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THE DRAINED LAJfDS OF THE
SOUTH-EAST.
It is not consolatory to loarn that, ia
spite of the many years that have elapsed
since the draining of the swamp lands of
the Sonth-Eaat commenced, the uroblera
of whether the undertaking will bo
nationally remunerative remains unsolved.
Scores of thousands — it may almost be
said hundreds of thousands — jf t pounds
have been spent in the work of reclama
tion, and yet it would seem the en
terprise has not advanced beyond
the experimental stage. Many farmers
have Settled down upon the country
affected by the drainage operations, and
hundreds more, it is asserted, are ready to
follow their example so soon as there is
land available for them in tho same
locality ; but It is still, we are assured,
open to discussion whether they are not
all the victims of a sorry delusion. To Bay
nothing of the riskB they run of being
flooded out of house and home during a
wet season like the present, or of the mo
mentous question, now so seriously raise!
as to be thought worthy of official inves
tigation, whether the wrong plan has not
been adopted in cutting the muiu drains,
we are being thrown back upon the
preliminary consideration whether after all
the territory is worth reclaiming
Upon this subject the Government have
within the last few weeks received a report
from Mr. E, 'W. Emerson Maclvor, of
Victoria. It is not made very cfearunder
what circumstances this gentleman's ser
vices were engaged, bat we gather that
he received formal instructions from tho
Commissioner of Crown Lands to make a
thorough examination into the work
ing of the Experimental Farm at
Mount Muirhead, and into the
capabilities of the Boil in the drained
areas. The conclusions that hare beim
arrived at are certainly not reassur
ing, although, owing to a want of deGnitt;
ness of statement as to the extent of
territory to which the report relates, Mr.
Maclvor's generalizations, which, it, must
be admitted, are somewhat meagre, aro
not of bo much value as could bo
wished. . We find that thirty-thru:;
samples of soil and subsoil were furnished
to him for analysis. These were taken
respectively from the Experimental Farm,
from the Pompoon Swamps, and from
some land belonging to two different
occnpieiB adjacent to tho township of
Millicent Of tbe soils there were three
kinds, namely, peaty, lime marl and
sandy marl, and calcareous loams. Of tho
first, which burnt readily on being dried,
Mr. Mclvor has a very poor opinion, in
its natural Btate, although it contains
plant food, that food is in a locked-up
condition, and the soil he declaroi will only

'be useful after the surface has been burnt
and clay marl or Band has been applied
wijh the view of imparting the necessary
compactness. Speaking of such soils, be
pronounces them quite usele3sin their
natural -state for fanning purposes, wh;'e
the work of reclamation must prcve both
difficult and expensive. * After thorough
drainage has removed from them the
water which has caused and maintained
their present character, it still remains to
improve their chemical and mechanical
condition, and altogether he holds that
' considering the large areas of good agri
cultural lands-that are oprix for selection in
other districts,' it would be ' extremely,
unwise of any farmer to expend time,
energy, and capital in the reclamation of
land which, after all, would be only fit
for pasture.'
. The next description of soil — lima
marl — although containing a fair per
centage of peat, is rendered more valuable
by the addition of sand and insoluble
silicates, and the report siy3. —
'Those samples which were sub
mitted to analysis were proved to
contain considerable quantities of gypsum,
or sulphate of lime, and fair proportions
of the more important constituents of
plant food.' The sandy marl and cal
careous loams were found upon analysis
to consist Ies3 of the peat, and more of 3and
and insoluble silicates. Mr. Maclvor, in
speaking of the agricultural capabilities
and treatment of ,the land, expresses the
opinion that peaty soils, mixed with
calcareous loams, have other objection
able properties than tho3e set forth
by analysis. They are apt when soaked
with winter rains to retain the moisture
far into spring, and afterwards when
rendered friable by the heat to lose their
power of imbibing moisture, so tint that
which -falls stagnates on the surface for
some time without penetrating, and when
the soil has taken it up cannot readily
be dislodged. -Wheat, it is farther
said, is ' likely to Buffer from mat.
Oats, however, may succeed fairly well
in such land, but oUhougb. the re
claimed swamp will doubtless yield fair
crops of mangolds and roots, it is much
better adapted for .pasture.' The noils
that contain little or no peat, added
to lime and calcareous marls, and resting
on fairly retentive Bubsoils, 'could be
made to yield good crop3 of the ordinary
leguminous and graminacious farm
plants.' The report recommends green
manuring with tares and the planting of
peas and grasses, in order that the soil
may be rendered more suitable for
wheat, as it is found that wheat
after peas- ia generally peculiarly
prolific. The li»ht sandy sou*
may perhaps ' yield fair crop3 for a few
seasons, but,' .adds STr. Maclvor, ' I
would suggest the desirability of their
being laid down in grass. The marls,
loams, and other soils rising on open
sandy or gravelly aubsoil are,' he s.iy3,
'beat adapted for pasture.' 'With the
experimental farm, .much of which he
? declares is not well suited for growing
cereals, although it doe3 not fairly re
present the land in the neighbourhood,
Mr. Maclvor was not favourably im
pressc ft. At the same time he pays a high
? compliment to the present manager, whom
he regards as peculiarly well qualified
for the position he holds. Of the
part of the farm under tillage he does
not speak highly, and he recommends
that the farm ahould be increased to fifty
?acres in extent, and subdivided into plots
on which experiments in wheat-growing
on a larger tcale may be carried out.
There is much in favour of this latter
recommendation, acd we quite agree with
Mr. Maclvor that a far better idea of the
-capabilities of the soil could be gleaned
if -a larger area comprising specimens
-of all the different soils and subsoi's to
be met within the district were put under
experimental cultivation.
