ASHBURTON CALEDONIAN SOCIETY.

A meeting of the Caledonian Soc'ety was held at Quill’s Hotel, yesterday even-; ing. Mr W. Anderson in the chair. The secretary detailed the previous work done by the society and recom mended an amalgamation between the old Sports Committee and the society, so as to work amicably together, with the object Of getting up the sports in a manner wliich would be a credit to the distinct, and the first question to settle was whether an amalgamation should take place. Mr Wilkie proposed—‘ ‘ Thatas the Win slow meeting has hitherto been held on New Year’s Day (and is fixed for that date this year), and the Ashburton sports on Boxing Day, tins meeting considers the latter date to be the most likely to be successful. He said as the Winslow sports were now a time honored institu tion and had this year been fixed for Now Year’s Day, and the late Sports Committtee had always held their meet ing on Boxing D»y, it would be an unwise proceeding to alter the dates, as the two places were only some five miles apart. Although the Caledonian Society were supposed to look upon New Year’s Day as their special holiday, it would be a grace ful act on their part to give -way to the Winslow Sports Committee and adopt Boxing Day for the holiday. ” Mr G. M. Robinson, in seconding the resolution said that as a Scotchman, he, of course preferred New Year’s Day as a holiday, but as Winslow had prior claim to hold its annual meeting on that occa sion, he was willing to give way. The question was then put, and carried unani mously. A discussion then ensued as to the advisableness of amalgamating the old Sports Committee with the Caledonian Society, and Mr C. Reid explained that at the last meeting of the Sports Com mittee they virtually wound up their affairs, and were to all intents and pur poses defunct. Mr Parkin proposed that the sports be held in the Domain.

Seconded by Mr G. M. Robinson, and carried.

Mr Harris proposed as an amend ment, that the sports be held on the race course.

Mr Fraser seconded.

After discussion as to the advantages of the two sites, proposed, Mr Harris withdrew his amendment, and the resolution was carried nem con.

Mr Quill proposed, and Mr Reid seconded—“ That Messrs Anderson and Wilkie be appointed a deputation to wait on the Domain Board, to obtain permis sion to use the ground on Boxing day. ” Mr. John Fraser suggested that col lectors should be appointed to canvass the town, and he could speak of his own knowledge that if he had been supplied with a list he could have collected up wards of £2O in one day. Mr Quill proposed, and Mr Canning seconded “That Messrs Anderson, Fraser, and the mover, be appointed a Committee to canvass for subscriptions, with power to add to their number.” Proposed by Mr Harris, and seconded bw-Mr Reid —“ That a Committee, con- Bufeag of Messrs Reid* Anderson, John Fraser, and Quill, Be appointed to draw up a on Boxing day, in the rules and regulations of the Society, such pro gramme to be submitted to a general meeting on Wednesday, November 12th. Mr Reid called attention to the fact that nine names were published in the rules as the directors, and he could state positively that only seven had been elected.

The Secretary read the minutes which recorded the election of seven only, but it was explained that the other two members names were added subsequently. Jdr Reid considered that an illegal act had been committed, as the two names were put on after the meeting had dis persed, and the record of the nominations was not on the minute book. It was decided that the two names were inserted in eiror, but that they should now remain and be approved of. The meeting then terminated.

T ELEGRAPHIC.

INTERPROVINOIAL

Auckland, Oct. 28. Messrs Jones and Ware, Lave chartered the schooner Jessie, to convey their build ing plant to Lyttelton, to start operations on the new dock, for which they were the successful tenderers. Mr James Mackay has left the Thames en route to Wellington. Considerable speculation now exists as to his mission. The police are investigating the circum stances of an attempt to upset a train in Domain Tunnel.

Spurious florins, of date 1878, are being circulated here. The police are endeavor ing to trace the guilty parties. The Kingitesare taking great interest in political movements at Wellington, and Tawhiao is kept constantly informed of what is going on. Arrived —Rotomahana. Her run from Bussell averaged 14 knots. She leaves for South to-morrow.

Gfahamstown, Oct. 28.

