South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 - 1900), Saturday 29 December 1866, page 6


MISCELLANEOUS

Squatting on the Flinders. — From recent private communications received in Melbourne it appears that the prospects of the squatters and owneis of station property around the Flinders are

ot a most excellent diameter, tnc grazing capa bilities of the country being first-class, and the supply of water very extensive. The pasturage all through the present season is described as being most luxuriant almost like meadow grass, and the sheep and cattle are fat and thriving. The lambing has also been extraordinary, being over 100 per cent Around the homssteads, too, the growth of vegetation for domestic use is something sur prising; melons, tomatoes, and pumpkins, growing in great profusion. It is gratifying to be able to record thus much of a new country, more espe cially when accounts not over favourable to the Upper Flinders have been freely circulated here by parties who were sent up expressly to view the country, and report on its condition and capa bilities. It is alleged that these parties signally failed in their mission, and instead of prosecuting their research conscientiously, and Riving in a faithful statement, were content to receive their information at secondhand and from obscure sources. The settlers on the Flinders have ex pressed themselves as most willing to welcome any one c.niing to inspect the stations and to afford them every opportunity for doing so, knowing that the verdict must be in favour of the suitability of the country for grazing and pastoral purposes. TRAMWAY FROM PORT WAKEFIELD We believe the Government Engineer has prepared a report on the Port Wakefield Tramway, showing that 30½ miles can be constructed from the Port to Hoiles's Plains at a cost of £2,270 per mile. This includes the purchase of land and the rolling-stock, consisting of 10 wagons and 20 horses, and 40 lb. rails. Horse Stock. — \Ve noticed recently the arrival of some superior horse stock per Urient, from London, including the racehorse Ace of Clubs and two brood marcs of superior pedigree. They were landed on Monday in first-rate con dition. Ace of clubs is a splendid animal, seven years old, and is IU hands and an inch in height. We understand his sire is the celebrated race* Stockwell and his dam Irish Queen. He won in England the Molecombc Stakes (£525), at Good* wood; the Cleveland Handicap (jE4«8), at Don caster; the Chesterfield Handicap (£100), at Y»rk; the Hundred Sovereign Sweepstakes (£1.400), over the Severn Queen's Plate Course of three miles and five furlongs; the Chesterfield Cup (£825), at Goodwood, beating a field of 20. At the shows of horse stock lie won his first prize at Suffolk in 1863. He afterwards won a cup at a succeeding show in the same county, a prize of £25 in Essex, aud the first prize atEpping. He was accompanied on his voyage out by two mares, Amber and Miss Giraffe, each boasting of a good pedigree. Ace of Clubs was taken from Lord Anne- ley's stables, and the mares from Baron Kothschild's. Under the care of T. G. Jardan they do not seem in the slightest degree worse for their voyage, which extended to nearly 100 days. After being landed they were quartered at the Britannia Hotel Stables, Norwood. The enterprising importer, Mr. W. Gerrard, who 13 well known in sporting circles, intends, we under stand, taking him to Melbourne if sufficient inducement is not offered to retain him here. Dfclaration of the Poll for thf. Legis lative Council Election.— The remaining box tbe Blinman— was received per post by the Sheriff, and opened Dec. 7th, when the only vote which it contained was found to be in favour of Mr. Vt rco. Mr. Parkin was then declared duly elected, the poll standing at the close as follows: -Parkin, l,t 70; Verco, 1.U10: and Parker, 528. The Late Mr. John McFarlane.— Mr. John McFarlane, son of the late Mr. Allan McFarlane, M. P., died a few weeks ago in Victoria. He appears to have been held in high estimation in the place of his residence, as the accompanying extract from a Victorian paper will show:— 'Our friend John McFarlane is dead— a man whose kindly voice was ever heard for good ; whose genial warmth of feel-ing was the genuine outpouring of a great heart each throb of which was full of goodwill to his brother man; whose manliness and generosity of character, whose sterling good qualities endeared him to all who possessed the advantage of an inti-mate acquaintance with him. In the Walhalla he knew all, was known by all, was beloved and respected by all. By the accident of birth a gentle-man, he possessed far higher attributes than mere birth can bestow. He was in human speech and judgment one of nature's gentlemen, than which there can be no position superior among men. We may apply with much truth a phrase recently used in England— 'We did not know how much we loved him until we lost him.' Our genial good friend has left us. Who shall replace him? who fill the void?