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Poverty Bay Standard, Volume X, Issue 1209, 24 November 1882, Page 2

We have heard of betting on snails, or backing rival cockroaches in a race across the table. But these forms of sport have been voted antiquated by our lively neighbors in France, who “ at a seaport celebrated for its oyster culture,” says the “ Figaro,” have invented a thrilling way of betting on bivalves. The company repairs on a bright morning to the oyster bed. where the creatures are opening themselves to the sun. Each chooses his oyster, and puts a Napoleon between the shells and the fortunate gambler whose oyster first closes upon the coin nets the whole pool. Let us trust that this ingenious invention will at least encourage the breeding of oysters.” “Grand old libeller, unscrupulous old antagonist, bitter and malicious old reviler, speedy retribution awaits thee ! Thy sin has found thee outl” “There is not the least chance of his making his last speech on Tower Hill, much as he may deserve to do so.” These are specimens of the language used in Blackwood’s Magazine about Mr Gladstone. If we had not seen Mr Gladstone’s name in print, we should have imagined that the immortal “Sarah” of Gisborne was meant ; but the hill in question would, we trow, have been John Bunyan’s Hill of Difficulty.

The proposal to form a battalion of volunteer bicyclists (says the Melbourne Herald) meets with success. A great number of gentlemen who are good ridel's have asked permission to join the battalion.