A tailing worker named Douglas Yanse Kent was found dead in his bed this morn ing shot through the heart. His carbine ay beside him, and he evidently com mitted suicide last night. Financial dif culties are supposed to be the cause of his low spirits for some days past. Deceased, who was recently separated from his wife, has well-to-do relations in Queensland. A Liberal Association has been formed at Ohinemuri, with Mr C. F. Mitchell as president. A statement in the “ Star ” that Sir George Grey intends taking the leadership of the Opposition is giving satisfaction. It is rumored that Government intend calling a Thames man to the Upper House. The Mayor is thought the most eligible. Several telegrams have been sent to Mr Sheehan telling him not to mind Mr Rowe’s telegram asking him to resign. Wanganui, Oct. 28. At the Supreme Court, John Brett, for false pretences, received one day’s im prisonment. Edward Price alias Robert Denitt, for stealing a watch and chain, received four years’ penal servitude. Stephen Hudson, for stealing money, received nine months. George Thomp son, for horse stealing, received eighteen months. Robert Morton alias Robert for hfflrw stealing, received ten

I years’ penal servitude. Six previous con- I victions were proved against this prisoner. He once escaped from Auckland gaol in ' company with Plummer. John Stephen ; Hutchison, for passing a valueless cheque, I received two years. The Masonic funeral of Mr Peter I Chavannos took place to-day. I Dunedin, Oct. 29.

At the R.M. Court, this morning, C. Davis was sued by Willis and Atkinson for £l2 Gs 9d, advertising the Loftus Troupe. Davis denied liability, stating that De Lias was the lessee, and respon sible for the amount, but admitted that he was one of the proprietors of the Troupe. Judgment went for the plaintiff. Mr Thomas Glendinning, of Messrs Kirkpatrick, Glendinning and Co., got his left leg broken, through jumping out of a tram car when in motion, near Wise’s corner last evening. Invercargill, Oct. 29.

At a meeting of the Chamber of Com merce yesterday, a telegram was read from the Chairman of the Parliamentary Select Committee to report on duties on articles used in colonial manufactories. The secretary was instructed to reply that the Invercargill Chamber of Com merce is of opinion that the subject of a reciprocal tariff between New Zealand and Australia is worthy the attention of the Committee, as a means of protection to produce. It was then resolved that the Chamber is of opinion that the introduction of certain raw materials for bona fide manufacture, free of duty, would be beneficial.

BRITISH & FOREIGN INTELLIGENCE. (Special. ) London, Oct. 27. In addressing a political meeting at Manchester Mr John Bright maintained that the foreign policy of the Govern-' ment was not consonant with the general feelings of the country. The procrastina tion of a dissolution showed that Govern ment feared the result as unfavorable to the Conservatives. The Liberal policy was to avoid harassing wars, to practice retrenchment, and to secure reductions. In a contest the decisive defeat of the Merv expedition is confirmed. General Roberts is investigating the cause of the Cabul outbreak. Five of the ringleaders were hanged within the city. The punishment produces a deep impres sion. (Reuter's Telegram.) London, Oct. 27. The Orient, London, Pacific, and Liver pool Companies have arranged for a fort nightly steamer to Australia, commencing in January next. Paris, Oct. 27. A Communist named Garel has been elected for Lyons Municipal Council. Washington, Oct. 27. The fever epederaic at Memphis has ended. (Reuter’s ) Madras, Oct. 26. The P. and O. steamer, Hindustan, has been totally wrecked on the coast. The loss of life is unknown.

AUSTRALIAN

(Reuter's Telegrams.) Melbourne, Oct. 28. The Cabinet has resolved to introduce a Bill to reconstruct the Harbor Trust.

At Goldsborough’s wool sales there was a brisk competition and good rates were ob tained.

Sir C. Gavau Duffy intends retiring into private life shortly.

LATEST

LATEST FROM EUROPE (Reuter's Telegrams.) (Per Ringarooma at the Bluff.) London, Oct. 26. The ship Indiana, which sailed from the Mauritius on July 5, with the sound portion of the cargo (wheat) of the Sophia Joakin, ship, from Adelaide, has arrived.

AUSTRALIAN

( Reuter’s Telegi avis.)

Sydney, Oct. 28.