— a chair is empty.' National Building Society. — The fourth annual meeting of this Society was held December 12. at its offices, Morphett-street to receive the balance-sheet and to elect three Directors. Ifr. Anderson occupied the chair, and the room was well filled with members. The balance-sheet was read, approved, and adopted. It exhibittd the Society as being in a very flourishing state. Over £4,500 were the receipts for the half-year just terminated, and £9SS the gross profits. The dividend declared was Is. 5d. in the pound, being at the rate of lather over 27} per cent, per annum. The Secretary, Mr. W. A. Cawthorne, then entered into details respecting the working and receipts of the branches. Messrs. S. Smallwood. George Smith, and J. Kennedy were elected Directors. The question of opening a branch office in King William street was moved and discussed, ansJ a resolution passed that the Board of Directors adopt measures to carry out the same. The number of shares taken up in the Society is i'Oti; the value of the securities, £17,280; and the amount due on the same, £l\,l&).- Coircxpomlcnt. Mr. John Kerney and Captain Thunderbolt. —It has been pointed out to us that some mistake may posibly arise among our distant readers as to the identity of the person who has assumed the designation of 'Captain Thunderbolt,' and to whom we referred in our Summary for England as 'John Kerney, cabinetmaker.' We therefore wish to explain that Mr. John Kerney the elder is a well known and long-established cabinetmaker in Adelaide - a man against whose character for honesty there has never, so far as we know, been the slightest breath of suspicion. The person now in custody upon several charges of theft and violence is John Kerney, jun., aged 22, and his trade is the same as his father's. We make this explanation in justice to the elder Mr. Kerney. although we do not think that any persons who have known him are likely to suppose that he was the criminal. We may take the present opportunity of contradicting a report which has obtained general currency, namely, that John Kerney, jun., alias Captain Thunderbolt is a native of South Australia. This is not the fact. Should seven cities, as in the case of another distinguished person, contend for the honour of his birth, Adelaide cannot be one of them, though we fear that she must accept the responsibility of his education. We learn from his father that he was 10 months old at the time of his arrival in the colony.

Mr. T. Duryea's Studio.-A visitor to Adelaide may spend a very pleasant and profitable half-hour iu Mr. Duryea's photographic studio, where a number of elegant photographs in every style of art are displayed. There are portraits without end - large and small - landscapes and public buildings. The latest improvements in the art are at once adopted bv Mr. Duryea, and it is in a great measure owing to the fact that he keeps pace with the- almost daily growth of photography that he has made himsvlf such a good position in Ade laide. Mr. Duryea is now taking portraits on pre pared canvas, which are worked up in oils, and present a very pleasing effect On his walls are admirable oil' paintings of the Chief Justice, the Hon. W. Milne, Mr. H. Hill, and others, which are very striking and faithful portraits. There is also a portrait of the celebrated entire horse South Australian, attended by his groom, which is beau tifully done. All the adjuncts of ihe picture are well 'managed, and this noble animal seems to stand out in relief from the canvas. This picture is well worth going to see. Mr. Duryea also ex hibits some superior examples of photographs worked up in water-colours, which are soft, and some of them exquisitely finished. Amongst these there is a fine portrait of the late J. M. Stuart, the explorer. THE REV. R. W. NEEDHAM.-We have the painful duty of recording that the Rev. R. W. Needham, Mount Gambier (formerly of Mitcham) died at the Parsonage, Mount Gambier, on Monday morning, December 3, at the age of 57. Several months ago the rev gentleman had a paralytic attack, which left him in a very feeble state, and his clerical duties have lately been fulfilled by the Rev. Jasper Smyth. Mr. .Needham sufficiently rallied from the attack to pay a visit to Adelaide to see his old friends, and he left town only a few weeks ago on his return home. On Friday last he had a second attack, under which he gradually sunk, and expired at a quarter before 2 a.m. on Monday. The deceased was much esteemed as a fine spirited Christian gentleman and a faithful minister of the Gospei. His loss will be severely felt by a large circle of frieuds, and especially by his congregation at the Mount, to whom he had much endeared himself by his life and labours. He has left a widow, a daughter, and several sons. Lands Titles Office. -The following is a comparative statement of the transactions in the Lands Titles Office for the month of November 1885-6:- v , Novemhcr. 