South Australian Weekly Chronicle (Adelaide, SA : 1881 - 1889), Saturday 6 February 1886, page 10


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Mr. R. D. Beresford, formerly Crown prosecutor in the Northern Territory, has returned to Adelaide from Port Darwin. The Hon. A. Hay, M.L.C., with Mrs. Hay and family, were passengers by the R.M.S. Valetta, which left Glenelg for Europe on Saturday. The Right Rev. Dr. Reynolds, who was a passenger by the s.s. Adelaide for Melbourne on Saturday, is expected to be away from the colony for some weeks.

We understand that the maintenance of wives and children in cases where the husbands have left the colony in search of work costs the Government £200 per week. 7 We were informed by the Deputy Postmaster-General on Wednesday that in response to the readvertisements calling for tenders for fifty-two mail services 243 tenders have been received. ^ ? *' Captain Murray, of the barquette Sir Herbert Maxwell, which arrived from Natal on Saturday morning, reports the sudden death of Mr. Boxall, bis chief officer, while at Port Natal. Weare pleased to hear that Dr. Schomburgfe the director of the Botanic Gardens, who has been confined to his house by a severe attack of rheumatic gout for four weeks, has sufficiently recovered to be able to resume his active duties. ,.-??. iMiM*i&^J»ra.,!ii]2i t^^ Mr. Arthur Hardy, M.P. for the district of Albert, has informed his constituents that he has been compelled to resign his seat in the House 'through the action of certain mortgagees,' and that he^intends offering himself for re-election. In our business columns the Commissioner of Taxes directs attention to the fact that every person carrying on any trade, bosines3, or profession in the colony as a principal should furnish an income return whether or not his income exceeds £300. We gather from the Kapunda Herald that the amount available for the Robert Fotheringham memorial will probably exceed £250, a portion of which sum will be spent upon a portrait of the deceased gentleman to be executed by Mr. McCormac. His Excellency the Governor having received a report from Mr. Justice Bundey upon the case of Owen Opie, the young man who is undergoing a sentence of six months' imprisonment for assault, declined to accede to the request for his immediate release. Mr. J. Moule, M.P., has received a letter from the Surveyor- General's Office in reply to one forwarded by him last month, requesting that the road sections 161, 79, 70, and 94, hundred of Colton, might be cleared and grubbed, informing him that tenders for the work have been called for. The man Robert Tapscott, who was admitted to the Port Adelaide Casualty Hospital about a month ago suffering from a broken leg caused by falling off a dray, and who afterwards had the limb amputated, died at the Hospital on Friday week. The coroner does not intend to hold an inquest. A farm laborer named Samuel Wilson, residing at Yorke's Peninsula, was admitted into the Adelaide Hospital, on Monday, suffering from a fractured leg of three weeks' standing. On the same day a miner named John Hallo, who sustained a fracture of the leg through a fall of earth at the Eureka quarry, was brought to the hospital. The exodus of passengers from Port Adelaide by sea during the week that ended Saturday, January 30, exceeded the influx by 601. The departures numbered 87S, of whom 682 went to Melbourne, 105 to Western Australia, 61 to Sydney, 29 to London, and 1 to Tasmania. Of the 277 arrivals 271 came from Melbourne, 3 from Sydney, 2 from Marseilles, and 1 from Ulverstone. Two rabbit and Bathurst burr destroying parties were dispatched from Adelaide on Tuesday morning. There are now only four parties to be sent out, and these will leave Adelaide so soon as a report has been received from the sub-inspector. When all the various camps are in full operation, Mr. Hubbe will leave on 2 tour of inspection, and he will probably be accompanied by the Commissioner of Crown Lands. Mr. A. T. Magarey, hon. secretary of the S.A. branch of the Geographical Society of Australasia, has received the following telegram from Mr. David Lindsay: — 'Charlotte Waters, January 30. Have just returned from successful trip to Queensland boundary. Crossed it in latitude 25° 30'. Found excellent country, nine native wells ; a great portion very high sandhill. Leaving the Finke for Lake Nash on Wednesday next, I leave here Monday.' The Chinese crew who for gome time past have manned the steamer Palmerston at the Northern Territory have been discharged, and are to be dispatched forthwith to Hongkong, according to the articles of their agreement. The steamer will now be manned by a scratch crew of Europeans, who, being in somewhat destitute circumstances in the Territory, have been only too glad to work their way at a small wage to Sydney, At the latter port the vessel will be sold. Captain Morgan, of the ship Ben Macdhui, who died at Port Adelaide on Tuesday afternoon, was extremely well liked and respected by those with whom he was brought in contact both at Port Adelaide and Port Pirie. He visited Port Adelaide some years back in the Kilmeny, and in the Ben Macdhui arrived at Port Pirie at the end of last year. Captain Morgan leaves a widow and two children in Liverpool, England. The latest experiment for extending the resources of the London food market (says the London Truth of December 26) is the importation of whitebait from New Zealand. A consignment arrived last week in perfectly good condition, the fish being packed at a low temperature,, but not actually frozen. If this can be done with one kind of fish, it probably can with another, with the happy result that the fish market will become independent of the seasons and of Billingsgate, A small fire occurred at Messrs. G. & W. Shierlaw's clothing warehouse shortly before 10 o'clock on Saturday night, which fortunately resulted in but little damage being done. It appears that some trousers and vests were banging near the front door too close to a gas jet, towards which they were blown by the wind and ignited. The flames spread a little, but before they could make any material headway they were _ extinguished by several passers-by with the aid of a few buckets of water. On Wednesday Mr. J. Moule, M.P., pre-sented a memorial to the Minister of Education from the residents in the hundreds of Way, Ward, Colton, Talia, and Tinline, asking that the proposed mail route via Bramfield might be altered so as to run along the main road