In a general way Mr. Maclvor may be
regarded as discouraging the idea that
'the drained lands are suitable for* the
growth of cereals, although he admits
that -root crops and grasses are likely to
'thrive, and that altogether the country
as well adapted for pastoral purpose?.
It must be confessed th&t this is not a
view which will commend itself aa satis
-factory. If this land, drained at a -cost on
?an average of at least £1 xa acre, ia only
rendered fit for pasture, the result of the
ithe experiment in reclamation must be
?declared discouraging in the extreme, for
it is as a means of reclaiming a promising
field for agriculturists that the drainage
c^pexations have been recommended to
the .approval of Parliament and of
the public, We are not, however,
inclined to .give way to despondency
aa regards the capabilities of the
drained lands for agricultural par
poses. At the worst, even supposing
that a portion of the soil ia as
bad aa Mr. Mactvor declares it to
be — acid we have no reason to challenge
the conclusions at which he has arrived
upon practical and scientific grounds —
the country may still be regarded
as suitable for farming, seeing thit
the land thus dcdare'l fit only for
grazing oeeurs in contiguity with area?
admittedly capable of growing legu
minous and graminacious plants. The
opinions of those who have for years
made trial of the country are unfortu
nately most diverse. Soma maintain
that the best of the land is worked
cut in three years, whikt others
have proved that it is equal to growing
wheat and other cereals for a much longer
time. Our own travelling correspon
dent, who has had special .oppor
tunities of enquiring into the sub
ject, is inclined to regard the drained
land as fairly adapted to agriculture,
and likely to prove remunerative
to the farmer, provided the price he has
to pay is not extravagantly high. While
analysis may demonstrate the unsuitable
cess of much of the soil for agricultural
purposes, there ia always allowance to be
made in respect of climatic and other
conditions respecting which the analyst
can form no practical opinion. It seems
to us in every aspect of the case that
it would be unwise to attach too
much, importance to Mr. .Maclvor's re
port as a guide to the selector. In refe
rence to that portion of it whica
pronounces it unwise for the farmer
u to spend time, energy, and capital in the
reclamation of land that after all is only
fie for pasturage,' we may point out that
even taking all difficulties and drawbacks
into account, there is no reason why the
Urcrk *-f recUwstion should not be con

tinued if there is rea3on to believe that a
fair return to the State will be realized in
the first place, and that those who take
up land will, in the joint pursuit of agri
culture and stock-raising, find occasion to
be reasonably satisfied with the bargain
they make with the Government.
The Saie of Poisons. — The t3oroner's
inquest held on Wednesday into the
circumstances attending the death of the
Rev. John Bach brought to light a fact in
connection with the sale of poisons that
is not without public importance. It
appears to be the practice at one chemist's
shop in Adelaide, and possibly at others
also, to place a somewhat free interpreta
tion upon the requirements of the Legisla
ture in regard to the presence and signature
of a witness in .all cases where certain
poisons are sold. The Act sets forth that
no sale of arsenic, corrosive sublimate,
prussic acid, essential oil of bitter
almonds, cr strychnine shall be made
unless a witness is present. It further
specifies that the intending purchaser
must be known either to the seller or to
the witness. The plain object of these pro
visions is to require that all reasonable
precautions shall be taken against indis
criminate trafficking in .poisons, and thus
to guard against the giving to persons who
are suicidally inclined facilities for poison
ing themselves. Although it is not dis
tinctly stated that the witness shall be
unconnected with the establishment where
the article is sold, we agree with the
Coroner in thinking that this is what is
meant. Consequently we are of opinion
that the chemist, in getting his
aaistant to act as the witness,
although strictly conforming with the
letter of the law, can scarcely be said to
have complied with its spirit. So far as
this case itself goes the point is probably
of little importance, for it may be assumed
that the unfortunate purchaser would
have had no difficulty in fulfilling all
the. legal conditions precedent to the
purchase, not only literally, but in their
spirit ; but it is possible to conceive of
instances in which greater Btrictness in
the reading of the Act would serve as
a protection against suicide by poison. We
are not inclined to impute any blame to the
chemist whose name was mentioned at the
inquest, but if the publicity that has been
given to the matter leads to a change in
the practice, the result will be a genuine
source of congratulation. Turning to
another point in connection with this
sad affair, we should like -to know from
the Jurors how they can reconcile the
verdict returned with the evidence.
It is no doubt an ungracious task to
question the sincerity of their declaration
that the deceased died by his own hands
while in a state of temporary insanity,
but where is the. proof of mental derange
ment ? The whole affair, bo far aa can be
judged from the depositions, was preme
ditated, and it would be at least as
reasonable to Bay that the poison was
inadvertently swallowed as that unsound
ness of mind contributed to the rash act.
Of course this is no isolated case. Jurors
are always reluctant, for reasons which
are creditable to their kindness of heart,
if not to their inflexible fidelity to
their oaths, to return verdicts of
felo de se, - but rather than that the
present unsatisfactory course should
be continued of introducing into
their findings merciful qualifications not
justified by the facts -Jurors should
be relieved from all necessity to express
an opinion as to the state of mind of the
suicides into whose deaths they are called
upon to make enquiry. This is a matter
that has often been referred to, and it is
to be hoped that If an alteration in the
Jaw is necessary that early steps will be
taken to bring it about.

The Hoh&wabs Mail Stbambb. — The Kaisiri
?Hind arrived at Albany at 5 o'clock on Thurs
day afternoon.