18fi5. 1S6U Applications ... ... ??? — W 75 Transfers ? - U4 118 Mortgages ? 92 126 Leases ? — 25 19 Transfer of mortgages ... ... 8 6 Discharges ? »? 30 37 Powers of attorney ? ? ?. a ,— Caveats. ? ?* 8 Encumbrances ? 1 — Transfer of leases ? 2 l Surrender of leases ... ... ... 3 — Trusts ? 1 2 Licences ? — 1 Transmissions ? ... ? 5 5 Withdrawals of caveat ? 1 — Total ... 3(7 398 Fees of office ? .. £418 2s. Cd. £461 18s. Value ol land brought under Act £81,390 £43,770 Mount Gambiek JiOad Boakd.- Subjoined is the proposed appropriation of the sum of ££1,000 voted for the Local Board of Main Koads, Mount Ganibier, for 18t-7:-ltoad, MacUonnell Bay and Narracoorte, £8,000; read, Penola and Robe, £5,000; road, Narracoorte and Kingston, including bridges, and in addition to the special vote of £5.OU0 for road from Salt Creek to Narracoorte, £3,000; road, Narracoorte and Rolie, £4,000. Proposed yearly salaries of officers of Lecal Board of Main Roads, Mount Ganibier ^Superintending Surveyor (forage and travelling allowance), £500; Assistant Surveyor (including travelling ex penses), £30i ; Secretary, £250. The Bachelors' Ball.— Between 300 and 400 Isdiesand gentlemen accepted the invitation of the bachelors on Friday evening, Dec. 21 ; and the Town Hall has never been seen to gieater advantage. The company was quite large enough for the room to look well filled, although not so large as to occasion inconvenient crowding. The arrange ments were in every way complete, and the party was most gay and cheerful. Chapman's Band acquitted itself in excellent style, and Mr. J. N. Hiues, by whom the supper and other refresh ments were supplied, proved himself an admirable commissariat officer. The Bou.ndart Line.— The party of surveyors under the direction of Mr. E. M. Macgeorge who were sent out some time ago to fix the boundary line between South Australia and New South Wales have returned to town, having been re called by the Government A difficulty arose with the New South Wales Government and we believe the matter is now submitted to the Superintendent of Telegraphs in each colony, in order that the boundary line may be correctly laid down. The First Gold Coins Struck in Australia. -The Melbourne Argus of Friday. November 23. in noting some of the curiosities displayed in the South Australian Court of the Melbourne Exhibition, remarks:— ''Another and an historical curiosity is a couple of gold tokens, each worth one sovereign, which represent the first coins ever struck in Australia, the Adelaide Assay Office having preceded the Sydney Mint. They remind the beholder of a time when by extraordinary vigilance and energy the South Australian Govern ment managed to save the country from the com parative ruin which threatened to be the conse quence of the migration of an enormous number of the population to the. Victorian gold-fields in 1852- The whole story is too long to tell here, and it will lie sufficient now to state that iu the scarcity of sovereigns, the great desirableness of a free circulating medium in Adelaide, and the proba bility that notes would not be accepted in payment for pold, the Government issued these tokens, which, by Act of Council, were made a legal tender. They were coined from Victorian gold by Mr. babbage, then Government Assayer, with self-feeding machinery contrived by him, and made in Adelaide, and are handsome coins, the edpes being well milled. The cold was reduced by cooper alloy to the Mint standard of 22 carats, and the weight of each token is 5 dwts. 15 grs. The price of the gold in South Australia then was £3 12s. an ounce, so that the Banks who sent them homein quantity made immense profits out of the difference between the colonial price and the £3 17s. 9d. which was the ruling price in London. Thcv were never much needed, it seems, for after all Bank notes were freely taken and often pre ferred, and the wisdom of the ruling powers in making even small ingots hearing the stamp of the Government Assay Office a legal tender effectually met the crisis.' The Eden Valley Flour Mill.— An inte resting event connected with Gumeracha and

South Rhine took place on Thursday, the 13th instant in the opening of a new steam flour mill at Eden Valley, erected by Mr. J. B. Randell, of this township. Last year no less than 160,000 bushels of wheat was raised in the South Rhine District and a mill was found to be a desideratum. Accordingly our enterprising townsman took the matter in hand, and in six months has brought it to a successful issue. It was arranged to start the engine on Thursday, the 13th instant when a number of persons left Gumeracha to be present and witness the event. Everything worked most satisfactorily when the start was made, and reflected great credit upon Messrs. Godlee and Hewish, under whose superintendence the engine and gear had been fitted up. The engine is 17 horse power, with beam, and works four pairs of stones, which will turn out 60 to 70 tons of flour per week. An experiment was made, when it was found that she was making five bags in 65 minutes. As Eden Valley is only 22 miles from Mannum, with a very fair natural road, I have no doubt that a good deal of the South Rhine produce will now find iis way to that port. After the company had duly inspected the mill, about 35 to 40 persons adjourned, at Mr. Randel's invitation, to Host Allen's, where a sumptuous spread awaited them. There they enjoyed an hour or two discussing the good things provided. TRIAL TRIP OF THE MURRAY STEAMER FRANCIS CADELL.