NEWS OF THE WEEK.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume IV, Issue 180, 8 September 1876, Page 11

NEWS OF THE WEEK.

On Friday evening last a meeting was held in the Forbury school-houae, for the purpose of considering " the present political crisis and the future of Otago." Mr. K. Moloney, Mayor of South Dunedin, occupied the chair. The following resolutions were proposed and carried unanimously — (1) " That this meeting expresses its approval of the motion tabled in the Assembly by Mr. Macandrew, as it affords to the Colonial Government a fair and constitutional means for ascertaining and giving effect to the will of the people of Otago as to the form and mode of Government by which they should be regulated." (2) " That any form of government forced upon the people against their will may be justifiably resisted ; and that, while approving of the services of Mr. Seaton, the representative for the district in the General Assembly, this meeting is of opinion that, if the majority of the members representing this Province should decide to retire t'roui the General Assembly, he be recommended to act promply with such members in retiring from the House." (3) " That this meeting appoint a Committee of the following gentlemen : Messrs Halligan, M'lndoe, Barrowman, Moloney, Naumann, Carey, M'lntyre, Jones, and Eager, to insure prompt action with other districts should emergencies arise, provided such action be in conformity with the spirit of the resolutions just carried." The meeting terminated with a vote of thanks to the Mayor for presiding. The ♦ Brisbane Telegraph/ of the 31st July, say 3of the New Zealand Insurance Co.: — "This enterprising company has just completed the purchase of a Queen street section, whereon it intends to er»ct some handsome buildings, part of which is to be used for the offices of the company. Since it came amongst us, the New Zealand Company has distinguished itself for its bold and businesslike method of dealing with the public; and, in consequence, it has been highly successful in obtaining their support. As additional proof of the high value of land in Queen street, the transaction in question is noteworthy. The frontage is sixty feet by a depth of about 140 feet, and the price paid was .£5,000 — equal to nearly .£B3 per foot. This price, considering the situation of the land, rnnj be considered satisfactory." Mr. John O'Sullivan, an old and much respected resident of Picton, died in that town on August 12th last. Mr. O'Sullivan had for many years occupied a position of rtsponsibility and importance under the Provincial Government of Marlborough, the duties of which he fulfilled with satisfaction to his employers and credit to himself. He was a warm-hearted Irishman, a fervent Catholic,

and the cause of total abstinence found in him a supporter of long standing ; ho, at tho time of his death, having been an abstainer for thirty-three years.

Wje understand that steps are being taken for the enlargement of St. Joseph's Church, Dunedin. The organ is to be removed to the side porch, and the space thus obtained will be fitted up so as to serve for the accommodation of about 300 persons.

The quarterly meeting — H.A.C.B.S. — was held in the South Australian Hall on Monday evening, when an unusually large muster of members took placo. The items for consideration were numerous and important, but owing to what we must term very bad management on the part of officers, the all important question of the evening was kept back till the last. The discussion hardly commencing before members had to call attention to the hour of closing. A special meeting, howevei 1 , is called for Monday evening next, when the eniire evening will be devoted to the discussion on the District resolutions.

We regret to find that our respected fellow-townsman, Mr. Michael Connellan, has been victimised in an most unpleasant manner. It seems that a few days since, a child of about 10 yeai's of age was hired as nurse girl in the family of the gentleman in question. On Monday evening last, this girl suddenly disappeared, and it was then found that she had robbed her employer to the extent of £17. The police having been informed of the matter, proceeded at once to the house of the child's mother, where part of the money was recovered from the runaway, who acknowledged her theft She was brought up at the City Police Court on Tuesdny, but was admitted to bail, on the understanding that she would appear next week to be dealt with. Many of our readers will learn with pleasure that Mr Michael Murphy las determined to become once more resident in Dunedin. Mr. Murphy has purchased the Glasgow Arms Hotel in Princes street, which, when it has undergone the improvements that are about to be made in it, and when it is conducted with the ability and liberality for which the gentleman to whom we refer has long been distinguished, will be an e-tablishmer.t that will rank second to none in New Zealand.

The * Border Post ' writes on the gold mining statistics of Victoria, and upon the matter in the following somewhat startling light : — " If the 41,717 miners of Victoria were paid at the rate of a shilling an Lour — lumpers and other hard-working men never get less — then their yrarly earnings would amount to £5 206,282 125., which, if added to the cost of machinery, working expenses, casualties, and other items as above given— £l,l2B,l39 2s. 4d.— shows that £6,344,411 14s. 4d. was expended in Victoria during the year 1875 to raise £4,111,602 Bs. worth of gold. Thus the national wealth of Victoria s iiffercl through mining avocations during; the year 1875 to the extent of £2,233,809 6s 4d. If we were to calculate more closely, and include the co<t of candles, horseflesh, legal and many other incidental expenses, we have not the slightest hesitation in saying that the national loss last year amounted to £3,000,000. Considering the loss of lives, the widows, the orphans, and the cripples, it is just a question whether the discovery of gold in Victoria has not been the greatest curse that could befall any new country." TnE ' Bendigo Independent' says the return of Sir Charles Gavan Duffy by an overwhelming majority for North Gippsland must be regarded as a serious blow and great discouragement to the present Administration.

We observe that Mesdames H. and B. Brownlie have established agencies in Paris and other European cities, famous as centres of fashion, whence they are supplied constantly with articles for the wear of ladies and children, of elegant make and excellent material. The Princess Theatre will be opened on Saturday evening under the able management of Messrs. Steele and Keogh. These gentlemen, who have deserved so well of the Dunedin public, have secured for this occasion, and a 6hort ensuing season, the services of Little Nell, the Californiun Diamond, an actress and vocalist of sparkling talent and remarkable originality.