Parliament was opened to-day by the in his speech on the occa sion, prhiuised the introducing of the following measures : Amendment in the land, electoral, education, aud licensing laws. He stated that proposals would be submitted to carry out works for a water supply to the metropolis, further railway extension in the Provinces, and extension of the suburban tramway. Lord Loftus, in alluding to the International Exhibi tion, stated that it was an undoubted success. A destructive fire has occurred in Larkin’s produce store. Damages are es timated at £BOO. Sailed—Hero, for Auckland. Hobarton, Oct. 29. The Ministry have resigned, and a new Ministry has been formed by Mr Gablin. Melbourne, Oct. 29. The Legislative Council has passed a Bill for reforming the constitution of the Council, and it has been introduced into the Assembly. The Legislative Council have read a second time for the Con fiscation of Lands. ' Sailed —Tararua.

Per our Special Wire.

INTERPROVINOIAL. Auckland, Oct. 28. At a largely-attended meeting of the City West electors last night, the follow ing resolutions were carried—(l) That Mr Hurst, having been elected to act with the Auckland party, and having deserted the same, this meeting calls upon Mr Hurst to support that party or resign his seat for City West; and (2) That the Chairman be requested to wire the resolution both to Sir George Grey and to Mr Hurst. An amendment that the City West electors had not confidence in Mr Macandrew was lost, as also an amendment to postpone consideration of action. Grahamstown, Oct. 28.

At the Court this morning a lad named Gordon was fined £1 for throwing sulphuric acid on some children for a lark. Two had their clothing destroyed, and were slightly burnt.

I Regarding the suicide of yesterday, it is reported Rent’s father has also shut himself. Wellington, Oct. 23. Frank Nichols >n, collector for “Punch,” was charged at the police court with em bezzling £25 lo.s (id, money collected, and was committed fur trial. The delegates or the Licensed Vic tuallers’ Association closed their business to-day. Nothing lias yet been male public. They hold a banquet this even ing. Christchurch, Oct. 28. An address was being circulated in Lyttelton to-day expressing satisfaction at Mr All wright’s action, and confidence in his integrity. Saunders was remanded to Timaru to day. Bail W'as allowed, himself in £SOO, and two sureties of £250 each. There are now 51 patients in the Hospital. Timaru, Oct. 28. The cattle show to-day has been in every way a great snccesa. The weather throughout has been excellent, and nearly 5000 people attended, the visitors from the country attending in very large numbers, many of them from a great dis tance. Although the number of entries was a trifle lower than for last year’s Show, as a whole the exhibits were greatly superior, especially in merino sheep, cattle, and draught horses —markedly in stallions.

The Jewish Bazaar is proving a great success.

Arrived —Wanganui, s.s., and Beauti ful Star, s.s., from Dunedin.

Sailed—George Noble, barqueutinc, for Auckland ; Annie Bow, barquentine, for Melbourne ; Beautiful Star, for Dune din ; Wanganui, for Lyttelton.

THE POLITICAL SITUATION.

FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT. Wellington, Oct. 28. After two days of frantic abuse of the four Auckland members, the House has suddenly subsided into a peaceful state of mind. Mr Macandrew allowed his No- Confidence motion to lapse, and actually expressed a desire to get on with business, which he and his party have lately been so determined to prevent. Mr Colbeck made his maiden speech yesterday, after great provocation, which was a very damaging one to his assailants. He pointed out clearly that whilst Sir George Grey could not command a ma jority of the House, none of the four other would-be leaders could command anything like as large a majority as Sir George Grey could, and therefore govern ment by that party was impossible. There is every appearance of business being got on with now as Messrs Macan drew and Sheehan have been plainly told by several members of their party that they will support no more attempts to ob struct public business. Mr Allwright has effected a simple and most important improvement in the ven tilation of the House which has for years been prevented by the blundering of some wiseacre whose folly had not been dis covered until Mr Allwright pointed it out.