— A number of gentlemen responded to a kind invitation from Captain King to accompany his new steamer Francis Cadell, on Saturday, Dec. 15, on a trial trip down the river. Amongst the company we noticed Mr. Francis Cadell, the Hon. W. W. Tuxford, Messrs. B. Douglass George Wyatt D. Brown, H. Foote. Inspector Bee, Lieut. Swanson, Ensign Churchward, and many others. The steamer, since her launch from Mr. Fletcher's yard, has had fitted the deck-houses for the accommodation of passengers and the officers; and the fitting up of her machinery has been con-ducted under the immediate supervision of Mr. J. K. Murray. We have already given a description of her hull and machinery. She left the wharf at 2.43 o'clock, and reached the outer bar, a distance of eight and & half miles, in 58 minutes. The weather was most delightful, and so much pleased was the company with the trip that Captain King, instead of returning immediately to the Port, con tinued a course towards Glenelg, where she arrived at 4.20. The steamer Eleanor left the Port about four minutes before the Francis Cadell, and a little interest was caused by the fact that some people anticipated the Francis Cadell would find a powerful competitor in the Eleanor in point of speed. The former worked remarkably well for the first time, but the distance between the boats was gradually increased, and the Eleanor reached the Bay some 20 minutes before the other. During the trip down the company on board the Francis Cadell assembled in the saloon, when Capt. Cadell proposed 'The Health of Capt. King,' speaking in eulogistic terms of his knowledge of the river, and wishing him success in his enterprise. Captain King responded in appro-priate terms, and gave 'The Health of Mr. Murray.' This was duly responded to, and Cap-tain Douglas proposed 'Captain Cadell,' alluding to the fact of his enterprising spirit in opening up the Murray. Captain Cadell duly returned thanks. 'The Health of the Army' was then drunk, and acknowledged by Lieutenant Swanson. Similar compliments were also raid to the builders, Messrs. Dodgson & Co. and Mr. Fletcher, by whom the vessel was put together. On reaching the Bay the party landed at the jetty for a short time, and then the steamer returned to the Port. The Eleanor left the pier about 10 minutes after, and both boats steamed remarkably fast; but the Cadell was not overhauled, and arrived alongside the wharf in two hours and 12 minutes-about eight minutes before the Eleanor. The result of the trial trip was on the whole most satisfactory. Volunteer Inspection. — The Metropolitan Volunteers by their attention and punctuality have been making rapid progress towards efficiency each of the successive fortnightly battalion drills showing a marked improvement. On Saturday Dec. 15, three of the City Companies— Nos. 1. 2, and 4-were m-pected by Major Vivian of the 14th Reciment. The battalion, which was under the command of Colonel Bicjrs, Lieutenant-Colonel Mayo, Major ClarK, and Captains Blytb, Buik, and Scott, executed a number of military evolutions, Including marching on an ajignment, deploying into line. &c. At the conclusion of the inspection Major Vivian addressing those present expressed his satisfaction at the style in which they had gone through their manoeuvres, and gaid that they had at tained a state cf efficiency which, considering the short time they had been organized, reflected great credit on their commanders and instructors. He intimated that he was in a position to report favourably as to their con ution to His Excellency. At the close of the gallant Major's remarks, he was greeted with three hearty cheers. The com panies then marched to their private parade. Before dispersing, the members of the No. 1 (West Adelaide) Company gave three hearty cheers for their newly-appointed commander, Captain 1J. J. Scott. Hydraulics.— Another city fountain has Veen compffcted in the enclosure contiguous to Parlia ment House. It is very similar in desicn to the principal fountain in the Botanic Garden. The waste water is conveyed away through a luhterranean channel towards the old garden below the enclo sure. By a singular coincidence, the Jet d'eau began to l'ft its saucy head on the morning of the 19th instant the very day on which the senators 'f the House of Assembly passed the Waterworks Bill.