known as the Wild Dog Gully. Dr. Cockburn, in reply, said that a tender for mails by the former route had already been accepted, but he would institute enquiries as to the possibility of making the alteration desired. A report has gained currency that depositors in the Adelaide, Kensington, and Norwood Building Society have decided to issue writs against the directors of the company, to recover the amounts due to them which had been taken by the defaulting secretary Egremont, and that the directors repudiate the claim. On enquiry at the office of the society we learn that if any decision has been arrived at by depositors of the nature indicated above, the directors have no knowledge of it. With regard to the decision of the Narracoorte District Council not to do anything further in the way of rabbit destruction until the Government take some practical measures for killing the vermin, it may be mentioned that six rabbit parties have been organised in that district, and they will commence operations almost immediately. It was also stated that the local council had spent £800 a year in rabbit destruction, but it must be remembered that that body was largely recouped on the outlay by sending in scalps to the department. Mr. J. Moule, M,P., presented a memorial to the Attorney-General on Wednesday from residents of Bliriman,*asking that the question of closing the Blinman court might be considered, and that the services of Mr. Swan as stipendiary magistrate might be retained. Mr. Moule pointed out that there was a probability of mining operations being resumed verj[ shortly. The Attorney -General promised to give the matter consideration. Mr. Swan has received notice that his services will not be required after March 31. At a meeting of the Executive Council, held on Wednesday morning, Mr. J. F. Cleland, who has for many years held the position of registrar of births, deaths, and marriages, was appointed deputy-registrar at a salary of £350 per annum, this being a reduction of £150. Mr. J. E. Plunkett, who was formerly deputy registrar-general at a salary of £310, was appointed receiver of fees, &c, at £280. The reductions thus total £180 per annum. Dr. Whittell, it will be remembered, is now the registrar-general of births, deaths, and marriages. In respect of several enquiries which we have lately received as to the result of the action of the Commissioner of Insolvency in ordering a review of the bill of costs in the insolvency case of Miller and Hooper, it may be stated the matter since it was dealt with in court has been brought before the commissioner in chambers, where Mr. Bonnin notified his intention of appealing to the Supreme Court against any order as to the bill that might be served upon him. The Supreme Court is still in vacation, so that the settlement of the question as to the legality of the order to review cannot be pushed on at present. The following probates and letters of administration were granted during the week

ended Saturday, January 30:— ProbatOf —Christina Grahlow, of Adelaide £250 ; John Sampson, sen., of Kocringa, £75; Richard Rowe, of Gawler, £200 ; Charle3 Henry, of Adelaide. ££00; Ann Bevan, of Portland Estate, £100; John Fitzgerald, of Mile-End, £600; John Mossman, of North Adelaide, £1,160 ; Maria Ehmcke, of Adelaide, £29,000 ; John Hamilton, of Green's Plains, £723. Letters of Administration — T. J. Opie, of North Adelaide, £140; J. S. Robinson, of StrlingEast, £1,000 ; and Wm. Rose, of Brompton, £350. Several persons attended at the Grange jetty on Saturday to witness a continuation of the efforts to raise the yacht Royal Midge, which sunk near the end of the jetty on November 1 last. During the morning and afternoon a diver was engaged in placing1 ropes under the stern and bow of the vessel in order to raise her gradually to the surface. This task was accomplished with considerable difficulty, owing to the heavy sea which was coming in before the wind. The spectators showed considerable interest in the performance when a lull in the gale allowed them to devote attention to any other subject than that of holding on their bats, while the placid anglers continued their fishing in troubled waters' with that equanimity which characterises their proceedings under all circumstances. A death in the bush is thus reported by a correspondent of the Western Grazier, who writes from Mount Arrowsmith on January 21: — 'Another poor unfortunate has been found dead under a mulga tree on thi3 run. The body has been identified as that of Richard White, and from information gathered it appears he was on his road across country from. Quinyambi (where he had been working for a tanksinker) to Milparinka, with the intention of spending a week or two there at Christmas time, and losing his way, perished for want of water. He was buried by the Milparinka police, who found a cheque for £15 odd and a few other things on him3 but he had thrown away bis swag. It is thought the poor fellow has relations in South Australia, and the police are making enquiries with a view to finding; them out. The Marine Board have issued a return of all wrecks and other shipping casualties in South Australian waters which resulted in Io3s of life or property during the quarter ending December 31, 1S85. The steamer Shannon, 94 tons, S. R. Heseltine, master, took fire while lying alongside the bank near Morgan, River, Murray, on October 20. The cause of the fire is unknown, but the vessel was only partly burnt. The value of the property lost or damaged was £700. The steamer Nelcebae. 98 tons, A. Wilson, master, was stranded on Reef Point, Spencer's Gulf, on November 23. The value of the property damaged or lost was set down at £250. On November 24 the Mary Ann, cutter, J. McCarthy, master and owner, foundered in Spencers Gulf during bad weather. No one was to blame. The value of the vessel was £200. On Tuesday morning the four men who could not find work at Petersburg, and were granted Government passes to return to town, interviewed the Commissioner of Public Works (Hon. J. B. Spence) to see what could be done for them. Mr. Wm. Wright, who acted as their spokesman, complained that Messrs. Millar & Stewart, the contractors for the Silverton line, were bringing their own men over from their Victorian undertakings, thus shutting out from employment the men sent up from Adelaide by the Government. He said he had the names of twenty-five men who were out of employment at Petersburg at the time he was there. The Commissioner expressed his surprise that they could not find work at Petersburg, as he had been informed that the contractors were in want of hands. The four men were then sent on to the labor bureau, where their names were enrolled. Writing1 upon the Beetaloo waterworks, under date February 3, our Laura correspondent says:— 'Tenders have been called for the exclusive right of supplying butcher's meat to the camp at the waterworks. This has caused some excitement here, as it is considered unfair to other tradesmen, and against the interests of the working men, who are certainly not receiving exorbitant wages. It is clear if a monopoly of this kind is created the successful tenderer will have to charge a little above the ordinary price to recoup himself for the amount of his premium. I hear, however, that the butchers who have been hitherto running do not intend to 'throw np the sponge,' but will take their carts to the camp in order to test the legality of the tender system. I understand the men at work at the waterworks are being rapidly weeded out, only tha best being kept on, and it is expected that in a few weeks there will be only about fifty men at the TrcRJTi camp.' A narrow escape from death by burning ia thus described by the Kapunda Herald of January 29: — As Mrs. J. H. Battams was preparing the midday meal on Sunday she allowed her dress to get too near the blaze in the fireplace. In an instant she was envelopad in flames, and woman-like rushed outside. Mr. Patrick Corney, who happened to be passing at the time, promptly grasped the situation, and with great presence of mind seized .Mrs. Battams and carried her inside, extinguishing the burning garments by rolling the wearer in blankets, which fortunately happened to ba at hand. The whole scene was enacted so quickly that Mr. Battams, who was in an adjoining room, knew nothing had transpired till afterwards. Mrs. Battams sustained some nasty burns, and her rescuer wasi so severely burnt about the hand that he will be unable to work for some days. Being a laborer ha can ill afford the loss of time. There is not the slightest doubt that Mrs. Battams would have been burnt to death had it not been foe Mr. Corney's appearance on