Wellington, Oct. 29. Sir George Grey could only get 25 of his most manageable followers to go into the lobby wit a him this afternoon in sup port of the Committee which he got Mr Hamlin to propose, to enquire into the correspondence, which he knew perfectly well had no existence. The paper held by Mr Swanson, it appears, is a private paper written by himself, and marked confiden tial ; but it has been seen by members, and its contents have been explained to the House by both Mr Swanson and Mr Reader Wood. It requests the Govern ment to undertake that the principal measures shall be passed ; that the educa tion system shall not bo interfered with by the Government ; acting on Mr Hall’s own known views, that Auckland shall have a Member on the Ministerial Benches, which is to be Mr Swanson him self, and that Auckland shall be treated on an equality with the rest of the colony, both in schools and public works. No one denies the provisions, or doubts for one moment that any Govern ment would have consented to them, or that the Greyites would have promised far more. But as Mr Colbeck and his friends are men who can see more than an inch before them, they saw that the Greyites without Grey were nowhere, and that with him they could not command a majority of the House, hence those who wanted to obtain what they consider justice to their province had to support those who alone could give it to them.

PARLIAMENT.

* HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,

Tuesday, October 28, 1879.

AFTERNOON SITTING. The House met at 2.30. CHRISTCHURCH ELECTION. Mr Fulton, Chairman of the Christ church Election Petition Committee, brought up a report finding Sir G. Grey occupied the seat illegally. Mr. Tole moved— “ That the report and proceedings lie on the table until enquiries are made as to whether or not the proceed ings of the Committee had been done according to law. ” Ho said that on the votes being taken, one member neglected to record his vote until the following day, thereby exposing himself to the risk of being tampered with. Mr Fulton said that the statement made in support of the motion was not in accord ance with the facts of the case. Sir G. Grey argued that, having been returned by the votes of 1350 electors, if unseated and Mr Richardson’s election confirmed, the electors would be practi cally disfranchised. The motion was negatived on the voices, and the report ordered to be placed on the official records of the House. The Hon. E. Richardson’s presence was then summoned, and he was formally in ducted into the seat for Christchurch. THE DEFECTION OF THE AUCKLAND MEM BERS. Mr. Hislop gave notice of a question relative to the terms made by Govern ment for securing the support of the four Auckland members, together -with all particular's of the works upon which the money said to have been promised for ■ that support was to be spent.

The TT.m. J. II ill tabled a document in conformity with a motion calling upon Government to produce all correspondence that had passed between the Government and the four Auckland members, dealing with the conditions upon which their support was obtained. The document was read, stating that no such corre spondence had been found in connection with the official records.

Sir George Grey stated that the docu ment was simply an evasion, asserting that It was well known that correspondence had passed between the said parties. Mr. Hamlin moved the election of a Select Committee to inquire into the matter, with power to call for persons and papers, and take evidence on oath. The Hon. J. Hall maintained that the motion was irregular, inasmuch as it aimed at the production of documents which formed no part of the public busi ness.

Mr. Swanson said that, so far as he was concerned, he had no objection what ever, to the production of the corre spondence.

Mr. Colbeck defended his conduct in the affair, and charged the Opposition with having deposed Sir George Grey from the leadership, when in point of fact he was the only one that could lead them. Finding the public business ob structed, and no apparent chance of being proceeded with, he had gone over to tlfb side of the Government for the sole pur pose of solving the difficulty that had arisen. The debate was interrupted by the 6.30 p. in. adjournment. EVENING SITTING. The House resumed at 7.30 p.m. $ WITHDBAWAL OF THE NO-CONFIDENCE MOTION. On the motion to go into Committee of Ways and Means. Mr. Macandrew said in consequence of his party having been deserted by certain members on whom they relied, he had determined upon withdrawing the No confidence motion standing in his name. The Hon. John Hall, in acquiescing in the application, said that all Government had aimed at was to allow their policy to be brought before the country. After passing a formal resolution, allowing the issue of a Deficiency Bill, the House resumed the No-Confidence mo tion, but as Mr. Macandrew did not wish to move it, the Speaker declared it lapsed. The Orders of the Day were then re sumed, and Mr. Rolleston moved the second reading of the Land Act Amend ment Bill, the debate on which proceeded till it was interrupted by the 10.30 ad journment.