Philosophical Societt.— The 13 tn meeting of this Society took place at the Institute on Tues day, Dec. 4. Mr. C. Todd. who occupied the chair, exhibited and explained the use of a conductor for protecting telegraph instruments from lightning. He a.so gave a short account of various submarine cables, illustrating his lemarks by showing speci mens of them. An interesting discussion followed upon the position of the So.'iety, when several suggestions were thrown out for the purpose of promoting a larger amount of inteiest in its pro ceedings and inducina augmentation of the roll of members. Among the more novel suggestions wa* one by Mr. 1'. Robin, of having Field Clubs, for the study of various branches of natural history and other sciences. Estate of Messrs. Le\t & Co.— We under stand th?it conflicting claims have arisen to this season's clip of wool from the sheep belonging to this estate, and that writs have been issued, which will doubtless result in an appeal to the Supreme Court The amouut in dispute is said to be several thousand pounds. Municipal Cobxcil.— At a special meeting of the Municipal Council, held on Thursday, Decem ber 27, a rate of Is. 2d. in the pound on the assessment of 1S67 was declared. A street-watering rate was also declared, and the tenders for lanip posts were ieferred to the Public Works Com mittee. Presentation to the Rev. G. M. Wilson.— A number of ladies and gentlemen belonging to the congregation of Christchurch, at North Adelaide, assembled at the Temperance Hall, North Ade laide, on Friday afternoon. December 21, for the purpose of presenting an address and testimonial to the Rev. G. 11. Wilson on the occasion of his departure from the colony. Mr. J. C. Hawker presided, and remarked that he had been deputed to present to the Rev. G. M. Wilson, previous to his departure from amongst them, an address ex pressive of their esteem for him. Some 12 months since, owing to the illness cf the incumbent of Uin»tchurch, the Rev. Mr. Wilson had come amongst them as a stranger ; and his efforts to pro mote the wellbeing of his congregation had fceen yery apparent. It was with very great regret that they were now about to take leave of him. and they considered they were losing a Tery dear friend. (Applause.) He then read the following address, which was neatly engrossed on parch ment:-,,n'To the Rev. George Maryon Wilson. Dear Sir— We the undersigned, members of the congregation of Christcliurch, cannot allow you to resign this cure without exprecsing our -sincere appreciation of the energy, zeal, judgment, and consistency in your Christian work displayed by you -»uing your residence among us. We beg you to accept the accompanying testimonial, trifling as it is. in evidence of our esteem and gratitude, and can only express our regret at your departure, and wish you all happi ness iu tvery future sphere. ''And we remain, dear Sir, ,o. , , , 'Affectionately yours.' (Signed by four Synndsmen, four Wsrdens, and a number of the congregation.) He (Mr. Hawker) also handed to Mr. AYilson a handsome velvet purse, the work of a lady of the congregation, containing 57 sovereigns subscribed by the congregation. The Rev. G. 1L Wilson warmly thanked them for this token of their respect and esteem. Mr. L. B. Mathew?, on behalf of the members of the Cliristchurch Literary Asso ciation, presented the Rev. Mr. Wilson with an address expressive of their esteem, and Mr. J. A, T.Lake did the same on behalf of the Sunday school of Christchurch. The Rev. Mr. Wilson feelingly acknowledged these evidences of regard. Pobt Adelaide Waterworks.-'!^ Engineer of the Waterworks visited the Port on Dec. 20, when the water was turned on from the main to street branches in order to test their strength. Ihe plups were opened in the various parts of the town, and the work of attaching the service-pipes will be proceeded with at once. It is to be hoped that no time will be lost as the residents of the 1 ort have already begun to experience the want of a good supply of water. Christmas Day at the Public Institutions. -It would be a matter of regret if in the «eneral festivity of Christmas the poor unfortunates who crowd our public inttituiions were overlooked and not afforded an opportunity of varying