the scene and his prompt action. A memorial from 100 residents of Farina was presented to the Commissioner of Crown Lands by Mr. Moule, M.P., on Wednesday morning, asking that a better supply of water might be provided for the township. It was pointed out that tha stock traffic alone would warrant a reasonable expense being incurred. The number of stock travelling to and from Farina since April, 1885, was 35,500, being a much larger proportion than from any other station. The traffic to Innarnincka and to the Diamantdna country and the river trade principally went via Farina, and the teamsters have to pay 3d. per head for watering the stock. The Government well is too salt for stock. The memorialists stated that the Gums waterhole might with a very moderate expense be deepened and enlarged, as the ground would retain the flood waters and hold a sufficient quantity of water to last through a long dry season. ' The work should, be done at once, as usually the best rains fall in May. The Commissioner promised to obtain a report on the subject at once. In the London Truth of December 24 Labouchere has the following : — ' I am fold that strenuous efforts are being made to obtain a baronetcy for Sir Samuel Wilson, the Australian tenant of Hughenden Manor, who has twice been beaten for county seats since ha first appeared in England. He and his wife are panting to possess an 'hereditary title.1 They ought to remember that their predecessor at Hughenden has recorded that 'there was no title in the world for which he had such a contempt as that of a baronet.' [As there is not the slightest reason why this wealthy snob should be made a baronet, beyond his occupancy of Hughenden, it might perhaps be a better plan to enact that tenancy of the sacred spot should confer a title. If I remember rightly, Sir Samuel got knighthood by giving a large sum of money to some institute patronised by Royalty. What is there in the air of our colonies that causes so many colonial plutocrats, when they come over here, to become the most fulsome, foolish, fawning, and flabby of flunkies, and to curry favor with '^society ' by re viling Radicals ?' The annual meeting of the members of the South Australian Alliance was held on Monday evening at the Rechabite Hall, Grote6treet, Mr. D. Nock presiding. The hon. secretary read the annual report. The treasurer's report showed: — Receipts for the jear, £165; and expenditure, £178. Votes of thanks were passed to the hon. secretary, treasurer, and president. The election of officers for the ensuing year resulted as follows : —President, Mr. D. Nock; hon. secretary, Dr. Magarey; hon. treasurer, Mr. E. E. Alcock ; executive council, Hon. J. Pickering, M.L.C., Messrs. C. W. Priest, F. Leak, M. WoodGreen, Bagshaw, J. M. Do wie, E. Alcock, A. Leane. W. B. Stephens, Revs. E. Gratton, C. T. Newman, D. O'Donnell, J. Nicholson, Mr. W.W.Winwood,andMr. Champion. Thepresident thought that in view of the depressed condition of the colony the South Australian Alliance could congratulate itself npou the success that had attended it during the first year of its existence. The amount received, £165, was very largely made up of small contributions, showing that the alliance was reaching the sympathies of the public generally. The meeting was well attended. A deputation from Second Valley, introduced by Mr. H. E. Downer, M.P., waited on the Minister of Education (Hon. Dr. Cockburn) to ask that a daily mail should be continued to Second Valley and Normanvilla, instead of one running only three daya a week as proposed. The cost of the present service between Second Valley and Normanton was £43, and for another £43 they believed a daily mail could be granted. It was also stated that considerable inconvenience was felt owing to there being no telegraph station at Second Valley. The Minister, in reply, said alternative tenders had been called for a daily n'''- and one tunning three days a week, and the result showed that a saving of over £40, or 100 per cent, on the cost of the mail service, could be effected by having the mail three times a week. It was only a small Baving, but such retrenchments went to make up the total savings which he expected to accomplish in the department, and when anything like 100 per cent, saving could be effected he felt he had no course opaa

to lim but to make the redaction. He regretted to curtail their postal facilities, bat the policy of retrenchment rendered it necesBary, We have received from Messrs. E. & F. N Spon, of London and New York, through Mr. George Robertson, a copy of the fourth series of ' Workshop Receipts.' The wide popularity which tiie first three volumes of ' Workshop Seceipts ' have attained is a sufficient -warranty that the works are what they pretend to be, namely, accurate guides in the subjects dealt with, specially adapted for the^ use of mechanics, manufacturers, and scientific amateurs. The new volume is fully up to the standard of the others. The chief departments it embraces are waterproofing', embalming, and preserving, pumps and syphons, desiccating1, distilling, filtering, stereotyping, bookbinding, the fabrication of baskets, musical instruments, clock and watch mending ('adapted for intelligent amateurs'), and photography. In these and several other subjects the book gives complete details, with diagrams, describing the various methods of manufacture adopted in different countries, and bringing the information down to 1885 discoveries. In all respects the work is a capital one of its kind, and, like many other of Messrs. Spon's publications, must take a foremost place amongst encyclopaedic literature. Referring to the carrying oat of the retrenchment policy by the Government, the Australasian of January 30 Bays— 'We express no opinion as to whether the South Australian Government has used the pruning-knife judiciously, and all the other colonies will sympathise with South Australia in her financial distress. One lesson, at least, 'Victoria can draw from the recent experience of the raster colony, and that is, that it _ is essential that the system under which the whole of the public service here lias been placed under the control _ of independent boards should be maintained in its integrity. The South Australian service, like our own in times not remote, was overloaded with persons placed in it by political influence, and, when hard times came, some of them had to be thrown overboard. Every one will admit that, when jettisoning work of that kind has to be done, it is much better that it should be effected by persons free from political influences. The public service here will, in time, reduce the number of Government employes in the departments over which they have control to the lowest limit compatible with efficiency, and -if, in the meantime, financial exigencies should necessitate the use of the pruning-knife, it will be applied with perfect impartiality and with skm.