Post-Office NoTicES.-rlt is notified that on
and after August 31 the Post-Office at Nap
. per by will be closed. On September 1 a fost
Office is to be opened at Winoinowie, near
Borrocus's Creek. The one at Woooka will in
future be called ' Hawker,' while the office at
Cconatto is to be transferred to Hammond.
Arrival of thh Bo»Jtvr nr Lohdow. — Messrs.
Harrold Brothers-have received a telegram from
London, which states that the Rodney, of the
Adelaide Line, arrived on the 25th ioat, ' all
welL'
Ah Early Mibsiokabt .in Soirra Ara
TBAUi. — By our Victorian telegrams it will be
seen that the rev. Father Kranewitter, S.«L. is
dead. Tfae rev. gentleman came to this colony
very many years ago rs a missionary in con
nection with the Beman Catholic Obarch, and
was attached to the College -at Sevenhills as
late as the year 1870.
Death at the Hospital-A woman, named
Annie Waples, living at Grote-street, who was
admitted into the Adelaide Hospital on Monday
morning, August 23, suffering from injuries
received through being run over by a buggy,
died at that institution on Thursday morning.
An inquest will be held at the Hospital this
morning.
IiOCAl-Optioh Association. — A meeting of
the members of this newly formed Society for
the extension of the principle of Ideal option
is to be held this evening at the -Yoong Hen's
Christian Association Booms.
POBT PlOMHHRO' BiaHT-HoUHS DbMOKSTBA
tioh.— Upon the representation of Mr. Bower,
1LP., the -Government have, we hear, decided to
ran excursion trains to the Port on September
L,4o esable the public to attend this demonstra
tion; and at the instance of Mr. Bray, M.P., the
Government 'have also decided to rap excursion
trains to Adelaide, to eoable the public- to attend
the demonstration at the 'Exhibition Grounds.
The Australian Blondin has been engaged to
give two performances at the demonstration on
the Exhibition -Grounds.
PbOPOSBD BAJLWAX -FB0K GLAD3TOKB TO
Coqhatto.— A large deputation will wait upon
tbe Commissioner of Public Works this scorn
ing to advocate the construction of a railway
from Gladstone to Coonatto.
Thh BcxLDntQ Bill. — A meeting of architects
and others interested in the Building Eill is to
be held this evening- at tbe Exchange, for tbe
parpoce of receiving the draft report of tfce
conrnvittce appointed to consider the BilL
Yocmo Men's Ghbcetiax Association. — Oa
Thursday evening tbe Be*. J. F. Hooter delivered ;
a lecture on 'Thomas A'Becket' in the Yootg
Men's Christian Association Hall, in the pre
tence of a large audience. The lecturer gave an
exceedingly interesting account of tbe life of
A'Becket, and referred to the prominent pori
tiono-capiedby him and tbe influence which
he exerted on toe men and on tbe -times in
which be lived. Tbe peoaliar traits in his
character and tfae lessons to be derived there
from also formed tbe subject of some instructive
-remarks. At tbe close the lecterer was accorded
a hearty vote of thanks.
Port Corporation. — This body sat on Thurs
day af '.erncoo. August 28, and diocassed two or
three subjects of general interest. The Major
announced tbat tbe Government had decided to
open a doable line oa tbe Port Railway on
October 1, and to ran half-hourly trains. A
discussion wss started as to the propriety of
running exprets trains, and there was a some
what divided opinion on tbe point. Suggestions
were made that the Government should allow
pafsecgers to break the journey with the same
ticket, and sbonld mike arrangements for
ifsuiDg tickets to monthly ticketholders on the
Semaphore Railway to Adelaide without in
.enrring tbe present annoyances under which
they so fit r to get them, and to afford greater
facilities for the issue of tickets at the Port
Station. The time-ho oured. subject of a
CaMialty Hospital seem* is undecided as ever.
It .«eaa lately stated tbat tbe Government
intended to use the old Custom House for the
purpose; but as the medical officer reported
against the proposal the project has been
abasdoncd. A deputation was appointed
to wait *pon the Government to get a aita
in NUV-stceet whtre the waterworks depart
ment is at present quartered. Councillor
Beattie moved a resolution to the effect that tbe
Government aboold appoint the Mayor of Port
Adelaide as a member er officio of the
Lker-*tDg Btcphj aod after discussion this was
parsed, reference heiDg meanwhile had to the
worth of the late M-. Hall, whose decease create*
a vacancy oo tne beoefc. The Inspector's office
in tbe Town Hall w*s barglariou«ly entered en
tbe night of the 24th, bis dwk forced, and £10
Ss. abstracted from the cwfcfrox. The thieves
bave not bees duoowvd.

Thh No-cohttdkxcb Debath. — Mr. Bray's
motion — ' That this House declines to proceed
with the Estimates until the Government have
submitted proposals for the better adjustment
of the expenditure and revenue'' — occupied the
attention of the House of Assembly on Thurs
day, August 26, from shortly after 2 o'clock
till 11 p m. The Ministry accepted the motion
as one of want of confidence in themselves, bat
fiom the outset it was evident that their seats
were not in serious peril. Mr. Bray led cX
with a very temperate speech, for which be was
afterwards complimented by tbe Treasurer and _
the Commissioner of Public Works. He con
fined his remarks chieriy to the financial
policy of the Government, their dealings with
the Civil Service, and their conduct ia
regard to Mr. Joiiab Bootbby and Mr. Hitchin.
He said the policy he had to offer was one of
making the two ends meet, and not of running
into unnecessary expenditure as the present
occupants of the Treasury benches had done.