the dreary monotony of their existence. This Christmas has been the occasion for many acts of kindness towards this class by benevolent colonists. At the Lunatic Asylum the inmates, to the number of between 210 and 250. were regaled to their hearts' content with true Christmas cheer, in the shape of ale, roast beef, and plum-pudding. At the Hospital the patients were supplied with the usual Christmas fare-roast beef and plum-pudding- which was served out m unsparing abundance. A quantity c biscuits, jam. &c was sent by the congrega tion of St. Paul's Church, through their pastor, the Rev.. Canon Russell for which the Hospital authorities wish to express their thams. The adults at the Destitute Asylum had a liberal allowance of roast beef and plum-pudding, sup plemented by an ample supply of ale, one cask of which was fentlby Mr. C. A. Hornabrook, and another by Messrs. Syme & Sison. The children - 94 in number- at the Destitute School were ren-dered as comfortable as the inconvenience and in appropnateness of the building in which they are temporarily loca'ed would permit A huge plum cake was sent by Mr. Hornabrook. in addition to which a quantity of biscuits was presented by Mr. J. Calder, apricots and cherries by Mr. W. D. Wigzell, and sweetstuffs by Miss Martin, one of the ladies on 'the School Committee. the customary Christmas meal, consisting of ale, roast beef, and pIum-pudding, was provided for the occupants of the Gaol. Excursion Trip from Milang to Meningie. The new steamer Telegraph left Milang at 8 a m. on Tuesday, Dec 25, with from 80 to 100 passengers. On her return, at 10.50 p.m., it was reported that a fatal accident had occurred within two miles of Meningie. One of the passengers, Joseph Turner, for a number of years stoker to Messrs. Pavy. millers, of Milang. fell overboard just in front of the paddlebox, and, as is generally supposed, was struck by the wheel and stunned, as he never came to the surface. Mr. D. J. Hutton, of Maclaren Vale, with praiseworthy alacrity dived several times, but without success. The steamer remained an hour while efforts were being made to recover the body, but without success. A boat in charge of Police-trooper Dunn started on Wednesday morning to continue the search. CHRISTMAS.— If Christmas as a rule was marked by such weather as distinguished it on the 25th December, 1866, instead of being a season of plea-surable anticipation it would be looked forward to with disagreeable apprehension. The promise given on Monday of a delight-ful day was very far from realized, as every unfortunate Christmas pleasure-seeker will be ready to avouch. Happy were they who abandoned all thoughts of outside recreations, all country drives and seaside rambles, and contented themselves with such enjoyment as could be found in the coolest retirement of home. The sun seemed as if he had just waked up to the fact that the summer months were gliding away without much of the summer heat, and had determined to make up arrears by blazing forth with extraor-dinary fervour. The north wind, warmed up to a scorching temperature, swept over the Adelaide plains in continuous gusts, and stirred up the city dust in most objectionable style. The thermo-meter stood at fully 100° in the shade, and in the sun it was positively unbearable. Many private parties, heedless of all obstacles, visited the Bay, tbe Port, the Semaphore, and various suburban retreats inland, where doubtless they enjoyed themselves as well as circumstances would admit of. Some of the more adventurous of the citizens had a stroll in the Botanic Garden, and in the evening were delectated by the music of the Adelaide Regimental Band, who went through a well-selected pro-gramme of pieces in capital style. About 6 o'clock the hot winds somewhat moderated, and at 7 the wind suddenly veered round to the south-east, and blew up some very promising-looking rain clouds, which decidedly improved the chances of more temperate weather during the remainder of the holidays. We should not omit to mention that service was held in the various churches which arc in the habit of thus commemorating Christmas. Illness of Mr. Tinline— We regret to an nounce that our fellow-colonist Mr. Geo. Tinline. at an early hour on Sunday