-' A meeting of the committee of management of the South Australian Commercial Travellers' Association -was held at Beach's Hooms on Saturday, January 30. The president {Mr. G. C. Knight) occupied the chair, and there was an average attendance of members. Thehqn. treasurer (Mr. A. MacMe) produced a financial statement showing funds at date, £202 12s. 6d. Accounts were passed for payment amounting to £50 14s. 4d. The secretary (Mr. Charles Aubrey) read replies from certain landlords of country hotels respecting complaints made by members, which had been communicated to them, and it was resolved— ' That the said replies be forwarded to the travellers who had made the complaints for their report after their next visit to the hotels in question as to whether an improvement was perceptible.' It was decided— 'That a sum not exceeding £10 be placed at the discretion of the president and secretary for the relief of a member in distressed circumstances.' Thelist of members inarrearswasdealtwith, and several names were struck oS the roll of membership. The matter of the University correspondence was again discussed, and it was resolved that the secretary communicate with the chancellor, forwarding him copies of correspondence with the registrar. The Hon. John Colton, M.F., and Mr. E. T. Smith, M.F., were nominated as members of the hospital board. Up to Wednesday, by which day taxpayers were required to send in their income returns, the Commissioner of Taxes had only received 5,926 returns, or about -iglf the number that should have been forwarded to his office. Last year the total number of income tax returns sent in was 10,421, and besides these the commissioner made 953 assessments in default of returns, showing a total of 11,374. This number should be greatly exceeded in the present year, as contrary to the case lastyear principals in any trade or profession are required to send in returns even if their incomes should be less than the taxation limit of £300. It is strange that so many taxpayers should have neglected to send in returns, seeing the trouble their delay must cause the taxation office, and the inconvenience and expense to which they themselves might consequently be put. It should lie remembered that any defaulter is liable to be prosecuted by the commissioner and be mulcted in a penalty of £20 besides three times the amount of his assessment. No doubt the Commissioner would be reluctant to take extreme steps, but it is not unlikely that he will feel himself compelled to make a few examples. A large number of taxpayers have sent in requests for extension, of time on various grounds, and in all cases a little extra. time Has been allowed them. No troublesome enquiries with regard to the meaning of the taxation forms have been made this year, taxpayers appearing to have acquired a thorough acquaintance with them. Many farmers, however, do not seem to appreciate the fact that they are ' in business,' and hence a quantity of correspondence has been necessitated. A deputation, consisting of Messrs. J. Brett, A. F. Digram, and M. Barry, waited on the Commissioner of Public Works (Hon. J. B. Spence) on Wednesday morning, regarding the water supply at Wilmington. The deputies stated that a water supply was much required at Wilmington. The Government dam had been dry for the last fortnight, and the inhabitants were entirely dependent on Dunn's mill for their water supply ; and such a price had been charged for water from these two sources as was very trying to the public and injurious to the trade of the town. The price charged was 16s. Sd. per 1,000 gallons, and Id. a drink for cattle, and then the supply was very inferior. Some three years ago, when the bore was put down by the Government, they considered the proposed charge for an engine too high. They thought if a small engine were placed over the the bore with a cemented dam capable, of holding 15,000 to 20,000 gallons it would suffice. The Commissioner said that as they had no corporation or district council to deal with, the only way would be to create them a water district and rate them for the supply. If a windmill _ would be sufficient power to raise the required supply from the bore he would let them have one at once, or they could have an engine or a horse-whim if they ?would pay the interest on the outlay. He ?would give instructions to the hydraulic engineer to enquire into thebest means of satisfying their wants. The deputation then asked that a yard might be erected round the troughs at the standpipes go as to prevent dogs and other animals getting into the water. The Commissioner thought the people should look after the matter themselves, or else form themselves into a district council, with whom the Government could deal. The number of unemployed upon the streets of the city waElargely swollenonTuesday by the men who had been discharged from Government works at the Belair and Mount Barker Forest reserves. The work provided for them there — wood-cutting and post-splitting — is now nearly at an end, and as the acreage of the two blocks is very limited it is not likely that the department will be able to give them further employment, at least in that part of its domain. Altogether about fifty have been discharged from the two reserves, leaving about si-sty men at Belair. On applying at the labor bureau on Tuesday the men were informed, after the first two or three names had been taken, that the Government had not at present any work to offer them, and on hearing this several of them went away. _ Some forty or fifty, however, re mained outside the office, or took up positions alongside the railings of Victoria-square, in the hope of hearing something from the Commissioner of Public Works as to their prospects. They appeared, for the 'most part, to belong to the class of respectable hardworking men ; most of them wore moleskins, and their tanned face3 testified to the healthy tent life they had been leading. The Commissioner of Public Works informed our representative that he considered it inadvisable to publish the daily records of the labor bureau, as it only induced men to come into the city from the country to seek work. Today the Conservator of Forests (Mr. Brown) intends discharging about thirty men more from Belair, which will leave about thirty still engaged there at wood-cutting. At Mount Barker ail the splitting and clearing is finished, and the forest department will not probably have any work to give until the ?winter rains set in, when men may be wanted for planting at Wirrabara and Bundaleer. At Mount Barker 200 tons of cut firewood remain as the result of the men's work. A recent issue of the XlXeme Sieele gives some curious particulars of an adventurer, who lately died in London, styling himself Prince Louis Marie Cesar of Bourbon, ' grandson of Ferdinand VII. of Spain.' He appeared at Paris in 18C9 under the name of Uonite Blanc, being accompanied by his sister, Patrocinio, the famous stigmatic, and by a Dominican monk, confessor to Qaeen Isabella. The husband of the queen treated him as a kinsman, and the queen herself wrote to him as ' Dear nephew.' During the siege Comte Blanc, while parading himself at one of the ambulances, was recognised by a leading Paris photographer as a son-in-law whom be had dismissed for misconduct. In 1871 lie made the acquaintance of a rich English widow, daughter of one of the First Napoleon's aides-de-camp. She pitied him, sympathised with hie project of regenerating Spain, and advanced him 300,©00f. Blanc thereupon settled at Jnrangon, near Pan, in a splendid villa, built by an aged Legitimist, who recognised him as hie lawful king. Here a small court wae kept up, the .English widow acting as

