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New Zealand Times, Volume XXX, Issue 4553, 23 October 1875, Page 2

A meeting o£ cricketers was held at the Pier Hotel last evening, for the purpose of considering the best means of improving the Basin Reserve cricket ground, and the desirableness of forming a cricketing association. The attendance was not large. Mr. Knapp was voted to the chair, and explained that an estimate of the amount required to be at once spent upon the ground to render it at all decent for playing was £6O, and this it was proposed to raise by contributions from different clubs—the Wellington Club guaranteeing £2O, Star, £2O ; Colts, £lO ; and Victoria, £lO. A sum of £ll had been obtained as the result of the College sports, and the promoters were willing to hand this amount over, to bo applied in improving the ground. Whether this

should go in reduction of the sum of £6O, or whether it should be treated as a surplus, was a matter for consideration ; but to his (Mr. Knapp's) mind it appeared that the latter course -would be the more advisable. A long conversational discussion ensued, in which it was mentioned, that the Star Club, on account of pecuniary difficulties, could not contribute such an amount ; the Yictoxia Club had not yet considered tire matter ; but that the Wellington and the Colts were willing to contribute the amounts set down to them. All seemed to agree that the money could" not be found from the clubs’ funds, and that there was no alternative from an appeal to the public. Then comes the question as to whether it would not be the better course to form an association representing all parties, to collect subscriptions for the of the ground and the advancement of cricketing interests generally, rather than leaving each club to go to the public; and Mr. J. W. Salmon proposed,—" That a cricketing association be formed for the purpose of providing a ground for the use of the clubs joining the association, for the management of provincial and intercolonial matches, and the advancement of oi-ioket generally.” This was carried, and also another resolution proposed by the same mover, to the effect that a committee of management should be appointed, consisting of three members of each of the clubs joining. The meeting then adjourned.

The Wellington Athletic Club held their annual general meeting in the Pier Hotel on Thursday evening, Mr. Churton in the chair. The report of the managing committee and' balance-sheet were read, showing the club to be in a healthy condition financially, and there is no want of interest in the movement on the, part of the members, so that it is fair to predict for it a long life and increase of strength. The club have decided to bestir themselves during the approaching season, and to hold several public athletic meetings, at which of course prizes will be distributed ; while it is intended to offer prizes to outsiders, in order to bring about a greater interest in athletic sports generally. The committee recommend that a sum of £ls or £2O should be spent in forming a quartermile course, and that the public should be invited to assist in this desirable object. The report of the committee as read was adopted. Several additional members were elected, and officers for the ensuing year were appointed, as follows; —Honorary treasurer, Mr. P, P. Webb; honox-ary secretary, Mr. Churton; managing committee, Messrs. G. Bishop, A. Campbell, G. Campbell, Churton, Harrison, McLean, Major, and P. P. Webb. The. crowd of people that attended the Theatre Royal last night bore ample testimony to the high estimation in which the public of Wellington bear Mrs. George Darrell, for whose benefit the entertainment was given. The house was crammed in all parts, many persons having to content themselves with standing, in the absence of the sittingroom which was taken advantage of by those fortunate enough to be in early attendance. “King John” was the piece of the evening, anti was performed with as much success as could have been expected, when it is considered that the company have been placing on the stage a succession of new pieces, and that little time was allowed for rehearsal. Some of the minor parts were very far from being successes. Of Mrs. Darx-ell, however, in whom the audience could look for nothing short of dramatic perfection, nothing further need be said than that she shamed expectancy by her brilliant rendering of the part of Lady Constance. Mr. Darrell impersonated Philip Falconbridge, or the Bastard, and was loudly applauded for his representation of a character-, who, however naughty he may be in a strictly moral sense, is undoubtedly nice as represented by Shakspere, and is always a favorite. Miss Raymond succeeded admirably as the Dauphin. As a whole therefore, although parts of the drama were somewhat burlesqued, the three acts of “ King John” -went well. A musical and terpsichorean melange followed. Mr. Love sang “ Castles in the air,” and responded to a hearty encore. Misses Nye and Moore sang a duet, “ The Elfin Call,” very prettily, and the demand for their re-appearance was most pronounced. To this succeeded Miss Raymond, who danced the Highland Fling in a manner which was well worthy of the encoxe demanded, and to which Miss Raymond responded good naturedly. After a short interval the curtain rose on a number of the public seated round the stage in a circle, looking very much like victims of overweening ambition for orthogx-aphio notoriety. This was the Spoiling Bee, and it caused mnch amusement. Some of the spelling was excellent, the words given being of unusually learned length. One of the spellers, a mex-e youngster, appeared to great advantage by the side ot some whose ideas on the subject of spelling were of a phonetic character. At the conclusion Mr Darx-ell thanked the audience for their attendance, and also the spellers fox their kindly attendance at the Bee.