The Treasurer quoted figures to show that the
recent loan operations were not the mistake
that the Opposition seemed to think, and
be said thai if Mr. Boss bad followed a
similar course in 1878— launching a £2,000,000
loan at once instead of by 'driblet*' of
£500,000 — tbe colony would have been richer by
£79,000. -He replied to the various charges
made by Mr. Bray, and said it would
be impossible to effect an appreciable
redaction in the cost of civil establishment!
without disorganizing the service, and he
begged the Home to pause before ejecting tne
present Government from office until they got
from the aspiring leader of the Opposition a
definite statement of policy, and not a merely
nebulous theory of making the two ends meet. -
When the Treasurer had finished speaking no
other hon. member seemed prepared to con
tinue the debate, and the amendment
?was actually put and declared negatived.
The Hon. L. Glyde, however, rose at this
instant, and claimed to speak on the ground
tbat he had risen before the Deputy-Speaker
gave his decision. It being the wish of the
House, tfae Deputy-Speaker pat the question
again, and then Mr. Glyde row in
time, and he addressed the House at
some length against the Government. Mr.
John Bounsevell afterwards amused the House
by a dissertation on 'slops,' the Treasurer
having boasted eutsidethat he would ' give him
slops,' and having, as Mr. Rounsevell said,
w dealt out slops' to lion, members during the
course of his speech. The hon. member for
Gumeracha created some merriment by
relating how he went to school with Mr.
Mann, and how the latter could not then
add two and two together! Speeches were then
made by Messrs. Bosworth, West-Erskine,
White, Hare, Oavenagh, Landseer, and the Hon.
J. Golton, the latter of whom made a very warm
speech, and again charged the Commissioner of
Pnblic Works with having been ' got at' by a
smart American in regard to the iron for the
Nairne Kailway bridges. Mr. Oolton said
he spoke as a free lance and not as
one who would take office, as the
state of his health would not now allow him to
undergo the drudgery of Ministerial life. The
Commissioner of Public Works made a tren
chart reply, and was loudly cheered. He in
dignantly repelled the charga of having been
'got at,' and said he never saw this smart
American till tbe contract was signed. He quoted
estimates to show that the bridges would cost
£12,570 as made in America and delivered
here, whereas an English bridge would have
cost £27,610, and one made in this colony
£35,C0O. Mr. Fowler made a. telling speech
against tbe Government, condemning their
financial policy, and saying that in his opinion
the Treasurer's estimates of revenue would
not be realized. The debate was continued
by Messrs. Koss, Furner, and Moody, and at
11 o'clock the division was taken. It resulted in
twenty-five members voting for the Government
and fourteen in favour of Mr. Bray's amendment.
The decision was received with load cheers,
and the House wen ; formally into Committee,
and then adjourmd till Tuesday. From an
analysis of the division list and the
pain, it appears that the only members absent
from the House were the Speaker, Mr. Downer,
and Mr. Haines. ft r. White, who spoke daring
the debate, and saic he would vote against the
Government if the; ' did not promise to stop the
extension of the Nairne Kailway, was abient
when the division bell rang.

Adelaide Co-opebativb Society..— The half
yearly general meeting oi the members of the
Adelaide Co-operative Society was held oa
Thursday evening, at the Stores, Nelson-street.
There was a large attendance, and Mr. 0. Fisher
presided. The bilance-sheefc, whica was made
op to August 3, showed a net profit of £1,-69
15s. 2d. on tbe amount of. goods sold, viz.,
£11,382 17s. 9d. The g*0M amount of expenses,
including depreciation on stock, insurance, in
terest, rates, &c, was £1,029 83. 3d. Two
hundred and seventeen members had joined
during the half-year, and thirty-one had
withdrawn, leaving the total number of
members at 1,232. The Chairman, in moving
the adoption of the balance-sheet and auditors'
report, congratulated the members on the
success tbe Society bad made. Comparing the
balance-sheet with that for the previous half
year, he pointed out that there had been an
increase of 183 in the membership and £1,223
in the business done, still there had been a
slight diminution in tl ie loyalty of tbe members
to the Store, for in tb e previous half-year the
average amount spent at the Store was £9 4s.
6d. per member, while in the last half-year it
was £9 2s. The btuii ess having increased the
expenses had also somewhat increased, the
amount of wages being £839 this half-year,
or £61 in excess of the previous half-year,
but in proportion to the amount of
trade done the average expense had been only
Is. in the pound, which compared very favour
ably with previous statements. From these it
appeared that tbej average expense was Is. 6d.
in tbe ponnd. Tht increase in the capital for
tbe last half-year amounted to £558, giving aa
avenge of £6 10s. per member. The balance
sheet and report were adapted. Messrs. John
Chapman. J. O. Grntzmacher, and J. H. Bale
were elected by billot as tbe Committee for
tbe ensuing six months, and Mr. F. H. Peacock
Auditor. A resolution was also pissed to
open branch stores when sufficient inducement
t/ffered.

South Austbaxtak Footb&li.Assocu.tiox. —
A meeting of the delegates of the different clubs
of this Association was held at the Prince Alfred
Hotel on Thursday evening, August 26, to
consider tbe action of the South Adelaide Foot
ball Olnb in not allowing their members to play
in tfae late intercolonial football matches.
Mr. T. A. Caterer occupied the chair. Mr.
Diamond, after a few preliminary remarks,
made the following proposition : — ' That in the
opinion of, this meeting tbe South Adelaide
Clab has deliberately broken Rale 2, and has
shown by a hostile attitude in the Association
during the late visit of tbe Victorian team its
nnfitness to bold the position of an associated
club, acd is therefore expelled from the Associa
tion.' Tfae proposition was seconded by Mr.
