DUNEDIN.

Tuapeka Times, Volume V, Issue 226, 30 May 1872, Page 7

DUNEDIN.

(From our Oivn Correspondent.) Although ttie excitement on the subject of Jspiritualism lias to all appearance considerably subsided, yet the effects of the recent visit and lectures of Mr. James Smith (not .the " barrister-at-law ' and chancellor of tfee diocese/) are considered

to be sr> alarming and pernicious by the faithful in our city, as to demand that some measures should be taken to counteract their baneful influence on the minds of many, who were only too sceptical in orthodox religious matters. Therefore, in order to devise measures to stem the current of scepticism, and in some instances natural infidelity, which has of late become openly manifest, a private meeting of the Dunedin Ministers was, I am informed, held during the week. What the result of the ministerial conference was, I cannot say ; but, I presume steps will be taken to encourage the wavering, and endeavour to bring back stray sheep to the Christian fold. Friday, being the Queen's Birthday, was observed in the usual loyal manner as a close holiday. In addition to the Tradesmen's Races, at Forbury Park, which were of course the great attraction of the day, and a source of great profit to the fcab-driving fraternity, there was a good turn-out of the Volunteers, who entered into the feu-dejoie and royal salute firing with their accustomed loyalty and ardour. Lieutenant - Colonels, Majors, and Captains, on horse and foot, some of them looking v«ry uncomfortable in cocked hats and other paraphernalia not devoted to every-day wear, paraded the streets and reclaimed ground with an air of importance as great as if they had been veteran soldiers, who had stood the dangers and fatigues of fierce battles, instead of being peaceable citizens, with but little probability of ever becoming the heroes of many battles, as might be in- j ferred by a stranger viewing them for the first time. There was a veiy good attendance at the races, and judging from appearances those who were there enjoyed themselves about as much as people generally do at races — that is to say, not at all. At any rate there were the usualexpressions to be heard about its being "very slow work," "a jolly miserable way of spending the day," &c, &c, ad infinitnm ; faud a general endeavour on the part of the people who were not given to open growling, to appear intensely gratified with the " sport," an endeavour, which as a rule was given open denial to by the under-current of dissatisfaction which their faces expressed. The races passed oft' as well as they generally do, and fortunately there were no accidents to mar the day's sport. Some few weeks back, there was a wellcontested race in ship's gigs, (four-oared) between crews chosen from the Peninsula contingent of the Naval Brigade, and Dunedin amateur oarsmen. This, a really capital race, reflecting credit alike on visitors and vanquished, resulted in the defeat of the Peninsula crew, although only by a very short distance. The return race (five miles) was announced to come off on Saturday last, and that very considerable interest was taken in the event was amply shown by the. large concourse of citizens, who assembled on the jetties to witness the contest. Contest there was none, however, for after the Dmiedin crew had rowed for a few minutes on their course, to the boat off Grassy Point which had to be rounded, they were observed to turn back, leaving their opponents to traverse the course at their leisure. Through some mismanagement or other, it appeared,thafc the oar which had been provided for Crea^h (stroke) was about a foot too short, and of course he soon found that it was impossible to use it with any effectiveness ; and, hence the. unfortunate result. For the satisfaction of both parties, I suppose another trial of their skill and strength will have to take place. The deep slumbers and sweet dreams of the citizens were rudely disturbed at about half-past 3 o'clock this morning by that dread sound — the clan.j of the firebell — which pealed forth its unwelcome notes at a furious rate, and led to the belief that there was a dreadful conflagration raging somewhere in the city. Fortunately, however, it turned out that the fire was a comparatively harmless one ; and the streets rapidly became deserted by the crowds of people who had left their warm beds in the anticipation of seeing half the city m flames. Some woodwork near the fire-place in the dining-room- of the Club hotel had caught fire, and but for its timely discovery would no doubt have ended in a most disastrous tire. Luckily,* it was observed before it had gained much hold, and it was put out without much damage having been caused. j A regularly organised Opposition Mas at last been formed in the Council, with Mr. Thomas Luther Shepherd as leader. ; So far it seems to be principally composed of the representatives of goldfields constituencies ; but may, however, gather strength. In Dunedin it is looked upon as very harmless ; and the cool way in which it is proposed that they shall enj deavour to turn out the Reid Government is excessively amusing. The Opposition ' will require to rank itself undecthe banner of a different leader before it can hope to become of sufficient weight to cause the | f present Government much anxiety for its j safety. i