grand miEtrees of the palace, and a general's son-in-law_ as chamberlain. The 'king' dis-tributed titles and decorations, offered up bis devotions daily; in a Spanish convent chapel, and one morning saw the image of Christ fix its eyes on him affectionately. This miracle strengthened the belief of host, widow, sister, and confessor. But the prefect, hearing ?what was going on, begged the nuns to go back to their own country. The Paris police sent over and arrested the count, searched his rooms, and seized a packet of photographs representing him in royal apparel— the costume having been furnished by a Paris milliner, whose bill of 45,O00f. was paid by Queen Isabella. A policeman, one Gerard, escorted Blanc to the frontier, but on the way was won over by him and agreed to become his secretary. The pretender took refuge first in Holland and then in England. Mr. J, N. Grierson, who for several years past has been manager for Mr. J. H. Angas, and by bis excellent business qualifications has done much to extend the fame of the stock and products of the TTill River estate, was entertained by a representative gathering of gentlemen at the South Australian Club Hotel on Friday evening, prior to his departure from the colony to take the management of a large station in Queensland. A nicely appointed and bounteously spread table which reflected credit on the cuisine of Host McDonald, kept the guests occupied during the earlier part of the evening. Mr. J. L. Thompson presided, and proposed the health of the guest of the evening. He spoke in the highest terms of Mr. Grierson's ability and knowledge of stock-rearing, and all the other essentials of station management, and in allusion to bis personal and social qualifications said -that M!r« Grierson's departure would be regretted, not only by people who knew him in Adelaide and Clare, but by hundreds of others who were scattered all over the colony. The only redeeeming feature of his departure was that he was going to another sphere where he would benefit himself more than he would by remaining here. The vice-chairman (Mr. Jno. Robertson),Mr.F.W.Thring,Mr.MacDonald, and other gentlemen present endorsed the sentiments of the chairman, and the toast was drunk with hearty cheers. Mr. Grierson, in reply, said that although the change might be of benefit to him he would always regret the severance of his connection with the many kind friends that he bad known during his six years' residence in South Australia. Other toasts and speeches followed, in which Messrs. Sanders, Hanna, Bayer, Watt, Spicer, Robertson, J. Aldridge, Molineaux, Davis, Hannay, Trew, Hope, and others took part, and a very en joyable evening was passed by all who were present. Messrs. J. Dunn & Co., in their breadstuffs circular dated February 1, state: — 'Since we issued our circular on January 4 a good deal of excitement has prevailed in the wheat market ; up to that time bad crops and low averages were much talked of and fully believed in, but with low prices in England and the promise of a fairly good crop in Victoria, and the probability of Sydney drawing supplies from California, values moved up but slowly. As the month wore on and the real state of affairs began to be realised, country millers took alarm, and in many cases offered Adelaide prices to secure wheat for local requirements. This compelled town purchasers to advance to corresponding rates, as freight- engagements and other contracts were bound to be fulfilled ; hence wheat rose to a price equal to 4s. 6cL at Port Adelaide. This excitement has been somewhat checked within the past week by the fact that one of the wheat cargoes intended for Europe has been resold at high rates to millers here ; in other cases high premiums have been offered, and in some instances paid, to cancel charters. Allthis,togetherwiththefearthatNew South Wales may import from San Francisco, has had the effect of steadying the Adelaide market, and has brought down wheat to about 4s. lid. to 4s. 24d. for shipping parcels at Port Adelaide. Best brands of flour may be quoted at £9 17s. 6d., with 10s. extra for patent roller. From the beginning of this year to date only 9,500 tons have been exported, against 37,500 tons during the corresponding period of last year, and it is doubtful if our shipments for the next eleven months will reach 50,000 tons. Should these figures be anything near the mark our exports will be less than they have been ever since we have professed to be a wheat-exporting colony. Notwithstanding this sad state of things it is pleasing to find that our farmers have strong- faith in the future. Ploughing in the north has already commenced, and it is expected that a larger area will be sown this year than the colony has ever witnessed.' On Sunday evening the Rev. M. W. Green, pastor of the Grote-street Christian Chapel, conducted the first of a series of evangelistic services in the Town HalL There was a large attendance, the body of the hall being wellfilled, and a few of the gallery seats occupied. The rev. gentleman took as his text the words : — '? Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but incorruptible, by the word of God which liveth and abideth for ever. For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: but the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you' (I. Peter I, 23, 24, 25.) His subject was :— 'Is a divine revelation reasonable?' He argued that the universality of the idea, of God was a proof of the contention that a divine revelation was reasonable. Man was an imitatory animal, and unless he had someone to copy he could not learn to speak, instancing the case of children born deaf being unable to speak, although the articulatory organs were complete. In cases of children growing up in woods, or where they had no intercourse with human beings, they were unable to utter a word, although able to copy the calls of the beasts and birds. As man could not teach himself to speak it was reasonable to suppose that the first man had learnt to speak from conversing with God or with an angel. All men felt responsible to a higher being, although some tried to persuade themselves that they felt no such restraint upon their actions; and if this responsibility had been placed upon man, was it not reasonable to suppose that during the 6,000 years that man had inhabited the earth God had revealed His will to him. It was both natural and reasonable, and God having made his will known in various ways had at last sent His Son to make a fuller and final revelation. In conclusion he urged all present to hold firmly to their belief in the inspiration of the Bible, and in view of the uncertainty of life to make their peace with God. The Kapunda Herald of January 29 has the following anent Mr. D. Moody's intention to resign Ms seat as a representative of the district of Light in the House of Assembly.: — The cause of this regretted determination on Mr. Moody's part is pretty generally known, though it would not become us as yet to comment upon it. Suffice it to say, that unfortunate business transactions and possible heavy monetary loss render the step he has decided upon the only course open to him. Mr. Moody is deserving of the very greatest sympathy, and we are pleased to know that this sympathy is not being withheld. As the political representative of the district, Mr. Moody's retirement will also be regretted. He has proved himself a faithful, conscientious, hard-working member. He entered the House in 1881, being elected to the vacancy caused by the resignation of Mr. Carroll, defeating Mr. Tennant, who opposed him, by 549 votes to 434. He served three years, having Messrs. White and Shannon as colleagues, and retired into private life once more amidst expressions of regret that he was unable to accede to the almost unanimous wish of the electors to allow himself to be renominated. At the last general elections in 1884 he was Induced by the receipt of an influential requisition to again stand for legislative honors, and was elected. In his brief parliamentary career the junior member for Light leaves a record of usefulness, for which his constituents are