Creswell. An amendment was proposed by Mr.
Smith to the following effect—' That a vote of
censure be passed on tbe South Adelaide Club,
as it was tbsir first offence.' After the pros
and con's of the matter had been fairly dis
cussed, the motion was pat to the meeting and
carried' by a 'large majority. The South Ade
laide is therefore no longer an assooiated club,
and all matches yet on the programme in which
they are engaged will be cancelled.
EinBBTAiSMKrr.— On Thursday evening an
entettainment was given in tbe sekoolroom of
the North Adelaide Congregational Church in
aid of providing an American organ f«r College
Park Church. Tfae Bev. O. Copland {resided,
and there was a .good attendance. The pro
gramme comprisedsongs and daets by Mieiei
Ubailton.Searle.aod Colder, Bev.F. Seacie, and
Mr. and Mrs. A. Pomeroy, and recitations by
Mies Sellar, and Menrs. B, Whinham, J. O.
Jenkins, and A. L. Oalder. The Bev. F. Sesrle
also delivered a lecture, entitled ' Glimpses of
Switzerland.' We have previously noticed this
lecture; bat it has been almost rewritten, and
was an able and interesting accennt of a holiday
- trip to Switzerland aboat five years ago. All the
items of the programme were well delivered,
and well received; but the audience were se
well pleased with tbe duet by Miss J. and A. L.
Calder,«ntitled u Love and Pride,' that it was
imperatively redemanded. Miss Sellar gave
with great power 'Carfew mast not ring to
night,' and was deservedly rewarded with loud
applause. Mrs. F. Searie skilfully presided at
tbe pianoforte as accompanist.
Guuisnw Cricket Cixb.— Tbe annual meet
ing in connection with the above club was held
at Dittmar's Rooms, Freeman-atrfot, on August
.24. The Secretary's report showed the dab to
be in a flourishing condition, both financially
and otherwise. The following officers were
elected: — Patron, Hon; H. Scott, M.L.C.;
Pesident, Mr. G. S. Fowler, M.P.; Vica
Prtsident?, Mr. C. Wright aod Mr. A. Tilemann,
»en.; Hon Secretary, James Johnston; Assistant
Secretary, Mr. G. B. Craigie; Treasurer, John
Johnston, Jan. ; Captain fir*t eleven. A. Tile
mann, jun. ; Captain second eleven, A. Mackenzie;
Committee— Meesrs. A. H. Stanbary, W. Davies,
and R. Johnston; Association Delegates—
Messrs. W. Green aod James Johnston;
Auditors— Messrs. F. ' W. Green and JJ. J.
Fairweather; Practice-captain, W. Green.
Thkatbb Rota t_— Bland Holfs 'New
Babylon' was repeated last night, and still
maintains its popularity, the principal scenes
being much admired. The same piece will be
again placed on the stage to-night.
SrDDEX Dbath.— The infant child of J*mes
Hunter, a gardener, of Deep Greek, died sud
denly on Tuesday evening; bat the City Coroner, .
after icstitutiog enquiries was of opinion that
there was nothing in tne case to render an ;
oqnest necessary. j

Omr Istpbovehshts. — Amongst the latest
city improvements are the buildings recently
erected for Messrs. James Cowan & Co., on the
Corporation Acre in Pirie-street. The desigu
of the buildings is similar to that of Eagle i
Chambers, with a very slight difference in so
far as the front entrance and ground-floor win
dows are concerned. The building is a three
storied one, and is divided into office* through
out. There are seven offices on the ground
floor, seven on the first floor, and four on the
top floor. The front has been constructed of
Dry Creek stone with cement dressings, the
remainder of the building being composed of
brick. Tbe building has a frontage of 40 feet
and a depth of 56 feet. The contractor is Mr.
C. Fair. The work has been in progress since
March last, its cost having been something
between £2,000 and £3.000. The architects were
Messrs. Wright & Heed, of Imperial Chambers
It may be mentioned tbat the designs of
this building form a portion of the original
designs for buildings on tbe Corporation Acre,
prepared by Mr. Edmund W. Wright, and
which carried off the then offered premium of
£50. Since that time all the buildings at
present erected on the Corporation Acre have
been erected in various portions, and, although
other architects bave been employed by some of
the lessees, Mr Wright's designs have been in
eveiy case followed. Of the building* in tbe
original designs, none now remain bat those for
the supper-room and Council Chamber, which
were to bave been erected at the back of the
present Town Hall. The necessity for these
additions is generally acknowledged, bat the
question is of course essentially one of finances.
Councillor Buik mentioned the matter in the
Council some time ago, and it is at present
under consideration. Tbe working drawing*
for carrying oat these rooms in accordance with
the original designs have been furnished to the
Council by Messrs. Wright & Reed.
- SiDHHT ETHiBITIOK MrT)ATJI AKD DlPLOMAS
— We have been shown by Mr. C. J. Ooates
several of the Sydney Exhibition medals and
diplomas awarded to exhibitors. The medals
axe of two kinds— silver and bronze. On one
side of each medal an emblematical figure sur
rounded by various articles of industry aad a
design of the Exhibition Building fills up the
background. On the reverse side is a well
defined wreath of fruits and sowers intermingled
in a very tasteful fashion. Bach medal bears
the motto — ' Orta recens quam pura niles.'
All tbe medals are sharply cut and handsome,
the figures, lettering, &c. being admirably done.
Tbe diplomas are perfect works of art, for the
drawing is moat artistic, and the engraving
equal to anything of the kind we have ever seen.