The Wanganui Chronicle has the following remarks concerning the New Zealand Times, which are reprinted in order to give them the publicity they deserve but would not otherwise obtain :—“ ‘ Wanganui must be a splendid place for paragraph-writera to live in. It is evident that no one need be in want of a local there.’ So says the joint stock company’s organ which is published in the Empire City. We wish for the credit of our contemporary we could return the compliment, but the facts prohibit our doing so truthfully. Taking into consideration the extensive field which the Times has at its disposal, we question if there is a less interesting journal published in the colony. In this its compeers, the Post and the Tribune, are immeasurably its superiors, as with original local and readable matter both are creditably supplied, The paragraph which the Times thus criticises in such a would-be facetious style did not emanate from us, but from the Herald, and in justice to that journal we will say that the subject matter which caused the ponderous yet at limes very weak Times to curl its lips in ridicule had reference to certain local lusi natural which even that lofty and at times rather ‘fluffy’ journal would probably itself have condescended to notice. The Times should take to itself the advice it indirectly offers to others. It says : ‘ But it may be remarked that the Herald has not done justice to its subject. There are newspaper men who would have made half a column of ‘ locals’ out of the facta which have furnished the Herald with half a dozen lines,’ Let the Times depend more upon its original matter, and less upon the scissors and pastepot, and its sheet will not be so often cast aside in disgust, nor will it be so proverbial for its dry dreariness.” The following horse talk comes from the Wairarapa paper : —“ A pony at Greytowu, a little over thirteen hands high, gave birth to twin foals this week. Both of them have since died.—W. S Forbes and Co. sold at their horse sale at Greytown, on Tuesday last, a colt of Southern Chief. Mr. T. Bay was the purchaser of it at £25, a sum which was considered to be below its real value.”

According to the local authority, the Waiohino has been high lately, but the snow on the hills is melting gradually, and probably there will be no heavy flood like the one which occurred last season. The river, however, has recently come into an unpleasant proximity to Dillon’s road, a portion of which it threatens to destroy. Some one must be making money at the present price of meat. The Advocate hears of a splendid mob of sheep, from 100 to 1091bs. each having been purchased at 20s. in the wool. The wool would surely be worth 65., leaving 14s. to pay for lOOlbs., not quite a penny three farthings a pound. A settler in the Porewa district is_ reported as having attempted to settle a political question by fencing across a road and thus blocking it. The inspector of works re-opened the question by cutting down the fence. A number of first-class horses have been imported within the past few days. Twentythree draught mares and horses came by the Malay from Hobarton, and eight mares and geldings by the Phcebe from the South. These horses are advertised for private sale, the advertisement appearing in another column of the present issue,

The employes of the Lion and Phmnix foundries, respectively, mil play a cricket match on the Albion ground to-day should the weather prove favorable for the sport. The secretary of the Star Club, Mr. Salmon, yesterday received a telegram from the Wairarapa Club, accepting a challenge to play a match on 9th November, at Wellington.

The formal opening of the boating season will take place this afternoon, weather proving favorable. The flotilla will leave about 2.30, p.m., and the Artillery Band have promised their services.

