AT THE CORNER.

Thames Star, Volume XV, Issue 4970, 13 December 1884, Page 2

AT THE CORNER.

[by nemo.]

Homo stun, humani nihil a me alienum puto,

What is a lecture? There were two delivered in the town during the past week, and if we call the thoughtful, learned, instructive discourse on "Ancient Egypt" a lecture—what are we to call that rambling tirade of abuse advertised as a lecture on the " City of the Seven Hills?" The subject,was oce that has engaged the labors of the most thoughtful, the most pious, the most learned in the world, and yet this so-called lecturer used the name only as a cloak to blow his own brazen trumpet, like those advertisements that have the first few lines in a narrative style, but all the rest of the column sounding forth the praises of " Macassor Oil " or some other nostrum. There is too much leniency shown towards those catch-penny talkers, who cloak their ignorance and laziness by trying to excite malignant and contemptuous feelings for others of a different sect. It is always the same old text: — • j ' I'd rather be a Baptist, and wear a shining 1 face, Than for to be a Methodist, and daily fall froj^ grace." I Even the prasaomen that the lecturer bears should stimulate him to study and to reflection. Indeed, ha might put the lecture on. <'■ Ancient Egypt," or the outline of it, before him and think over his own discourse to a similar audienoe, and \ he will see that years of oareful study refine the sentiments, purify the heart; and impart the power of spreading knowledge. No praise is too great for those lectures that stimulate and strengthen the virtues of truth and justice, nor is any censure too severe for those highly flavored dis,courses that oxcite and encourage the worst of all vices—unworthy pride and malevolence. )

Whan a New Zealand or Australian loan is placed in the English market, and it is usually subscribed for several times over—showing that there is an immense amount of wealth in the Old County re-

quiring an outlet for investment, how is it that capitalists in England do cot more readily take up in syndicates the many schemes propounded for openiug out this grand country ? Surely it would be better to invest capital in satisfactory colonial ventures which would yield a return of five, six, or seven per cent., than to remain contented with the miserable interest realised on Consols or foreign, securities.

The recent accident at the Cambria shaft evidences the necessity for periodical and careful examination of winding gear, and mine managers should do this themselves, remembering that the lires of miners are in their hands. I consider it a mistake to use wire in preference to Manilla rope; the former is generally affected by mineral acids, and the damage is not so easily detected as with hempen ropes, and gives no warning when about to break.

There mast be some cheerful social evils requiring reform in Melbourne. The Bulletin has the following :—The »ast body of pickpockets who have done Mr Howard Vincent the honour to follow him in his travels, are longing and lingering for that Mayor's chain, with its massive links, which only whets their appetites each time as they gaze upon it, and derise novel schemes for its capture. Perhaps it might relieve their minds if they were informrd that the real chain was not yet completed, but a magnificent imitation in lighter metal had been substituted to relieve the weary shoulders of the Mayor of the gorgeous burden of wealth, and also disappoint the hopes of enterprising conveyancers from the old country.

I can hardly believe this of the amiable Lady Loch, but that the young prig cor«> rected deserved the rebuke there is no doubt. An Australian society paper 'is responsible for the item:—Society in South Yarra still continues to be of the most select kind, and the ordinary expressions used by vulgar folks are found to be not nearly toney enough for the curled darlings of the aristocracy. A slight illustration occurred at Lady Loch's ball. He was discussing upon the merits of an Alderney bull, which his father had parchased, when she, with chilling reprimand, interrupted him by these few wordi : '• I presume, sir, that you mean an Alderney gentleman»cow." He felt very much cowti, and fled.

The ladies of Sooth Africa are in a decidedly better position than their more civilised sisters in other countries as regards the matrimonial contract. Just imagine our eligible young men " ranged up' 1 for inspection and selection by equally eligible young women. I presume this might fairly be called " natural selection." Our African friends, however, are better off as regards the law of divorce than we are ; but, taihoa, even this difficulty will ere long be removed, and people enabled to " dissolve partnership " when business proves a failure.