They were executed by the American Bank-note
.Company of New York, and are very
elaborate. In the foreground is the half
of a globe, and upon it are grouped
a number of female figures in classical
costumes, and representing various countries of
the world. The outlines axe simply perfect,
and the features are drawn with wonderfal dis
tinctness and delicacy. The diplomas are
bordered by beautiful little sketches depicting
scenes connected with the various industries —
pastoral, mineral, agricultural, commercial, &c
Ihe minuteness of detail and the delicacy of
execution shown in these diplomas stamp them
as the* best specimens yet produced for the
colony. The top and body of the document
bear the title Sydney International Exhibition
and the name of the recipient of the diploma.
Tbe number of diplomas received is 212, and of
medals 2 large and 37 small silver and 103
bronze medals. Diplomas and medals have
been sent to His Excellency tbe Governor, to
Mr. Davenport, and to each of the Sooth
Australian Commissioners— a delicate compli
ment that will no doubt be appreciated.
Moral Gahbibb Council Chimb jr.— From
a paragraph in the.4r-7*» of August 24 we notice
I that the sketch plans of the proposed municipal
I buildings for the Mount Gamber Council are
I nearly completed. The proposed arrangements
will consist of a Council Chamber proper, with
Mayor and Town Clerk's rooms adjoining ; also,
offices for the Surveyor, Inspector of Weights
I and Measures, and several offices for letting,
I from which a considerable revenue is antici
pated. The plans are so arranged that provision
for a large pnblic hall is made, in the event of
J its being required at a future time. The design
is in the Venetian Gothic style of architecture,
and it is proposed to be carried out ia the
beautiful white and red stone of Mount Gambier.
There is an elegant fra^ide, from which rises a
handsome clock-tower and spire to a height of
ninety feet from the ground level. The build
ing when completed will harmonize with the
Institute aad the adjoining buildings now
erected near the site of the proposed municipal
buildings. The pl?Ds have been preptred by
Mr. J. S. Jenkins, municipal architect, Rich
mond, assisted by Mr. W. Gore, architect, Mel
bourne.

Houb for Incurables.— A meeting of the
Committee of the Home for Incurables was held
on Thursday afternoon at the Church Office.
There were present — Dr. Gosse (in Che chair),
Mrs. Downes, Mrs. Fisher, Mrs Hence Lamb,
Miss Poole, the Very Rev. the Dean, Dr. Wylde,
Professor Lamb, Mr. G. W. Hawkes (Hon.
Treasurer), and Mr. A. Macgeorge (Hon. Secre
tary). After the transaction of formal business
the Hon. Treasurer read the financial statement
for tbe month, showing an available balance of
£1,619 0s. 7d., besides a further amount due
fiom Government. A warrant for the month's
expenditure was passed, including a first pay
ment of £400 on tbe new building. The com
mittee acknowledged with thanks tne promiso
of the proprietors of the Register asd Advertiser
to supply the Home with a tree copy of their
papers. A gift from two ladies of a comfortable
chair for tbe Home was also acknowledged. The
Secretary reported the receipt of £2 from the
sale of work done by the inmates of the Home.
Fatax Accidhht.— The City Coroner (Mr.
Thomas Ward, J.P.) held an inquest at the
Flagstaff' Hotel, South-road, oa Thursday,
August 26, on the body of Robert Wright, a
wood carter, of Cherry Gardens, who died from
injuries received through bis wagon passing
over him, on the South-road, on Tuesday even
ing, August 24. Mr. Alfred Wilson was chosen
foreman of tb« Jury. It appeared that the de
ceased was coming into Adelaide from Cherry
Gardens, on Tuesday, August 24, with a load of
wood weighing four tons. He was driving a
team of ten bullocks. Soon after he had left
the old McDonald Inn, new an eating-house, he
fell fiom his wagon on to the ground into
the middle of the ballocks, the wheels of tbe
wagon passing over him. He was taken into
an adjoining house, and Dr. Morrison was sent
for, bat on his arrival he was dead. The doctor
found a very large bruise across the deceased's
left thigh, a cat ever the temple, and a number
of other bruises. The cease of death was rup
ture of the internal organs. The deceised leaves
a wife and seven children almost unprovided for.
Tbe Jury returned a verdict of accidental
death.
Meeting at Gordon. — On Friday evening,
August 20, a large and influential meeting was
held in Messrs. Twopeny & Barlow's store,
Gordon, to consider what steps Bhould be taken
towards arging the Government to erect a school
and appoint a teacher for this place. The chair
was taken at 8 o'clock by Mr. E. N. Twopeny,
J.P., who in a few well-chosen words introduced
the business to the meeting, and called upon Mr.
David Miller to state what had been the result
of his correspondence with the Hon. the
Minister of Education. Mr. Miller stated that
he had written twice to the department, and
tbat tbe last reply he had received was that
the matter was 'under consideration,' and
as far as he could mike out it was likely
to stop there tor some time to come.
Mr. James Bole then briefly stated what he and
Mr. Twopeny had done in the matter— that
they bad received and sent down to the Educa
tion Office the names of thirty-seven, children
of the proper school-going age ; but, though all
this trouble had been taken, no decided steps
bad yet been taken by the Government. It
was then mo red by Mr. Bole, and seconded by
Mr. Walkington— ?' That a letter be «ent to the
Hon. tbe Minister of Education, through Mr. P.
