DUNEDIN.

Tuapeka Times, Volume VI, Issue 322, 17 January 1874, Page 3

DUNEDIN.

(From our own Correspondent.)

The re-action after the holidays has very quickly set in in Dunedin. There are already complaints of dulness in trade, and things certainly do seem quiet. This, however, was only to be expected, and not surpriseingto anyone. Butbeyondthis thereseems a want of confidence in the future by many people which it is not pleasant to dwell upon, providing their anticipations are founded upon any reasonable warrant. Many point gloomily to the foreshadowing by Mr. Yogel in his speech at the recent banquet of a time of dulness not far distant, and instance — what is certainly the truth — -the rather too frequent announcements now made in the bankruptcy columns of our papers, as tending to show that we are on the very verge of this ohange in our prosperous condition. It is to be hoped, however, tbat these prognostications of a coming storm which shall change what is apparently prosperity at the present into bankruptcies and nara work tw .make hoth ends meet, are only hatched in the minds of those who make a habit of looking on the dark side of things. At anyrate, there is no iibe in making one's self miserable until there is aetunl nc™»io>i fox ifc. I much prefer to think that things wear a brighter aspect, and that there is nothing much out of the common in the future.

The subscriptions in s aid of the Surat immigrants have come in very freely, and at a meetiig of the Committee held at the City Council Chambers yesterday steps were taken to at once divide about £400 amongst those most urgently requiring assistance. The Secretary reported having received subscriptions to the amount of over £650. Tho Committee have taken steps to secure to the passengers their luggage, which was all sold by auction along with the wreck and cargo. They yesterday waited on Mr: Mills, of the Harbor Steamship Co., and one of the gentlemen who purchased the vessel, with a request that he would endeavor to have the passengers' luggage returned to the respective owners ; and pending some arrangement being made with the purchasers, Mr. Mills promised to see that the luggage was not disposed of by auction along with the other goods.

There was a slight commotion the other night — or rather very early the other morning — at the residence of the Hon. James Patterson, Alva-street, near the Town Belt. The Hon. gentleman and other members of his family had been out spending the evening, and not long after returning home were startled by hearing cries proceeding from the servants' bedroom. Mr. and Mrs. Patterson immediately jumped out of bed, and on reaching the foot of the stairs which led to the servants' room, Mrs. Patterson received the rather unwelcome greeting occasioned by a man rushing down the stairs, and in the hurry of endeavoring to make his exit bringing her to the floor with the violence of the collision. He was immediately seized by Mr. and Mrs. Patterson, and secured with handkerchiefs, until some of the neighbors arrived and assisted to take him to the police station. He was to-day brought tip before the magistrates, and after hearing the necessary evidence was committed to take his trial at the next session of the Supreme Court. The most curious part of the affair, as shown by evidence given by the police, was that the accused was a respectable man, a carrier, who had been known for several years as a hardworking man. In consideration of his previous character, he was admitted to bail.

Mrs. E. H. Palmer (ne'e Miss Rosina Carandini) took a benefit at the Queen's Theatre last night, and had, as she well deserved, a really splendid house. Lady Fergusson was present, and the dress circle and boxes presented quite a brilliant appearance. This is announced as Mrs. Palmer's last apearance in the practice of her profession, she being about to retire from the stage. The music on the occasion was of the usual excellent nature given by the Carandiuis, and such as probably there is very little chance of Dunedin people hearing again when this talented company leaves the province. The duets and concerted pieces., were beautifully rendered, and elicited the warm applause they deserved. The Carandinis have left Dunedin for a few nights, but return in time to give au old favorite of Dunedin theatre-goers a benefit- I allude to Mons. Fleury, who has had a protracted and painful illness, and who is very unlike his former active self. The Carandinis are to be assisted on the occasion by Mr. Alfred Anderson and other local celebreties.