Wednesday, Oct. 2t). The House met at 2.30. CORRUPT PRACTICES. Sir George Grey gave notice of motion to introduce a Bill to prevent corrupt practices in Parliament. THE HONORARIUM. Mr Moss gave notice to move that the honorarium paid to Members should be fixed by statute. DUNEDIN LAW COURTS. Replying to questions, The Premier said that the recommen dations of the Dunedin Law Society for a simpler and less expensive Higher Court procedure would be considered, but it was not probable Government would introduce a Bill this session. UNIVERSITY FOR THE NORTH ISLAND. Regarding measures for providing for a University in the North Island, no steps were intended to be taken this session. POLICE. It was intended to place all members of the police force in the several Provincial districts on an equal footing regarding long service paj. THE AGENT GENERAL. It was not proposed to interfere with Sir Julius Vogel’s appointment as Agent- General. LABOR AGENCIES. The Government recognised the import ance of arrangements at each police station to keep a list of persons desirous of em ploying labor, also of persons in search of employment, or otherwise to facilitate the interchange of such information. ANOTHER SOP TO WESTLAND. Government was now in communication on the subject of an .advance of money to enable the Hokitika Harbor Board to pro ceed with existing contracts TRAMWAYS IN AUCKLAND.. Mr M'Caughan introduced a Bill to enable the County Councils of Southland and Wallace to construct light district railways or tramways. THE AUCKLAND COMPACT.

The interrupted debate for the produc tion of the correspondence relative to the compact between the Government and certain Auckland members was resumed by Mr London, who supported the pro duction of the correspondence. Mr Macandrew spoke in similar terms. He said Government owed Otago two and a half millions of money, and if compacts similar to that alleged were made with all the provincial districts the position of affairs would be very critical indeed. On the motion being put—“ That the words proposed to be omitted stand part of the motion,” 38 voted with the Ayes, and 25 with the Noes. The following was the division list: —

Ayes.— 3B. Andrews Murray Atkinson Oliver Bain OTlorko Beetham Pitt Brandon Richardson Bryce Rollestou Colbeck Russell Dick Saunders Fulton Seymour Gibbs Stevens Hall Studholmo Hurst (Wallace) Sutton Hurst (Auckland W.) Swanson Hursthouse Trimble Kelly Whitaker Kenny White Mason Willis Masters Wood M'Lean Wright

Noes.—2s. Allwright Macandrow Ballancc M‘ Donald Barron Montgomery Brown Moss Bunny Reid De Latour Seddon Fisher (Heathcote) Speight George Tawhai Grey, Sir George Thomson Hamlin Tole Harris Turnbull Ireland Wallis Lundoii A HOMETHBUST. The following motion tabled bj r Mr M‘Leau was called. On account of the hardening effect the exemption of all taxation has had on the huamn mind the Island of Kawau bo in cluded within the boundaries of tire County of Rodney. Sir George Grey complained of the un fairness of such a motion being tabled, the mover not presenting himself to support it. Kawau he maintained was properly exempted from the County system. He had been instrumental in defeating an at tempt on the part of Messrs M‘Leau and ■Whitaker, to secure a large tract of native land on unfair terms. Ever since, they had pursued him with unrelenting hos tility ; some days ago M'Lean spoke of scandals that were to be disclosed agabist the late Government, but no such revela tions had been made. He thought mem bers should be protected from such gratuitous insults. The speech was interrupted by the 5.110 adjournment.

NEWS FROM THE CAPE.

[by telegraph.]

The steamer Afghan brings Cape news to Sept. 2G. Colonel Clark’s column, is on its way to Pietermaritzburg and Durban, by way of Middle drift and Grey town, the object of its marching by this route being to pro duce a moral effect on the Zulus living hi that direction, who are restless. John Dunn refuses to allow mis sionaries to enter his country, even Bishop Shroeder being excluded. His action is exciting much interest.

Numerous stories are circulated with re gard to the behaviour of Cetewayo when on his way ta the Coast. There is a very general agreement amongst those who have seen him that he is a most superior man, the very last to be guilty of atrocities towards his subjects. It is not a little remarkable to' find what an absence there is of any evidence to prove the charges of a cruel disposition made against Cetewayo before the war fbegan. Every officer of intelligence who has been in Zululaml tells the same story, and m t a single Zulu has been found who does not profess regard for the late king. Al though hundreds of Matal natives saw Cetewayo brought into the camp at Ulundi, only one native saw him at Port Dunford. The Natal Kaffirs state that the terms of the Zulu settlement leave the Zulus in possession of their country, cattle, and guns. Tne affairs of the transvaal are in a very uncertain state. It is not denied that Sir Garnet Wolscleys reception was anything but cordial.

