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Poverty Bay Standard, Volume X, Issue 1118, 9 August 1882, Page 2

On Monday evening next £3OO is to be ballotted for by the members of the Gisborne Building and Mutual Investment Society. An unfortunate individual who had somewhat too freely imbibed, was the only occupant of that sacred box in which drunkards appear in the R.M. Court after having indulged somewhat too much in the worship of Bacchus. It being his first offence the Bench let him down lightly—los and costs. It has arrived to the County Council that they cannot levy tolls without giving due notice. We were informed yesterday morning by a gentleman who had crossed the Arai Bridge that he was “ stuck up” by a colored gentleman for a shilling, which he declined to pay. We object to paying toll at all, but if we have to pay we should infinitely prefer seeing the money go into the fnnds of the County Council, from whom we derive a decided benefit in many ways, to seeing it go into the pocket of our dusky and somewhat oderiferous brother. We are philanthropists, but we don’t like the smell. The Pontoon Derrick, advertised by Messrs. Carlaw Smith and Co. for sale, will be put up for public competition by that firm on Friday next at 12 o’clock noon. The Junior Liberal Association of Sheffield once went on a picnic to Conisbro’ Castle. After listening to sumo learned talk on the history of the castle, the young politicians dispersed for recreation. One party proceeded to the venerable keep, and there, after a close inspection, a brilliant discovery was made. In the interior of the keep some detached fragments from its walls were lying about; and on one of these fallen stones a talented gentleman pointed out, with much complacency, certain chisel marks made, he affirmed, in very ancient times. No one could interpret the hieroglyphics, not even their learned discoverer. Just when the interest was at its highest there lounged up a newspaper reporter, to whom the curious marks were triumphantly exhibited. After looking at them narrowly, he rather drily expressed a doubt as to whether Norman stonemasons were acquainted with shorthand. The company looked from one to another inquiringly. What did the newcomer mean by Ina inconsequent remark ? Merely that the hieroglyphics were shorthand writing tor “ Jerry Piper, Conisbro’ 1850.”

This morning we visited Mr Arthnr J. ‘ Cooper’s shop, in Lowe-stroet, aud the oblige j ing proprietor kindly permitted us to inspect : some of his goods. From the inspection wo • can safely state that great care has been oxer- ■ cisod in the selection of his stock. He has some beautifully finished glove boots which he states he can sell at 18s 6d, gents walking or . shooting boots of excellent make and quality, a grand assortment of felt slippers, boys and children’s boots and shoes, and in fact a choice selection of everything necessary for the encasement of the feet of man, woman, yonth or child. Mr Coopers prices are extremely moderate, and should certainly secure for him a ready sale of his well chosen stock. In the City of London Court lately, Grouse and Co., money-lenders in the city, sued a clerk on a judgment summons, asking his committal in default of paying a loan of £5, . Mr Commissioner Kerr • In what shape was , the money lent ? Defendant i On a bill of t exchange, and the loan was only for three week*. His Honor i What was the charge ? Defendant : Fifteen shillings. His Honor : . That is scandalous interest. I find it works out to no less than 451 per cent, per annum. I have determined that usurers shall have no ! mercy in this court. I, therefore, make an , order for 2s per month, so that the plaintiffs will get their money some time towards the close of the century (laughter). In another case the defendant said he hud been charged 3GO per cent., and his Honor made the same uidci.

To-morrow Messrs. Carlaw Smith will offer for sale a large number of forfeited shares in the Southern Cross Petroleum Company. As these shares are being anxiously enquired after no doubt good quotations will be reported to-morrow.

We have private information that the petroleum rising in the tubes of the South Pacific Petroleum Company has become much greater in quantity than heretofore. Our informant thinks that three or four barrels of oil per diem could be safely calculated upon. This quantity certainly should warrant a little activity in the management which has allowed the property to be quite unattended to, for about. 12 months. The yield as estimated would give say 20 barrels per week, or 800 gallons, which according to the assays would yield 512 gallons of burning oil, or kerosine, of oxcellent quality. This quantity would a little more than supply the wants of this district, where at present kerosene is selling at three shillings per gallon. Is this too paltry for the company to go for ? Do they want a whole loaf, and will not accept a portion. It seems that this item of our districts production wants some good looking after, and we mean to keep the proceedings of the Company in view.

The inaugurative meeting of the Debating Class in connection with the Library was held in the rooms last evening. Mr Sigley in the chair. Dr. Pollen explained that Mr Gould, who had been appointed Secretary, would not be able to act for six weeks, and that in the meantime Mr R. H. Fisher and himself would undertake the duties. Readings were then given by Dr. Pollen. Messrs Featon, Sigley, O’Ryan, Fisher, and Kenny, each of which was followed by wholesome criticism. It was decided that Thursday, the 17th inst., should be the night of meeting; the subjects to be discussed to be “ Napoleon and Wellington,” and the “ Channel Tunnel.”

Poor dear Sarah finding herself somewhere in the back gronnd has found it necessary to to erect a sign-board over the footpath in Gladstone Road. Sarah no doubt obtained permission from the Borough Council before doing this, but we are doubtful if the Council authorised the old lady to place a support to the outer post calculated to land any unwary pedestrian on his nose at the root of one of the poplars growing in front, We sincerely trusts that the first victim will not be Sarah herself as the dear old lady is so securely embodied in adipose tissue that she will never feel pain or ruin an “ os.” Dear old lady ! be careful, because we have a sketchist on our paper and an etching of Sarah performing acrobatic feats immediately opposite her own door, might bring in funds for the impecunious. How about that £1,700 Sarah P The Pales Re Confitures and the G-laces d la Crimes both indulged in tripping on the light fantastic toe last evening. For the former Messrs Faram and Hall officiated, and for the latter Mr Soott in the provision of sweet and dulcet sounds of music. The ladies were tastefully arrayed and the gentlemen garbed in faultless costume. There is. however, one thing we would call attention to and that is when a gentleman solicits the favor of a dance it is not the correct thing to imperatively demand a lady’s programme and then insert his name opposite any half-dozen or so dances without obtaining consent. A “ ballroom ” in Gisborne Is simply a bear garden, and we felt disgusted with the “ .gentlemen ” and somewhat surprised at the ladies permitting so gross a breach of etiquette.