morning, Dec. 23, had a sudden and alarming attack of a spasmodic nature, to which he has been subject for a number of years past and that, thouph now better, he has. at the strong iecommendatton of his medical adviser. Dr. Gosse, been obliged to abandon, for the present at least, the further prosecution of his self-imposed labour at this trying juncture on behalf of the colony. Sailing of Ships for England. — The announcement that the two fine clipper ships. City of Adelaide and Yatala, were to take their passengers on board and Bail on the 26th created an unusual amount of interest Captain Bruce and Captain Legoe are both deservedly favourites in South Australia, and their vessels have obtained a high reputation for the fine passages they have made. We do not know whether the two captains intend to have a race home; but it looks something like it, as they arranged to start the same day, and this we may state was the general opinion of persons who went down to the Port to ree their friends on board. There was an unusually large number of persons who went down to the Port on the 26th. The 1.40 train was a long one, every carriage being crowded. Captain Bruce had secured the Eleanor for the accommodation of his friends, and Captain Legoe the Young Aus tralian. The Eleanor was almost incon veniently crowded, and the Young Australian was well filled. Outside the stream there was a bit cf a swell on the sea, which soon produced a lamentable effect on a few of the ladies. But this was only of short duration. Captain Bruce had provided a most sumptuous entertainment for his guests, to which, in spite of rolling waves and heaving vessel, they did ample justice. At the close of tbe banquet several toasts were given complimentary to tlie captain. Mr. Bruce, and the officers, the passenpers. the Port, and the agents, by the Hon. Mr. r.nglis.h, Mr. Harcus, Mr. Town send, M.P., the Hon. Mr. Barrow, and Mr. Bright M.P. : Captain Bruce and his son (the chief officer) responded in appropriate terms. We understand that there were similar pleasant doings on board the Yatala. Having gone tlirouch the 'sweet Rorrow' of parting, the steamers hove off, and with ' loud and continued cheering tlie homeward-bound were left, with hearty good wishes for a prospe rous voyage to their destination. We n.ay add that the Eleanor took the Veiulam in tow, and brought her up to the Port. During the voyage up Captain Angel received several gentlemen on board of his snug little vessel, and showed them an open-handed hospitality. The weather was i fine, and the afternoon was most pleasantly spent I At 9 o'clock a long train started from the Port, ! and brought the visitore safely up to town, all the I better for their run out to the Lightship and back. ; and suitably impressed with the generous ho?pi , tatity of the captains. At K a.m. on the 27th the i yatala weighed anchor, and made rapid piogress l down the Gulf before a fine breeze: but the City of | Adelaide was unfortunately delayed in consequence i of her articles not being on board, and it was 11 o'clock befi re she was enabled to follow her more fortunate rival. Exporting Wool to Americ.v.— The./j»vusof ! December ISsays:— 'An experiment nf an interest-! ing nature is a'bout to be tried with one (if the staple exports of this colony. Hitherto all ihe j wool exported from Australia bas l-een sent to ! London or Liverpool, almost exclusively to the : former port. It appears, however, that American : buyers are not infrequent at the London Pales, and ! to test the United States market a tine thip— the , Isabella Hercus-has been placed on the berth fur i New York direct, carrying wool. The result will ! be looked forward to with considerable interest. It ? is very rarely that a vessel fails from this port direct to any of the cities of the east coaRt of America. This is only the second fhip whiclMve can call to mind as having been placed on the He.w York line during some years past. If the Isabella Hercus finds a 'good market a new trade may be opened up.' Moonta Dividend.— Another Moonfa dividend of £5 has been declared payable on Monday, the 10th instant We understand that there « a probability of a further dividend of the same amount being declared on the 1st January.

