MISCELLANEOUS.

Westport Times, Volume V, Issue 895, 2 December 1871, Page 3

MISCELLANEOUS.

The title of the " City of Suicides" no longer belongs to London. Tbe ratio of suicides has been established by M. Decaisne, before the French Academy of Sciences. It is in London only 1 in 175 deaths ; in New York, 1 in 182 ; in Vienna, 1 in 160: but in Paris it has reached 1 in 72. The War Office is taking steps to put a stop to the '• double commission" system Several line officers have been called upon to tender the resignation of commissions held by them in the reserves. Those officers holdrank in more than one brauch of the reserve forces are called upon to elect with which service they intend to act. A London merchant offered £SOOO to the Post Office authorities for the exclusive privilege of advertising on every letter despatched from and received in the metropolis for one year —the advertisement to occupy a space of not less than one half inch outside the circumference of the date stamp, and to be impressed at the same time. The Postmaster-General declined the offer. The economies of the Spanish Government in the Department of Justice have been furthered by the voluntary surrender of a portion of their salaries by three of the highest employees next the sub-secre-tary, who will accept 8750, 7500, and 6500, pesetas respectively, in place of 10,000, 8000, and 7500.

A singular case of imposture and idolatry is reported in India. A Zatnil scholar in Carnatic has set himself up as a god. He promises to his worshippers the insurrection of their relatives and departed friends. Thousands of people throng daily to his shrine.

A new bathing dress has been invented, and was tried by some members of the London Swimming Club recently. The new dress seems to be an admirable costume, but from all accounts is capable of even further improvement. The chief drawback to its success seems to be that it is difficult, if not impossible, to get into it; and it is equally difficult if not impossible, to get out of it. The throwing of earth upon the dead body has been accounted by heatheus, Jews, and Christians the solemn act of burying the departed. Before the Reformation, it was the custom in the Church of England for the priest to place earth upon the body in tnodum cruris in the form of a cross; and the rubric does not disallow his still doing so. The general use of a coffin is a very modern custom.

The Fire Island girls take especial delight in asserting their independence by rowing alone, fishing alone, strolling the beach alone, and dancing at the hops alone. That little game can be carried a good way, but they can't get married alone.

A man in Macon hired a boss carpenter to shingle his house. When the work was done the carpenter, was paid, but absconded with the money, and failed to pay his workmen. The workmen sued the owner of the house and have recovered the full amount of their bill and costs.

In Dallas county Ark., an extraordinary long-lived and prolific pair reside. The father is 108, the mother 106, and they are the parents of no less than 29 healthy and vigorous children —16 boys and. 14 girls all of vvhome promise to reach a ripe old age. Who thinks the American race is dying out? The Tyranny of Masters.—Ann to 'Liza—Well, there I am surprised at master 'avin' seven men 'ere at work, and not one good-lookin' un amougst 'em! he did oughter be 'shamed of 'isself.

An A.merican illustrated paper returns thanks to the different railway companies saying, in its great candour, "We really don't know what we should do for illustrations, if it wasn't for the railway accidents."

STANLEY WHARF AND n AUCTION MART.

TNO. mtjnro, auctioneer J having removed to the above premises and wharf, begs to notify shippers to. this market, that the convenience of wharfage accommodation will effect a considerable saving in shipping charges; and to the trade in. Westport and surrounding districts, that he receives regular consignment* of Colonial Produce from Nelsoi Christchurch, and Dunedin, which can always be had at current rates when not cleared out at auction.

Flour, Oats, Chaff, and Bran Potatoes, Turnips, and Carrots Bacon, Hams, Cheese, and Eggs Wheat and BarleyPlentiful supply of Crey Coals just anded ex Lyttelton.