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New Zealand Times, Volume XXX, Issue 4574, 17 November 1875, Page 2

The Hon. Mr. Bowen and his opponent, Beswick, are busy-canvassing Kniapoi. The election of the fpiyner is considered safe.

An unfortunate typographical error appeared in our report of the Wesleyan Home Mission meeting. The Rev. Mr. Morley was represented as saying that “ there was an idea of abandoning Gisborne.” The passage should have read “there was ‘no’ idea of abandoning Gisborne.” The rev. gentleman spoke very highly of the prospects of Gisborne station, and it is a matter of regret with us that the accidental insertion of a wrong letter should have perverted his meaning. A drunken man narrowly escaped being drowned last night at about half-past ten o’clock. He was on the Queen’s Wharf, and, being in a partially senseless condition, tumbled about till he fell over the edge into the water. Supposing him to have been a swimmer he was far too drunk to help himself, and must certainly have been drowned but for the friendly assistance of some sailors, who, ascertaining that a man was in the water, fished him out. By this friendly aid he was landed on the wharf, with his garments “clinging like cerements,” and looking the picture of terror. He was conducted to the police station, and was there stripped by the police and his clothes hung out to dry. Ho will probably be brought before the Resident Magistrate this morning for drunkenness. ; As will bo seen by advertisement in another column, Mr. J. Maginnity has opened his new hotel the Royal, on Thorudon-q«ay._ A visit to the house proves that Mr. Maginity has spared neither pains nor expense in endeavoring to provide one of the best regulated houses in Wellington. It is furnished comfortably, even elegantly; and the old house was so celebrated for its good wiiies, that there need be little fear that in that respect the new house will be second to none in the city.

There was a very good attendance at the Theatre Royal last night, being the second appearance of Mr. Davies and company. The entertainment opened with the performance of Don Giovanni, which went better than it has done on any previous occasion. Then followed a solo performance by Mrs. Empson. Of this lady’s voice there can be no two opinions. It is marvellously sweet and of great compass, while she imparts to her songs a feeling and an expression that makes her singing specially pleasing. The audience manifested their opinion of this lady’s performances by according hearty encores for each song. Mr. Empson in his line of business was excellent, and received a fair share of applause. It is scarcely necessary to say more of Mr. Davies than has been said already ; moreover, it would be a difficult task to attempt accurately to describe his performance. Added to his astonishing ability as a ventriloquist, he has a fund of native humor that can only be truly appreciated by personal attendance. Contrary to what might be expected, his entertainment is very varied, and never tires, but keeps the audience constantly amused. Mr. Davies will no doubt be largely patronised during his stay here. We had almost forgotten to speak of the two gymnasts who accompany Mr. Davies, and they can only be spoken of in terms of the highest commendation. It is not that they present anything at all new in their diiferent feats on the horizontal bar, but they do all that in their line has ever been done before, and are remarkable for grace and neatness in all they attempt. Now there is so much stirring about the wharf and wharf accommodation, it may not be amiss to mention that a room for the Deputy Harbormaster and assistant is greatly wanted. We have noticed on several occasions these officers, like the wandering Jew, strolling up and down the wharf in all weathers. This could be quickly and easily remedied by giving them one of the small rooms up stairs in the Customhouse out of so many now vacant. There is, we believe, one almost, as it were, made for the purpose, situated in the front of the building, commanding a full view of the wharf, and most'conveniently placed for public access, where these officers could be readily found at any time, and their services would be always at; command on any occasion connected with their duties. We merely make this suggestion, thinking something may be done towards giving it effect. The Kaikoura correspondent of the Marlborough Times writes under date November 10:—“The dwellers under the Lookers’ On were again startled by a second appearance of the Government steamer Luna, which came up into the roadstead last Sunday morning. It soon transpired that his Excellency the Governor was on board, and intended to pay Kaikoura a visit. A considerable number of the leading citizens went down to the wharf to receive the Governor on landing. The usual formalities having been gone through, his Excellency proceeded to the church and joined in divine service. After church he went to Ludstone, the residence of W. Smith, Esq., and partook of luncheon. His Excellency afterwards paid a visit to Kohai, the favorite home of the Kaikoura rabbits. Thenjhe rode to the extreme point of the peninsula, whence he had a view of scenery unrivalled, in New Zealand. Immediately afterwards, his Excellency reembarked, and proceeded on his voyage to Canterbury. The Governor seemed much pleased with his visit, and he greatly admired our fine scenery. It is much to be regretted that the Lookers’ On were not enveloped in' their usual snowy mantle, as the effect upon the scenery is then more striking. The visit of his Excellency will be a pleasant reminiscence, not only to those who came in contact with him, but also to the residents generally. It is the hope of every one in the district that the Governor will pay us a more lengthened visit at some future time.”

At a meeting held in Sheffield, in reference to the formation of a museum, Hr. W. Bragge, E.R.G.S., said he had read in a recent number of Fors Clavigem that Mr. Ruskin intendedto open a museum in Sheffield in connection with the St. George’s Company. He accordingly wrote to Mr. Ruskin telling him a museum was already being formed and nearly completed, and that he should be glad to place it at his disposal. He received in reply the following letter, and though he had very great regard for Mr. Ruskin, he could not help thinking that “ much learning had made him mad”; —“ Brentwood, Ooniston, Lancashire. — My: dear sir,—l am obliged by your note ; but the work of the St. George’s Company is necessarily distinct from all others. My museum may be, perhaps, nothing but whit deserves respect in art or admiration in nature. A great museum in the present state of the public mind is simply an exhibition of the possible mode of doing wrong, and an accumulation of uselessly-multiplied ugliness in misunderstanding nature. Our own museum at Oxford is full of- distorted skulls. Your Sheffield ironwork department will necessarily contain the most barborous abortions that human rudeness, has ever produced with human fingers. The capitals, of the iron shafts in any railway station, for instance, are things to make a man wish, for shame of his species, that he had been bom a dog or a bee. —Ever faithfully yours, J. Ruskin. —P.S. I have no doubt your geological department will bo well done, and my poor little cabinets will enable your men to use it to better advantage, but would bo entirely lost if united with it.”