B. Coglin, MP. for the district, asking the
reason why no attention had been paid to the
previous letters.' An amendment to tnis was
moved by the Bev. John Newcomb, seconded
by Mr. Beasley— 'That this meeting authorize
some person or persons to write to the member
for the district, Mr. P. B. Ooglin, M.P.,
requesting him to ask the Hon. tbe
Minister of Education in the Souse of Assembly
what steps the Government intend taking in
tbe matter of a school and schoolmaster for
Gordon.' On patting tbe resolution to the
meeting it was found that only a few were in
favour of it, but the amendment was carried
by a good majority. After a few remarks
from tbe Chairman, on tbe motion of Mr.
Walkington, seconded by Mr. Beasley, the Rev.
J Kewcomb and Messrs. Miller and Twopeny
were appointed a committee to carry oat the
foregoing resolution. It was retolved oc Mr.
Walkington's motion, and seconded by Mr.
Cowar , tbat the printed form lying on the table
be filled up, ibowing the number of children
and their names who would attend the school
when opened. At the close of the business an
able address wss delivered by the Rev. J. New
comb on the ' Advantages of a State or national
education.' The speaker dealt with is from
several 'poiota of view, and referred to the
admirable sjstem the department pursued in
their training of teachers, and the Mcdel School
system. A very hearty vote of thanks was
awarded to the rev. eentleman on the motion of
Mr. Crowe, seconded by Mr. Cowan ; and a vote
of thanks to the Chairman, moved by Mr.
Wrikington, brought a very profitable meeting
to a cloie. ' ? - -
Ceicket Mebttiigs — Meetings of members of
the following dabs will be held to-night:—
Kent, at the Gresham Hotel ; South Australian,
at the Prince Alfred ; and Port Tradesmen, at
Hannay's Boom*, Port Adelaide.

Bkkkfit to Miss Hobtok. — On Thursday
evening, August 26, a becefit was tendered at
Garner's Theatre to Miss Amy Horton, the
popular young vocalist who was lately connected
with Hudson's Surprise Party, and there was a
good attendance, though, cot so large a one as
was anticipated. The programme consisted of
Christy Minstrel soDgs of rather a snperiur type,
ballads, ventriloquial performances, charaater
songs, and a farce. The first part wanted
animation, but the second psrt of the programme
was very entertaining. The benefit was given
by the Adelaiue Mohawk Minstrels, the members
of the Port Adelaide Miustrels, Mr. A. J. Dia
mond, Mr. E. O. March, Miss Vaaghan and Mrs.
Vincent Hanson, and others, Jail parties com
bining to make up a pleasing bill. In the first half
ot the entertainment the be* t items were the solos.
Mr. T. James sang the pretty song ' The old log
cabin in tbe dell' with good effect; and Mr.
Ernest Lenden, for his rendering of tbe senti
mental song 'Send for mother' in a peculiar
melodious falsetto, was greeted with hearty
applause. Mies Amy Horton gave ' The man in
the moon,' and Mr. T. James was successful in
'Sweet chiming bells.' Tbe rest ot the soDgs
were comic and amosiBg enough. After the
interval Mr. E. Diosdale exhibited hii powers
of ventriloquism in a way tbat evidently
satisfied the audience that he possessed
more than ordinary skill in that line. His
entertainment, with tbe aid of lay figures
(fanny folks), very mach resembled that
which Mr. E. D. Davies used to make
so popular, and he kept the house
thoroughly interested by the quick sallies,
smart sayings, and the humorous character of
the dialogue generally. A hornpipe was cleverly
danced by Mr. Fleetwood, of the Port Adelaide
Minstrels, with such success tbat the spectators
would hardly rest satisfied without a repetition.
Mrs. VincerK Hanson followed with the pleasing
ballad, 'Sing, sweet bird,' and was encored.
Messrs. S. O. March and Rooney created intense
amusement by their Dutch and Irish comi
calities, and Mr. Lenden in his ballad-singing
was as well received as when he first came on.
Miss Amy Hortos's ' Musical Pastimes' elicited
expressiors of gratification, and Mr. A. J.
Diamond gave the boose an extra treat by bis
artistic performances upon the English eon*
certina, in tbe management of which he has
attained such wonderfal skill. Mr. E. O. March
contributed the comic element by performing
the Heathen Chinee, and the entertainment
closed with a laughable farce.
Agricultttbax Society. — At the usual
monthly meeting of this Society, to be held this
afternoon, Mr. Oleland will read a paper on
' Wines.'

Coschet. — A concert is to be given in the
Mitcham Institute this evening in aid of the
funds of St. Michael's Church.
Mr. ajtd Mrs. Hewitt's Ektertainxbht. —
Reserved tickets for the above entertainment
can be obtained, as will be seen by advertise
ment, between 10 and 4 to-morrow, at the box
office. None will be issued previously.
Mr. Matthbw Burnett.— Mr. Burnett will
bold the teeond of the fourth series of Saturday
night meetings at Norwood to-morrow evening
at the Weslejan Church, previous to which the
usual torchlight procession will take place
Mr. W. 0. Buik, J.P., will preside at the
meeting.
An AatrsLwa Mtsiaeb. — Daring the no
confidence debate in the House of Assembly
Mr. White unintentionally caused a roar of
laughter by perpetrating what be himselt
described as 'an Irish boll.' Daring the
coarse of his speech he was interrupted by Mr.
Hare, on whom he tamed suddenly, and rather
savagely said—' I am not addressing yon ; and
if you don't hold your tongue Fll bring you
under tbe notice of the 8peaker. I am
here to address the House, and not to
be interrupted by a noodle like yoa.'
The Deputy-Speaker at once called the
hon. member to order, and said he
must address the Chair. ' So I am,' was the
reply, which was followed by shouts of laughter.