The Legislative Chambers have been cleared of their furniture, and present somewhat of a bare appearance, suggestive of “ the family out of town.” Some of the members who remained for the prorogation left per the Phoebe yesterday. A musical and literary entertainment was given last night in the Sydney-street schoolroom, in aid of the St. Paul’s Church organ fund. The programme comprised choice selections of vocal and instrumental music from the best masters, and also several amusing readings. The entertainment passed oil very successfully, and there is reason to believe that the proceeds of the tickets will form a substantial addition to the organ fund. The good people at Palmerston are in high glee at the prospect of having their' bridge over the Manawatu taken in hand by the General Government. There can be no question that this bridge, when completed, will give,a great impetus to its trade—in fact, it will do as much for Palmerston as the tramway has already done, and that is saying a great deal. A correspondent at the scene of the late dreadful inundation at Toulouse, writes that he met at the railway station of St. Jory a family that had just escaped from the flood. One of the children, a boy of six, was taking the most tender care of a tiny cage containing a grasshopper. Seeing that this minute pet attracted the stranger’s attention, the father related to him how the insect had nearly caused the death of the whole family. The water,. he said, had reached the first story of the house in which they had taken refuge, and a boat was at hand to receive them, when the owner of the grasshopper thought of his favorite, and clung to a piece of furniture uttering loud shrieks. “Bind him his cage,” cried the distracted mother, “or I must also stay behind.” The father was actually obliged to look for the spoilt child’s pet, and found it only just in time, for the house fell in just as the party had scrambled into the boat, which soon landed them safely on shore, grasshopper and all. Judge Turpie, says the Indianapolis News, has been reading a paper to the “Fiat Lux” Society on the origin of the phrase “grass widow,” or rather “grace widow,” for the first has no foundation in fact, and is simply a barbarism, or fungus, which has attached itself to the English language. “ Grace widow ”is the term for one who becomes a widow by grace or favor, not of necessity, as by death, and originated in the earlier ages of European civilisation, when divorces were granted but seldom, and wholly by authority of the Catholic Church. When such decree was granted to a woman the Papal receipt stated “ Viduca de gratia,” which, interpreted, is “ widow of grace. In the law of the French it would read “Veuve de grace” which in England gives “widow of grace,” or “grace widow,” “veuve” being translated as “widow.”

The American National Live Stock Journal publishes a letter from Mr. James Gaines, of Ridge Farm, Illinois, from which we make the following extract: —l have 4100 acres of improved land, divided as follows ; Two pastures containing 640 acres each, four pastures 320 acres each, one pasture 160 acres, two pastures 80 acres each, one pasture 60 acres, four pastures 40 acres each, two pastures 20 acres each, and two pastures 10 acres each, making 3020 acres of grazing land, almost all blue grass. I have 610 acres of meadow land, two meadows of 100 acres each, and the balance in small pieces. The balance of my land, 870 acres of plough land, mostly corn land, is divided from 160 acres down to 40 acres. The above land is mostly fenced with good Osage hedge fence. The quality of this land is a black sandy loam, high-rolling prairie land, the soil very deep and very heavily charged with lime. Better blue-grass land cannot be found in Illinois, or any other State. The quality of my blue grass was fairly proven three years ago, when I marketed 22 steers that averaged 28091b5. One more word about this blue grass. It comes on my farm spontaneously, without any sowing of seed. I pastured 1000 cattle in my own pastures last summer, with considerable other stock. My land is all well adapted to cattle raising, and generally well watered.

