VICTORIA.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume I, Issue 87, 13 March 1884, Page 2

VICTORIA.

(FROM OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT.) (Continued,) I find I was in error in alluding id the Australian Company’s new gas, in my last letter, accidentally mentioning Mr. Benir’s name (of petroleum notoriety) as being the patentee or representatives. Thii give me an opportunity to say that the pateil' tee is a Mr. Binnie, and that his company id spoken favorably of. The gas is said to be more economical than that made from coal, a recommendation which comes from professor Black, your Colonial Analyst. Mr. Cosmo Newbery also says that lllbs. of tallow, with air and water, produces 62 feet of 20-candle gas. The economy of the gas may be inferred from the statement that a boy, by working for an hour, can make enough to last a large establishment a day’s consumption.

That typhoid and other fevers are now becoming epidemic in extent will take no one by surprise. The means by which pollution is escorted about, in this big city are but too welhknown* What between the Yan Yean water and tuberculous in meat and milk, the wonder is that the public health is so good as it is, Add to these the fact that the household slops, washings from the breweries, butchers’ shambles, and urine from thousands of houses come seething down the principal streets (not like Tennyson’s brook, but still) running on ceaselessly by night and day, until they empty themselves into that delightful receptacle for all that is not ambrosial—then you comprehend the situation. Of course, now that the demon is loose, alarm reigns, and the Governor in Council has issued a decree; but what’s the use of decrees when the cause exists untouched ? Not to put too fine a point on the matter I will give you an idea of the state of things from Dr. Beany’s speech last session before the Legislative Council, during the passage of the Public Health Amendment Bill. Amongst other things the hon. gentleman said :—“ Frequently disease and death are conveyed in the milk pail. Another article of food is tea, which is very largely adulterated —so much so that I have not tasted a cup of tea for two years—l am frightened of it.” Again he says “It is a positive fact that since the Yan Yean has come into use, disease has largely increased. Hydatids come before us medical men every day, and we find them occupying every region of the body, where formerly they were confined to the liver * * * the hydatid creature is developed in the human body after taking in the ovium of the tape worm of the dog ; of which there are myriads in the Yan Yean water!” And this is what the people of Melbourne are nourishing themselves into a fever with. Amongst others who have fallen victims to the fever is Miss Alice Rees, Australia’s prima donna, and a young lady of exceptionally rare vocal talent. An improvement is reported to have taken place in the last day or two, and there is not a person who has heard her sing but who will be glad to hear of her recovery. As a set-off to this melancholy mess, I may inform those who contemplate coming over to the next Cup that preparations are already being made for their reception, though whether the Grand Hotel at St. Kilda will be finished by that time is doubtful. The attempt, however, is to be made, the prospectus announcing the formation of a Company for that object being issued, and is meeting with general support. The site is an admirable one at the corner of Beaconsfield Parade and Fitzroy Street. The building is described as being similar to the largest hotels in London and America, and is to cost £15,000. I need not say that St. Kilda is a fashionable watering suburb, and can be made a far more attractive place than it is. Poor Mr. W. Clarke had this speculation in hand at the time of his death, in which I was to have a share; but I don’t think the elaborateness and originality of his ideas have been taken up by the present projectors. Your “ match-box” buildings should be covered with the asbestos fire-resisting paint—that is when it is to be had. A trial was made of it the other day, at the instance of the Australasian Asbesto Manufacturing * Company, with the greatest success.. Two boxes were placed full of inflammable matter, the one painted, the other not; and with the expected result that the unpainted one was consumed, while the coated one remained intact. One hears lots about these experi,

meats, but they are slow of universal adoption. I suppose New Zealand will be in the scrimmage for sanding horses to England for Indian service. That trade between Australia and the East is assuming large proportions already, but now that the English Government is arranging for remounts to be sent Home in her unused troop-ships, you might see it to your advantage to join in. Now, shall I relate something funny ? Well, only fancy your knight, Sir George Stoddart Whitmore, being eased of £5O while travelling overland from Sydney to Melboure last week. I thought the honorable and gallant gentleman kept better company, but as he has a fond weakness for popularity he may disregard the cost of it in this instance. But it is funny nevertheless.

Kidney and urinary troubles are universal, and the only safe and sure cure is Hop Bitten. Bely on it. Bead. Hop Bitters does not exhaust and destroy, but restores, cures, and makes new. Look »P-