AROUND DUNEDIN

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XVI, Issue 5144, 1 October 1895, Page 2

AROUND DUNEDIN

[BY " SCOTCH MIST."] Very much anxiety was caused by the non-appearance of tlie 1 Waihora' from Hobart, as she was a little more than two days overdue. As soon as she was signalled at the Bluff the Otago Time; published extras all overtime town. It is just three weeks, IW think, to the anniversary of wreck of the 1 Wairarapa,' and having that so fresh in the memory, everyone begau to think the worst had happened to tho 'Waihora,' One of the passengers by the boat says that the gale encountered was terrific. It started shortly after leaving Hobart on Friday, and increased in violence until Monday, when it showed some signs of abating, much to the gratification of all on board. Several enormous beam and head seas struck the vessel during the hoightof the gale and swept I tho deck from stem to stern; ouo tremendous inrush of water completely wrecking a boat and playing havoc with everything movable. On Saturday, only sixteen miles wero travelled, and on Sunday thirty miles. On Monday night at eleven o'clock the gale appeared to have reached its height, and it was thought advisable to send word round to everyone to have a life-belt roady for use. It was, indeed, a most anxious night. By Tuesday after-a 1 110011 the storm had died away conflj siderably, and from that time to arrival tho weather was moderately calm. Great credit is due to Capt. Chiitfield for bis splendid handling of the vessel. Tho knowledge that that trustworthy officer was in command, helped greatly to tho selfcontrol of the passengers of whom I there were 120, amongst them being tlie Bland Holt company (forty) on board. The 'Waihora'is well-known as a splendid sea-boat, and her capabilities were severely tested on this trip. On arriving at the Bluff tho passengers presented Capt, Chatfield with an address expressive of their gratitudo and admiration of bis conduct during the storm. Mr Joe Batch, for somo years an M.H.R., gave two most interesting lectures on the Macquiirieand Auckland Islands, with splendid limelight views. The attendance was very meagre, bul.as long as Mr Hatch pays his expenses, I don't oxpect ho will mind, as lie is really travelling to advertise his business in tho Islands and give himself a change at—the same time. A Mr William Femvick, editor of the Witness met with a nasty accident-. When coining down the steps from the printing office, lie slipped and broke his leg just below the knoe. Dr llockeu attended him, and sending for an ambulance waggon, he was taken to his home in High-street, Culling there to-day I found him progressing well and up to his eyes with work, conducting it ill his own home instead of the office.

Mr Fish, our present Mayor, intends to stand for re-election. Councillor Wales has also como forward as a candidate for tho Mayoral chair. W(h)ales arc tho largest of the finny tribe, and should bo able to light all Fish, but I am doubtful as to who will come out victor in this instance.

The Spring Horticultural Show in tho Garrison Hall last Wednesday was a very successful one, The exhibits were exceedingly good although not numerous, and the public attended in largo numbers. 4 The Garrison Band,undorMr George,' contributed some excellent musical items, which wore much appreciated. Tho Union-street public school must bo congratulated on the succoss of the novel entertainment given by the school children, assisted by tho teachers to raise money to build a gymnasium for tho school. Tho playground was decorated with bunting and a few tents and sido shows attracted many visitors. JOveiy room of tho school was thrown open and there was something interesting in every ono. Theboys 1 exhibits wero really excellent, showing much ingenuity, There was quite a large collection of home-mado ships and boats, which met with a ready sale, also, wheelbarrows, clothes-horses, etc. The writing and drawing also came in for great praise. The girls had a refreshment stall supplied by tho labour their own hands, and I must say the cakes were delicious. Afternoon tea was also dispensed, and their work-stall showed with what diligence their needles must have plied. Somo of tho dolls woro dressed beautifully. Ono part of building, a model, showing the working of the Kaitaugata Coal Company was in operation, On Saturday afternoon a review was held by the cadets of tho school assisted by some volunteers, the Engineers' Band playing selections in the playground, and in tho evening somo beautiful fireworks were displayed. In one room quite a number of curios which had been lent by friends were most interesting to see.

It is surprising liovvmaiiy Dunedinites seem to have meiuontos of Robert Burns, and how dear he seems in the memory of all, but more especially to Scotchmen. Fugitive poems by Robert Burns continuo to make thoir appearance, and tho following impromptu may be interesting, as it is not found in any of the Bard's published poems. The legend runs that Burns was ono day shown a painting of Nasmyth's, the subject being " A group of angels," Aftergazing onthepioture for somo minutes. Burns wrote the following linos in pencil on a card which he stuck in the frame: —... "Ma friend I'll (ji'o ye goim advice, Ys'il tak it no uncecvil \ No'er try to paint an angel mair, But try to paint the Devil, To paint an angel's kittle wark, With Auld Kick there's less dutrncr i It's easy tp, paint a wecl kca't foca, Bu|ne'erßo.weelas{rajger| _ A mutual frjend fearing the poet's lines might offend tho painter, took thp card and put it in his pockot, as Burns and his other friends woro leaving the room, Tho card is now in the possession of aScottishgentleman, The rise in the price of wool is making glad the hearts of our farmer's, and J Ifcarn frqm one of them that the last quotations are ljd to 2d more than those ruling at the ' asfc means £1,250,000 sterling more for our wool-growers!

THE HOUSE-CLEANING SEASON. Oh 1 for some quiet resting pl«co, _ Afar beyond the sea, A silent Unfrequented spot, Where cleanings nevft bj. WhenwearMVithVdayiiM, ' My himeward steps are bent, 4 My wife salutes me with a cry, , "Oh! John keep off the paint." There's sofas, tables, ohairs, and books, Stair carpets, mirrors, raoks Arranged in heaps, and Bmelling strong Of turpentine and wax. Where'er I go, where'er I turn, My legs are in the way, Oh I would I were a little bird, For then I'd fly away, -, I'm pushed about In corataodd, ' '•IJ 11 '' 1 J!® qultef'deifieated:; apd 'hen rdumbly oiirsa tho day, When cleaning ww

»> For weeks I'vb hud no diatier hot, And yet there's constant suborning To me" with oold scraps, bcoauao Of ihat confounded oloaning. And when I talk of sweet Spring flowers, Now brightening in the sun, They heed mo not, but wildly cry, " The clenning has begun." Oh! wouldsomo lendorhearted soul, a. _ Of sympathetic fcoliujs, i ' /Mp»vo pity and devise ;omo plan ' - ■ To end ttiose wretohed cleanings 1 a much-abused ihishakb.