The Medical Press and Circular says : The knotty point is being discussed by the local papers of the county Kildare, between the sanitary medical officer and the chairman of his Board of Guardians, as to whether the conjoined occupancy of a one-roomed cabin by a man and his ass is to be considered a breach of sanitary etiquette. The sanitary officer recommends that Patrick Kelly be allowed to continue to keep his ass there. The cabin is a comparatively large one. It is undivided by partitions. It is an open space, and well ventilated. The only occupants of it are Patrick Kelly and his ass, “ I went there quite unexpectedly, and found the ass lying in one comer without any quantity, to speak of, of putrescent or putrescible material under him.” Respecting this advice of the sanitary officer, the chairman says ;—“ If an ass and Ins owner sleeping in one small compartment be not a nuisance, it appears to me an extraordinary thing. I consider such an opinion a burlesque on sanitary science.” It would not be without interest if the sanitary medical officer of the Athy district would state what size of ass and what quantity—“ to speak of”—of putrescent material he considers may exist in a oneroomed cabin under the provisions of the Public Health (Ireland) Act. It is quite probable that the quadruped may be the less offensive inhabitant of the chamber ; but it would appear that the House of Commons did not contemplate joint tenancies of this sort. If a man may be permitted to live with his donkey, where does insanitation begin ? On Monday, the sth August, Pio Niuo held a long and fatiguing Consistory, after which he gave thirty distinct audiences, and yet at the close of the day his lightness of step and conversational vivacity were something remarkable. Without attributing this bodily and mental vigor (as the Osservatore Pomano does) to a miracle, the phenomenon is interesting enough to deserve comment. Pio Nino’s physicians have recently prescribed him daily baths of sulphur water, brought all the way from Civita Vecohia for the purpose. A large bathing contrivance, something like a diminutive reservoir in size, has been expressly constructed for him, and into this he descends by a little staircase, and then takes his seat in a chair, while the water rises round him. Thus he sits for half an hour. ... On coming out of this artificial sulphur spring—or bullcame, as the Italians call it—the Pope is served with some strong soup in which a capon has been boiled down, and with this he takes a glass of Johannisberg cabinet, or Romance Conti. Under this treatment he braves the excessive heat with comparative impunity, and can often dispense with his staff in walking. The issues continue open, but probably on that very account he has for many weeks been free from those epileptoid seizures to which he is constitutionally prone.— Lancet. A respectably-dressed laboring man presented himself at the North Infirmary, Cork, lately, to get several severe cuts on his head dressed, the wounds having been inflicted by his wife for coming home under the influence of drink. He said that he was for twelve years without ever drinking a drop of any kind of liquor, and that now he had done so in consequence of the cheapness and plentifulness of the new potatoes ! The cause of his being beaten by his wife was partly to chastise him, and partly to make him declare that as soon as he became sober, he would take the pledge again, never to break it. They have a talented “ local ” writer in the Otago Daily Times. ( He calls a gar-fish an elongated delicacy.”

The “ friend of man ” appears to swarm in great profusion in Paris (says tie Pall Mall Gazette). 65,782 dogs, or one to every twentyeight inhabitants, are duly returned by their owners in view of fiscal regulations. As, however, the revenue officers are sure of the existence of several thousand unacknowledged dogs, the sum total of these intelligent animals may be safely estimated at 70,000. The “doggiest” districts of the French metropolis are the 18th, Clignancourt, la Chapelle; the 11th, St. Ambroise, la Koquette ; the 10th, Porte Saint Denis, Porte Saint Martin ; and the 9th, Chaussde d’Antin. The character of the local dogs varies of course with the wealth, the social position, and habits of the inhabitants of each district; watch dogs, sporting dogs, and dogs of all trades being more numerous in the poorer neighborhoods than fancy dogs. Fashionable dogs are chiefly dwellers in the eighth arrondissement (Champs Elysdes, Houle, Madeleine), which owns 2935 fancy dogs. Many of these have pedigrees, and are supposed to be “worth their weight in gold.” The French writer who collects these statistics declines the invidious task of estimating the cost at which Paris maintains her 70,009 dogs, and confesses to feeling considerable sympathy with a beggar who, the other day being rebuked by an official for keeping a dog while he himself was fain to seek relief at the Bureau de Bienfaisance, replied indignantly, “ What would you have me do ? When I divide my crust {with that creature, he looks at me so that my bread seems less dry. You give me bread, my dog gives me cheese. God bless him and you. Monsieur le Maire”—a remark which caused the dog to wag its tail violently in token of approval as the beggar marched off. It must also be remembered that in the not impossible event of another siege of Paris, 70,000 dogs would form a valuable aid to the subsistence of the inhabitants of that gay city; who have shown themselves equal to eating even rats on an emergency. ’

During a recent trial in Boston, a juryman began questioning a witness in such a manner that the district attorney called him as a witness. This was objected to by the other side as an unheard-of proceeding; but the court ruled that the evidence was admissible, and it was received, though it is probably the first time in the history of Massachusetts courts that a juror has testified in a case upon which he is to give a verdict. The largest daily paper ever issued in the world was the Chicago Inter-Ocean, of Friday, June 11th, which consisted of one hundred and fifty-four pages, and contained 825 columns of advertisements. In explanation of the unusual accumulation, it is but fair to state that the city tax list fills one hundred and thirtysix pages of the paper. The manuscript copy of the list weighed 275 pounds, and occupied 13,370 pages. Thirty compositors were employed thirty-six days in putting it in type, working 10J hours per day.