very grateful. Local wants were never neglected by him, and as a practical farmer the agricultural interest had not a better advocate in the House. Mr. Moody's absence from the Assembly will be regretted by every individual member, by whom he was held in high esteem personally and for his political integrity. We extremely regret the cause which has made Mr. Moody's resignation necessary, a sentiment which is shared in by every elector in the district of Light. The knowledge that he retains the gratitude and sympathy of his former constituents may be Eome consolation to Mr, Mocdy in his misfortune. A deputation waited on the AttoraeyGeneral (Hon. J. W. Downer) on Tuesday morning to advocate the retention of the Local Court at Yorketown, in lieu of that at Edithburgh. Mr. W. H. Beaglehole, M.P., in introducing the deputation, pointed out that while Edithburgh was on the coast, Yorketown was centrally situated on the peninsula, and was the, place where nine-tenths of the local court business was transacted. The courthouse accommodation also was better at Yorketown than at Edithburgh, and it would be for the convenience of the inhabitants of Southern Yorke's Peninsula generally to retain the Yorketown court. Mr. R. Homburg, M.P., in supporting the request of the deputation, pointed out the difference in the business of the two courts in 1884. At Edithburgh forty summonses were issued, the claims sued for amounting to £330 14s. 2d. The total amount for which verdict was given was £58 153. 2d., while judgment went by default for £144 2s. lOd. At Yoiketown on the other hand 101 summonses were issued, the amount in litigation being £1,567 4s. 2d., of which £47 Is. 6d. was adjudicated by verdict and £1,520 2s. 8d. went by default. It had always been expected that the Edithburgh court would be closed, and the residents of that township had never expected otherwise. The Attorney-General said it waa not the intention of the Government to close either cf the courts, but t/nly to have them open lesB

frequently than at present, and, if possible, arrangements would be made to have the Yorketown court open more often, and the Edithburgh less. The business at Yorketown was certainly greater than that at Edithburgh, though there was not a great amount of litigation at either, and it would not do to keep a clerk constantly in attendance at Yorketown when, on an average, only two summonses were issued every week. Arrangements might, however, be made with the local telegraph operator to take charge of the Yorketown court, and he would make enquiries with a view of ascertaining if this could be done. A meeting of the Hindmarsh branch of the Land Nationalisation Society was held in the institute hall, Hindmarsh, on Saturday evening to take intoconsiderationacommunication from the parent society in reference to a proposal to hold a conference of the various branches at which the questions to be discussed would be strictly confined to matters falling within the published objects of the society. There was a fair attendance, and Mr. J. Chittleborough occupied the chair. Mr. J. Lawrence said that public opinion was now being more educated on land nationalisation, and would continue to grow if the societies worked together in unity. Messrs. J. Chittleborough and J. Lawrence were appointed delegates to attend the conference. Mr. E. W. Palmer moved — 'That this society recommend to the conference for .discussion the subjects of stopping the further sale of Crown lands, and that for the purpose of raising revenue leasing be adopted ; also that the efforts of these societies be directed to returning to Parliament at the next election gentlemen pledged to support the principles of landnationalisation.' Mr. Champion seconded, and thought it important that the conference should consider the question of therepurchase of the land and compensation. There were points in land nationalisation that staggered many people, and if the public were more enlightened on these details he believed, good results would follow. Mr. Lawrence said that if the farther sale of Crown lands were stopped fictitious values would soon become a thing of the past. He regretted that in Hindmarsh there was land let at 303. per acre per annum for agricultural purposes, which was disgraceful. _It was pitiful that owners should ask such prices, and that people should pay them. Mr. J. W. Carr believed that land near the city must necessarily be dearer than land in the country districts, and even if held by the Government would return a greater rental than land miles from Adelaide. Those who rented the land did so because they could cultivate it at a profit. Stopping the sale of Crown lands, however, would be a step in the right direction. The resolution was carried.' ' Any one sceptical as to the ultimate success of the Silyerton mining-field must iave had his scepticism blown to the winds had he listened to the eloquent array of figures laid before the Commissioner of Public Works on Tuesday afternoon. The occasion was a deputation, and the object was to urge upon the Commissioner the necessity of strengthening the line of railway from Petersburg to the New South Wales boundary on account of the already largely increasing traffic between the two places. Facts were not perhaps necessary to convince the Commissioner of the wisdom of the step indicated. He had, it 'seemed, already made up his mind on the question. But facts had been prepared, and an avalanche of them was hurled at Mr. Spence, who could do nothing more than express his astonishment. Mr. Meeks, as the representative of the Barrier Ranges Silver Mining Association, led off the ball, and stated that the association had sent no less than 3,000 tons of ore and goods between Adelaide and the boundary of New South Wales, intimating also that in the course of a very few months, when the smelters were at work, some thousands of tons of coke would be sent to the Silverton district. The record, however, was beaten by Mr. W. A. Horn. The Broken TTH1 Company, he said, intend to erect ten furnaces, and two are now in course of erection. These will consume 700 tons of coke per week, and the estimated output of bullion is 800 tons per week. The number of men employed by the company will probably be 1,500. At the present time there are, it appears, no less than 600,000 tons of ore in sight, and -what may be at a lower depth was not even speculated upon. Other silver mines were referred to, but Mr. Horn certainly added to the astonishment of Mr. Spence when he said that in order to avoid any suggestion of exaggeration he had been careful' to divide the figures by two. The Commissioner humorously suggested that there must have been a multiplication by four in the first instance, and then proceeded to inform the deputation that an -officer from the EngineerinChief's department was now examining the railway with a view to having it strengthened, There were funds in hand for the work, aud he had no doubt that the line when finished would do all that was required of it; and would be a great success. Sir Edward Sullivan, in a letter to the London Standard, has given some interesting statistics about the recent general election in England,- comparing the figures with those of the election of 1880. He shows that in the general election of 1880 there were in England and Wales 1,317,000 Conservative voters and 1,730,000 Liberal voters. This represents a Liberal majority of 413,000 in a total of 3,047,000, or 14 per cent. In 18S5 there were in England and Wales 1,925,000 Conservative voters and 2,120,000 Liberal voters— a