When order had been restored, the hon. member
for Light apologized for the slip he had made.
Mr. Hare tcok the charge of ncodledom very
quietly, and merely retorted that though he
might be a noodle he certainly had made ap bis
mind how he would vote, and that was more
than Mr. White had been able to do even at the
close of his speech.
Thb Lath Ebv. H, L. Tuck. — We regret to
announce the death of the Rev. EL L.Tuck, who,
for the last twelve years, has been the minister
of the Baptist Church at 8tockporfe. Prior to
settling there, Mr. Tack was for many years
stationed at Kenton Valley. Mr. Tuck, who
at the time of his death was nearly sixty
yean of age, was born in London. Previous t«
entering the ministry of the Baptist denomina
tion he was for four years at Stepney, now
Regent's Park, College, in London. Among Mr.
Tuck's fellow-students were Dr. Maclaren, now
of Manchester; Dr. Pulrford, of Edin
burgh; and the late Rev. J. Martin,
of Collins-street Baptist Church, in Mel
bourne. Before coming out to the colony
Mr. Tack was settled as a Baptist
minister in the Eastern Counties. The
deceased gentleman was not very widely
known outside of bis own immediate circle ;
bat he was indefatigable in the prosecution of
the duties of his escred calling, and was mach
esteemed by lhoie who knew him. We under
stand that he came 'to town on Wedneiday to
eeek medical advice. On arriving in town he
rapidly grew worse, and expired yesterday at
the residence of the Re v. S. Mead. The rev.
gentleman leaves a widow and a Iarce familv.

A Bultsr Across thh BoaDsa. — Mr. Schles
sirger, whose name is remembered in Mount
Gambier not in connection with his business as
a dentist, but as one «ho victimised a number
of confiding tradesmen prior to his hurried
departure, met (states the S.E. Star) with a
series of mishaps on his journey across tbe
Border. It will be remembered that he left
Mount Gambier at an early hour of Sunday,
the 15th instant, in his buggy. At Glen
burnie he appears to have got upon
the wrong track, and after several hours'
travelling be came on the old sawmills.
This place being deserted he pushed on, and
about noon reached the Sandy Waterholes,
where he dined, after which he was put on
the Dartmoor track ; bat fate was again
against him, and at night he palled ap at the
camp of a party of 'kangaroo-banters, near the
old Glenelg Station, tired and weary, and
his hcrse knocked up. Here he appears to have
remained until morning, alternately dozing
and keeping the fire together, it being a very,
cold night. In the morning he enlisted the
services of a guide, who, for a consideration,
safely piloted him into Dartmoor. The hopes
entertained that Mr. SchleMinger might only
have taken a short tour to extend his practice,
end would return to meet his liabilities, may
now be given up, and the amounts against his
name be written off to the account of profit and
loss.
BlohdkOs Pbrfoescajcch.— In a paragraph
published in Thursday'* Register there is a
statement that a memorial had been sent to the
Messrs. Bickford requesting them to allow the
Blondin entertainment to continue on their
vacant land in Carrie-street, as it created J»o
nuisance. We are informed that gome equally
influential business men in Gilles-arcade have
presented a ceunter-memorial fully endorsing
the etatements which appeared in our Tuesday's
i.-soe in a letter signed by ' One who Suffers.'
Murderous Outrage bt Solohor Islixdbbs.
— Another barbarous outrage by Solomon Island
natives on a peaceable trading schooner has to
be recorded (says the Sydney iteming Herald of
August 21). It was supposed that, after the
castigation given to tne natives near Marau and
other places by H.M.S. Dim. for some time
to come we should hear little or nothing of
native outrages. This, unhappily, is not to be
the case ; for we already learn that the schooner
Esperanza, of Sydney, hat been taken, the crew
mordered, and the vessel plundered aad
destroyed by fire.' Captain Haddock, of
the Queen, which arrived yesterday, spoke
the Esperanzs some time before the
affair at . Cimbo, . or Eddystone Island,
aod had an interview with the master,
James ? Mclntosh ; also with the mate, Peter
Gaffney. They had just come from Rubiana,
where they had discharged a cargo of copra, that''
being tbe head-quarters of the fleet of Messrs.
Cowlisbaw Brothers and Captain Ferguson,
to whom theEsperanzi belonged. The Queen
again called at Cimbo early in Jane, when
the chief- of that phce aod other natives
came on, and reported that the Esperanzs had
put into a place known by tbe native name of
CoUolangbangra, where a dispute, it is alleged,
arose between the chief ef that place and Cap
tain Mclntoab. It was stated that tbe natives,
who were allowed on the vessel for trading pnr
po«-e», came on board in swarms. One of them
seized Captain Mclntosh round tbe neck, whilst
another struck him with a tomahawk, and he
died almost at once. The mate, Peter Gaffaey,
who was related to the master, wan butchered ia
a similar manner, and the rest of the crew, four
hands, made op of natives from various islands,
were also killed in the native fashion. The
schooner's trade, and everything the natives
could relieve her of, were stolen, and the vessel
was fired as she lay in the harbour, and was
qaickly consumed, with the object, it is said, of
destroying all traces of tbe affair. The chief
who reported the outrage to Captain Haddock
came from the locality of tbe massacre. Other
natives had heard of it, and the newt had been
received at Bubiana. The victims of tnis
massacre — James Mclntosh and Peter Gaffoey ?
were well known and much respected in shipping
circle* in Sydney. The former was once foarth
mate on board tbe m%il steamship Australia,
and leaves a widow and child in this city. Mr.
Gaffney was a single man, aged 22, and he hat
several relatives in Sydney.

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