors, dteps bo taken to acquire it." On a division, the amendment wiw carried by the oasting vote of the Chairman. Messrs Miller and M'Leau wrote, requesting that tho Redcastle road be metalled, as in wiritor time it was impassable. It was resolved th>»t the roaTl be metalled as required. Tho Board then proceeded to make arrangements for tho annual election. It was decided, on the casting vote of tho chairman, that the Bohoolhouae, Papakaio, bo the place of nomination for that subdivision. Tho Engineer's roport was read with roforenco to various works, nnd it was ordered that tenders be called for bridge over l^andon Creek and approach thereto, also that the solicitor bo instructed to complete the conveyance. It was resolved on the motion of Mr Easton, that tho Engineer inspect tho bridge on road lino at section 154, block 4, l'apakaio, and that tenders bo called for the necessary works, to be in by next meeting. Mr P. Aitcheson, tabled notices of motion as

follows :—" That tho road forming the boundary botween Waiareka »nd W»it*ki Districts bo proclaimed a main district road with the consent of the former Board." "That blocks I. and IV., Awamoko, bo taken from the Papakaio subdivision and added to that of Awamoko." Accounts amounting to L2BO 2s lid werd pasied for payment, and the Board adjourned.

Sacrilege. — The Queenstown correspondent of tho "Dunstan Times" writes: — Some incarnate, sacriligious fiends —men I will not call them — broke into tho Church of England here between lost Friday night and Saturday morning, and, not satisfied with desecratipg the altar with their ungodly footsteps, must needs break somo of tho altar rails and some chalices, and doing .other damage, winding up their delivery by N)OBmearing everything thay could come across with human filth and blood. Tho indignation and excitement among all sections of the community is intense ag*in*t the dastardly scoundrels, and I am of opinion that very short shrift would have beon givon them had they been caught when the excitemont waa at its height.

Russia in tiie South Seas. — From a private letter which we have just received from Han Francisco, we (" Daily Times ") make the following extract, a portion of which will bo of deep interest at the present time:—"e :— " If England lots Samoa slip through her fingers, her commerce with this coast stands the chance of ruin in the event of war with a maritime Power. Wo have a Russian sloop of war here ; recently wo had an admiral and seven ships refitting, and they aro on tho station opposite this coast, and ready to pounce upon tho homeward bound grain ships. Tho naval station at Victoria could not resist a gunboat in tho absence of cruisers. Russia will likely acquire the island about which Henderson and Mac.farlano and Sterndale litigated, as » naval station, the admiral having reported favorably upon it. Tho annexation by purchase or otherwiso of tho Navigator Group, giving tho Americans their acquired rights in Pango Pango, would offset it all. I wish you would agitato this question."

Explosive Kerosene. — It will be remembered (says the New Zealanclor) that at the inquest on the body of Hannah Barnes, Mr Benzoin was doubtful as to whether the oil in use was Dovoo's or some other brand. We have made inquiries, and are satisfied that the kerosene used by Mr Benzoni, as well as the sample tested by Dr Hector, was none other than Devoo's. As this brand of oil is almost exclusively used in Wellington, a general scare may bo anticipated. It is certainly alarming to find that the brand of kerosono which is above all others considered puro, should be liable to explode when wanned to scarcely blood heat. Tho Dangerous Goods Act fixes the minimum temperature of safety at 110 deg., and yet wo have stored in the city hundreds of cases of an oil which explodes at less than 100 deg. It is so dangerous that no light should be brought near it. It is somewhat horrifying to know that hundreds of dwellings are illuminated with it every night of the week. Under the circumstances it behoves the authorities to set about having every samplo of kerosene imported here thoroughly tested.