Liberal . majority of 195,000 in a total of 4,045,000, or 5 per cent. So that in England and Wales, notwithstanding the admission of 2,000,000 of fresh voters, the Liberal majority has been reduced 9 per cent. In 1880 there were in Scotland, 185,762 Liberal voters and 69,707 Conservatives — a Liberal majority of 116,055 in a total of 255,469. In 1885 there were 270,772 Liberal, and 151,917 Conservative voters — a Liberal majority of 118,855, in a total of 422,689. So that while the number of Scotch voters has increased 167,220, the Liberal majority has only increased 2,800. In the English and Welsh boroughs there were, in 1880, 750,963 Conservative and 1,132,297 Liberal voters — a Liberal majority of 381,331 in a total of 3,883,260, about 20 percent. In 1885 there were 815,383 Conservative and 759,083 Liberal t voters— a Conservative majority of 56,300 in a total of 1,574,466, or about 3 per cent. So that in the English and Welsh boroughs a Liberal majority of 20 per cent, has, in five years, been converted into a Conservative majority of 3 per cent. — a difference of 23 per cent., or nearly 1 in 4 of the whole population. In 1880 in the Scotch boroughs there were 152,451 Liberal and 43,079 Conservative voters — a Liberal majority of 109,372. In 1885 the Liberal voters numbered 121,346 and the Conservatives 58,466, a majority of only 62,880. So that in five years the Liberal majority in the Scotch boroughs has been reduced from 109,372 to 62,880— a difference of 46,492. In Ireland in 1880, 98,134 voted Conservative, and 147,151 voted Liberal— a Liberal majority of 49,017. In 1S85, 111,393 voted Conservative and 35,713 Liberal — a Conservative majority of 75,680. But all this is upset by the Pamellite vote of 293,895. ' The necessity of conferring with Admiral Tryon on defence matters and Samoan affairs has, writes the Dunedin correspondent of the Melbourne Argus, under date January 21, ' caused Ministers to assemble in Wellington ; and with the exception of Sir Julius vogel, who is still at the Hot Springs, aud Mr. Larnacb, all the Ministers were present at a conference with Admiral Tryon and His Excellency the Governor. As a result of this meeting, it is stated that Admiral Tryon submitted a proposal that the various colonies should contribute proportionately to population to the cost of increasing the Australian squadron. Should the proposal be agreed to several new and swift cruisers— some to be armor-plated or belted, and all suitably armed— would be built. These, with a number of torpedo boats, would make up a strong Australasian squadron, which would be under the command of the commodore of the station. The capital amount of New Zealand's share of the cost is estimated at £600,000, or an annual charge for interest of about £25,000. Within the past few days several changes have taken place in the programme arranged by Admiral Tryon. He intended to be present at the opening of the Federal Council in Tasmania, and to enable him to do this his visit to the southern portion of the colony was abandoned. He has now, however, determined to remain in the colony till the arrival of the next English mail. The two Samoan chiefs now in the colony, William Upolo and Sui S[ana, have had several interviews with His Excellency theGovernor,andalso with Ministers and with Admiral Tryon. Nothing has been allowed to transpire, however, as to what representations have been actually made to the British Government, but it is understood ?enquiries have been made with a view of buying out German interests in Samoa. The chiefs have been interviewed by representative of the press in Wellington. One of them speaks English fluently, and he answered freely the questions put to him. He says that there is too much ' by-and-bye' about the British Government. Annexation with England would be preferred by the Samoans ; but failing that America would be preferable to Germany. The population of Samoa is estimated at about 50,000. No difficulty, according to Upolo, who, it may be stated, is the king's adviser, would be experienced in governing Samoa from Wellington. He believea that four representatives, or even fewer, in the House of Representatives would prove satisfactory. The chiefs are fully empowered to enter into negotiations for annexation.' On the question of the control of the River Murray waters the Melbourne Leader of January 30 _ has the following : — 'The malignant spirit of -discord appears to overshadow every movement designed for the mutual benefit of Victoria and New South Wales. The latest instance is in connection with the labors of the two royal commissions on water Eupply representing the respective

colonies, and who last week. held a joint sitting to decide as to the control and distribution of the waters of the River Murray. The New South Walescommissioners.urgedtheleKal right of their colony to the entire stream from its source until it entered South Australian territory. They were prepared to make some little sacrifice by recommending the surrender of some of their legal rights over the Lower Murray, and some of the tributaries from which it was proposed to take water for Victoria. For this concession they demanded a larger proportion of the waters of the Upper Murray above the township of Howlong. Victoria is thus met face to face with a very serious difficulty, and until wiser counsels and greater harmony exist between the two colonies, no very extensive or general system of irrigation can be undertaken by Victoria. It is to the Murray that we shall have to look for the water by means of which it is hoped to irrigate the plains which stretch along the lower margin of the river for thousands of miles. The main sources of the Murray are situated, in New South Wales, and there is a possibility of a considerable portion of the supply being diverted into artificial channels for the benefit of our neighbors in Riverina, to the detriment of Victoria and the ruin of northern and north-western settlers. The gravity of the situation, it will be seen from this, cannot be over estimated.. New South Wales seems disposed to question whether Victoria possesses any riparian rights, and the limited supply of water obtained at present is only allowed as a matter of grace. The meeting on Saturday last of the two commissions was held with closed doors, consequently the public cannot judge fully of the merits of the discussion which took place, but it is hinted that our commissioners were not sufficiently resolute in urging their case. Judging from the excellent work done already by the Victorian commission, we question whether they did not do all that could possibly be expected at their hands. Fora certainty if the sister colony persists in her present attitude and attempts to tamper with the sources of either the Murray or the Snowy Rivers, the Government of this colony must have recourse to extreme measures to prevent a vast extent of Victorian territory being abandoned as worthless, and the accumulated wealth of years scattered to the winds.' Letters have lately been received in Brisbane from the Rev. J. E. Tenison- Woods, from Arima (Japan), dated November 6. From these we learn that his intention to return to Australia in July last was frustrated by ' most pressing inducements to take charge of a geological expedition to Pahang to see after some gold mines, of the richness of which there were fabulous rumors.' Pahang is a kingdom on the east side of the Malay Peninsula, and is practically unknown to Europeans. The following extracts from the rev. gentleman's letter will be read with interest :— ' I went to