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Oamaru Mail, Volume II, Issue 406, 16 August 1877, Page 2

The debate on the Native Land Bill was characterised by more than ordinary warmth. Mr. Sutton and Mr. Russell, of Hawkes Bay land-sharking notoriety, were, as one would naturally expect, strong advocates of the Bill. Messrs. Thompson, Travers, Reea,

Sir 8,. Douglas, and Gisborne, in very sensible speeches, denounced the measure. It may now reasonably be expected that legislation on this question will be such as will benefit the country, seeing that there is so numerous and powerful a party watching jealously and assiduously every action of the Government in relation to it. We, of course, know that it is wrong to "whussle on the Sabbath," but, considering the common-sense with which the Rev. Dr. Stuart treats most matters, we are surprised that he should have objected to the opening of the Museum in Dunedin on Sunday. The question that naturally occurs to us is, What would the several thousands of persons that visited the Museum on Sunday last have done had that institution not been open to them ? Ihere cannot surely be any greater harm in lovers bestowing their smiles upon each other whilst engaged in inspecting a good human skeleton than there would be in indulging in the same amusement without the presence of the remains of a third departed party, who looks down so complacently upon their fondness for each other, and who, if it had not been deprived of the power of speech, would probably utter, "God bless you, my children." There is not so much sin in viewing the works of the Creator, in all their varied frrms, in a building set apart for that purpose as there is in smoking, drinking, talking foolishly, and otherwise frittoring one's time away in idleness at home. What is it that the reverend and respected gentleman objects to ? It ca-mot be the congregating of the people, I because they do that in the "kirk." It cannot be on account of the sights to be seen at a Museum, because eacli exhibit points tu a beneficent Creator, and reminds u.i that "we are fearfully and wonderfully made." There are " sermons in stones, and good in everything," and surely Dr. Stuart would not deprive the Dunedin operatives of hearing those sermons, which are considerably shorter and quite as powerful as those one hears at other places. Yet, to a moral certainty, those who slave for six days in the week and look upon the seventh day as a " day of rest " (which, we take it, does not mean a season for lounging and la/iness) would be treated thus unfairly, il the docter had his own way. Museums are very properly intended for the poor as well as the rich, and both can faithfully perform their religious devotions and go to a Museum on Sunday without violating any law of God, although they might disobey the religious code which man has set up.

A meeting of the North Ofcago Licensed Victuallers Association has been convened

for to-morrow at 2 o'clock at the Star and Garter Hotel. Business—To consider what steps blioukl be taken re Losal Option Bill. On reference to our telegraphic columns it will be seen that the Bill has received very rough treatment at the hands of members of Parliament, and that it is not probable that the Bill will be passed in anything like its present form. As was very proper, the majority of the speakers upon this question referred to tlie injustice that would be suffered by publicans were they not awarded compensation for the loss that would accrue to them through the thorough remodelling of our liquor laws. Mr. Stout remarked that he would rather abandon the measure than agree to this alteration; but ill this we think lie is in error, for the Government has encouraged tlie increase in public-house property by offering every facility in the old Act for the conduct of the trade. To make so radical a change, and refuse compensation, would, in our opinion, render them liable to legal difficulties that it would be just as well to avoid.

At the shooting matches at Scliluter's Boundary Hotel yesterday, the attendance from all parts of the district was moderate. The only really good shooting throughout the day was that of Messrs. Blakesley and O'Meaglier. A little after 1 o'clock the sportsmen were entertained by Mr. Scliluter in a very handsome and substantial manner. At the Eesident Magistrate's Court this morning, J. A. Clowes, Esq., J.P., being 011 the Bench, E.obert Evans was charged with having been drunk and disorderly in Thames-street yesterday morning, and was discharged with a caution, as he had been locked up since 10 o'clock yesterday morning. An announcement is made in another column that Mrs. Medland Newsliam will resume the tuition of her musical classes from the 21st inst. We are pleased that this is the case, more especially because the practices of the Popular Vocal Society will supply instructive and recreative exercise for all lovers of music. Messrs. Fleming and Hedley will sell a quantity of firewood, on section adjoining Collis' Bond, at noon to-morrow.

The usual fortnightly meeting of the Municipal Council will be held this evening at 7.15 o'clock. The regular fortnightly meeting of the Harbour Board takes place at half-past 10 o'clock to-morrow morning. A meeting of the Committee of the Waitaki County Acclimatisation Society will be held on Friday at 1 p.m., in the County Council Chambers. A post-office will shortly be opened at Ngapara, which will be under the charge of the school-master. This, through the rapid increase of the population in the district, has become a necessity. Notice is given by the Waitaki County Council that the road leading from the junction of the Main South Road near Oauiaru town boundary to the northern boundary of the Waiareka Riding is a County road.