South Australian Wisia at the MelbourkK Exhibition.— The following is an extract from the Australasian of December 15;— 'In the matter of wines, too, the insufficiency of the labels promises to make them puzzling to the jurors, in this re spect the vulgar and staring labels of come of the Victorian wines contrast unfavourably with tbe neat model label of the bottles sent from South Australia. We transcribe it for the benefit of those concerned : — ' South Australian White Wine Name of Exhibitor, T. W. t'harlesworth ; name of Vineyard, Evandale.-nameof Grape, Riesline; age of wine, one year.' ' 1 his is a great compli ment to our active Secretary, Mr. Deering, and to the gentlemen who form the Sub-Committee for Wine. We understand that the distinctive label .is al»ve described is attached to each separate bottle exhibited. Call.— The congregation of the Free Presby terian Church at Aldinga have given a harmonious call to the Rev. George Benny to be their pastor. The call was moderated in on Monday. December 17, and was signed by 22 heads of families, com municantR. and Si adherents. It has been accepted by Mr. Benny. Intercolonial Fkee Trade.— The Argut of November 26 has a long leader referring to the overtures made by the South Australian Govern ment to that of Victoria for the establishment of intercolonial free trade. We can only find room for the closing extract:— 'If the Governments of Victoria and New South Wales should unwisely refuse to accede to these sensible propositions, the South Australians will have it in their power, by declaring Adelaide a free port and by dispensing— as they could very well aflord to do-with Customs duties altogether, to inflict a heavy blow on the trade of Melbourne, and to secure for their capital a premier position among the commercial cities of Australia.' From the Age of November 27 we take these remarks:— 'At present Victoria collects duties on the wines of New South Wales and South Australia, while those colonies return the compliment with regard to Victorian manu factures. All this is evidently most absurd. There are no natural geographical boundaries, nor any diversities of interest which can possibly justify such a procedure; it produces no good effect but. on the contrary, a vast amount of ill-feeling, and unquestionably tends to check the development of colonial industry, and interferes with the promo tion of intercolonial commerce. Tlie sweeping away of all such absurd restrictions would knit the several colonies together in a bond of friend y union, and would do much to prepare the way for a still closer federation.' The HaxUd of the 26th s*ys:— ' We think there should not be a moment lost in responding to the invitation of the South Australian Government and with that view to convene a conference from all the colonies, in Mel bourne, without delay.' Presentation to the Kev. J. E. T. Woods.— An influential committee has been formed for the purpose of raising a fund to make some suitable presentation to the Rev. J. E. T. Woods, prior to his leaving the South-East. No gentleman has done more than Mr. Woods for promoting the material interest of the district and certainly no one more deserves to have given to him a lasting testimonial of the good wi-hes of the public here. We hope the public generally will respond to the call made U|-on them.- Border Watcli, Nov. 28. The Sub-Proteotor op Aborigines.— A letter from Urnberatana»aysMr. Buttfield, Sub-Protector of Aborigines, left that station on the 19th November. He is highly spoken of for the manner in which he is looking after the interests of the blacks, nnd for the attempts he makes to establish a good feeling between them and the stt lers. Insolvencies.— The- following is a list of persons who have declared themselves insolvent since the publication of our lost Summary :— Robert Stracban Anders:- n, of Wallaroo, storekeeper, in forma panperis; Frank Alleyne, of SheaoakLog, sheepfarmer; Kdward Newlyii, of the Burra, storekeeper, formerly sheepfarmer; John Ogle Carlile nnd William George lnvin, late of Chilpa nunda, Streaky Bay, sheepfarmers and stockholders ; George Isaacs, of Adelaide, accountant tn forma pauperis; John George, of Saltia, near Port Augusta, teamster; William Plmh. of nearAnpas Park, carter and farmer; Charles Pitt the younger and Ebenezer Pitt of Adelaide and Kapunda, storekeepers, dealers, and chapmen; John Edward Coleman, of Clifton, near Williamr town, farmer. Subjoined is a list of persons who have availed themselves of the ar rangement clauses of the Act since November, 29: — William McGuillan the elder and W. McGuillan the younger, of Blyth's Plains, farmers; William Thomas Halter, of Baroota, sheepfarmer; Thomas Gillingham Candy, of Noariunga, butcher; William Price, of Crafers, carter; John Harraan Eiraer, of North Adelaide, gentleman; Gustave EmilBlinke, of Dalkey, storekeeper and farmer; Theodore Essberger, of Nuriootpa, licensed vie tualler; George Brown, of Hackham, contractor.