Cochin China first, and I do not wish to see that place any more. Then I went to Pahang, whose capital, as every schoolboy knows, is Pekan (not to be confounded with the Chinese Fekin). The Sultan received me very kindly, and gave me 2 oz. of gold-dust, and a silk sarong, and lent me two canoes and a party of slaves to row me to the mines. In these canoes, though they were large and pretty comfortable, I spent six weeks of a trying existence. Cholera was raging in every village we called at.' After describing his arrival at the place supposed to contain the gold mines, he continues : — ' But it was very near being ' all up' with me there. The tigers and fevers were raging. I managed to leave the tigers behind, but I brought one fever with me and the knowledge that the wealth of the gold mines was fabulous. I returned. And now I said — as my Chinese servant says — (he is a very good cook and makes lovely curry out of bamboo shoots), ' What do V and I answered myself, ' I will not return to Australia till I have seen the Yang Tse Kiang— till I have beheld the bsauties and the glories of the Great River.' So I went in succession to Amoy, Swatow, Fooehow, and was proceeding leisurely to Shanghai, via Formosa, when I got entangled in quarantine arrangements off Shanghai, and rather than be made serve under the yellow flag I turned round and went to the Linscho Men Island— two active craters were the chief attraction— and thence I came on to Japan. I don't know what I exactly intended to do next, but the cholera took the uncertainty away ; it broke out with energy soon after I landed at Kobi. ' What do V I fled to Osaka, Cholera dreadful there, so I moved on to the mountains of Arimn,. And here lam, 4,000 feet above the sea level, in a snug little Japanese house of wood and paper (especially paper), with no European within miles and miles of me. The scenery is lovely ; the geology and botany excellent and full of interest. I have a boiling spring of mineral waters on my right hand, and a picturesque waterfall, cold, on the left hand. I have been here now six weeks, and X don't intend to remove till the quarantine is removed. I am learning Japanese and sketching, taking notes and writing papers from notes taken elsewhere; so that I am not idle. The climate here agrees with me, and I walk to my heart's content about these lovely mountains. I can't say when I will return to Australia. I have yet hankerings after the Yang' Tse Kiang.' The Brisbane Courier says :— ' Our readers will be glad to hear that Mr. Tenison- Woods is in good health, and engaged in his favorite geological and botanical pursuits. The results of his investigations and travels will be awaited with interest by the scientific world, more especially as they will treat of and relate to regions which are comparatively unknown and unexamined by European botanists and geologists.' The death of a noted spiritualist is thus referred to in the New York Sun:— The following is of interest in consequence of the deceased having visited this city years ago, when he gave exhibitions of his so-called mediumistic power : — Charles Foster, the once noted spiritualistic medium, who ten years ago made a sensation in this country and Europe, died at Boston, December 25, at the residence of his [aunt, Mrs. Call, in Salem. Death was caused by softening of the brain, with which he has been afflicted for years. He was a son of Joshua L. and Mary Foster, an only child, and when a sclroolboy was of a strange disposition. When only 14 years of age, while a pupil in the Phillips School, his attention was called to raps near his desk, loud noises would awaken him at night, and his furniture would be found scattered in confusion. Osborn, a barber in Lynde Block, took him in charge as a mesmeric subject, and from that he developed into a spiritualist medium. He performed more wonders than all the mediums of the time. When scarcely of age he visited Europe, where he was the guest of Lord Lytton, at Knebworth, and formed the foundation study for the character of Margrave in 'A Strange Story.' As a test medium he was unequalled. The late Epes Sergeant wrote of him 'at one tune that two men who were sceptics saw him producing writing on his arm, and seizing hold of it to discover his trick, as they .called it, said — ' We know nothing will come while we hold your arm.' ' What will you have?' said Foster. ' Something that will be a test,' said they ; ' something that will fit our case.' Immediately while they held his arm as in a vice, there appeared in large round characters the words 'Two fools.' The Hon. Charles De Long, when in California, heard of Foster at the Grand Hotel, and when told of his remarkable powers laughed at it, but on being urged consented to visit him in his rooms. After Foster had smoked a few moments he said — ' I can get but one message to-night, and that is for Ida. Do either of you know who Ida is ?' De Long, with a startled look, answered, '.Well, yes ; I rather think I do. My wife's name is Ida.' ?' Well,' said Foster, ' she will have to come and get it.' After De Long had tried in vain to get the message he left, and the next night took his wife there, and they were all seated around a table. Foster sat and smoked a few moments, when he said — 'The same message comes to me. It is for Ida. This is the lady, is it?' He asked as of the spirit: — ' Oh, you will write the message, will you ? Well, all right,' and with this he took up a pen and dashed off the following: — 'To my daughter Ida — Ten years ago I entrusted a large sum of money to Thomas Madden to invest for me in certain lands. After my death be failed to account for the investment to my executors. The money was invested, and 1,250 acres of land were bought, and one-half of this land now belongs to you. I paid Madden, on account of my share of the purchase, £650. He must be made to make a settlement.— Your father, VrNETABD.' Mrs. De Long was frightened at this statement. The next day Mr. De Long called on Mr. Madden at the 'Occidental Hotel, and asked him if there was not some unsettled business between the late Mr. Vineyaid and himself. After a moment's hesitation he said there was, and shortly after said he supposed they had left it in his hands for an increase, but was ready to settle at any time. He deeded to Mrs. De Long 625 acres, for which he offered 18,000 dollars, but bis offer was refused, as the land was valued at 5:5,000 dollars. Foster made an immense amount of money. When in Melbourne he left the place where he was receiving more than 100 guineas at a sitting and came home. He had rooms at the Parker House, in Boston, and received hundreds of dollars daily, but spent it as freely as he made it. He had been married twice, his second wife being Eva Bassett, of Boston. She died about five years ago, and so did their only child. » We have received from the Government statist oS Victoria a table of statistics of the colony, prepared for the comin? Colonial and Indian Exhibition. The figures are printed in large clear type, on paper about 3 feet by 2 feet in size, and are, as might be supposed, specially arranged to show off the condition of the colony to the best advantage. The Agent-General (Sir Arthur Blyth) has forwarded us copies of the (prospectus of the Hanover International College, Alte Burg, near Hamelin, Hanover, founded ' to provide the sons of gentlemen with a liberal education, in which modern foreign languages play a prominent part, and which shall fit tbem for entering rhe army, the Civil serriae, &s.' Sir Arthur hljth is cut ci the patrons gl the college.