It has been determined to erect a monument in Market Square, Pieter maritzburg, to the officers and men of the forces of the Colony who have fallen in the war, and to open a separate list to which contributions will be invited from England and South Africa, for the erection oi a monument on the field of Isandula.

THE LOFTUS TROUPE IN TROUBLE.

Dunedin, Oct. 23. Five of the female members of the Lof tus Variety Troupe, Misses Linnie Leslie, Emma Dubois, Genevieve St Marc, Minnie Esmond, and Nelly Inman, have been summoned to the City Police Court to morrow in consequence of their perfor mance last night, in what is known as the “ High Kickers’ Carnaval. ” The infor mations charge them ‘ ‘ for that on Oct. 27, at Dunedin, in the Princess’ Theatre they did unlawfully act in an indecent manner in a burlesque known as the ‘lndian Princess,’ and contrary to The Licensed Theatres Oi’dinance, 1802. ” This is a Provincial Ordinance, and Section 5, under which the charges are brought, enacts—“ If any person shall act repre sent, perform, or exhibit, or cause to be acted, represented, or performed, or ex hibited in any theatre or other place, as aforesaid, any stage play or any act, seance, or entertainment of the stage, as hereinbefore mentioned, or any part there of, or any prologue, or epilogue, or part thereof of a lewd, indecent, or immoral description, every such person so offend ing, if the theatre or other place wherein the same has been acted, represented, performed, or exhibited, be with the writ ten authority or license of the said Super intendent, shall forfeit and pay for evexy such offence any s xin not exceeding £SO over and above any separate penalty such person may have incurred under any other provision of this Ordinance, and if the theatre or other place wherein the same has been acted, repi'esented, performed, or exhibited, be duly licensed, shall forfeit and pay any sum not exceeding £SO, and the authority or license by or under which the heatro or other place was opened, shall become absolutely void.” The case will be heard before Mr Watt, R. M. The “ Otago Daily Times ” says of the performance (which was one of those on which the “ Lyttelton Times ” ex pressed its opinion very plainly) Mr iSarony was vulgar to a degree in the chai’acter of a “ school-marm,” who ap pealed to have nothing whatever to do with the plot of the burlesque, while the female members of the troupe did their best to keep him company. The exhibi tion was utteily degrading to themselves as females, and we can only feel astounded that the audience did not evince disap probation of their conduct in the way it deserved. Not to put “too fine a point” on it, the performance was lewd, disgust ing, and indecent. When the ciudain rose there were two ladies in the dress-eii’cle, one of whom took an early opportunity of leaving. Through some apparent defect in the law, the protests of the Press in other towns have only had the effect of di’awing the dirty-minded to the temple of the drama that the Loftus Troupe were doing their best to desecrate. That is our own excuse for having passed without notice what under othey circumstances we

should have denounced as objectionable. After last night's performance wo feel justilied in saying that the entertainments given by the Loftus Troupe should not be tolerated in any respectable community. We believe that the authorities are in a position to take the license from the theatre, and compel the shameless women who took part in the “ High Kickers' Carnival” to pander to the depraved tastes of some other community, and their more shameless employers to earn a dis graceful living elsewhere. If the authori ties permit a repetition of last night’s per formance, it will be a standing reproach to Dunedin. The audience last night in cluded police officer and a police magis trate. [Bvr Telegraph.] Dunedin, Oct. 20. At the Police Court this morning, Linnie Leslie, Emma Doubois, Genevieve .St. Marc, Minnie Esmond, and Nellie In man, were charged with having, on the 27th October, unlawfully acted in an indecent manner in the burlesque known as ‘‘ The Indian Princess,” at the Prin cess Theatre, contrary to The Licensed Theatres Ordinance, ISG2. Mr. E. Cook appeared for the defendants, who wore not in attendance. The case was ad journed till two o’clock, on his applica tion. The Court was crowded, and the people were disappointed at the non appearance of the fair ones.

Amusing Irish Breach of Promise Case.

At Limerick Assizes, before Judge Barry, the case of Alice Normilev. James Cagney has just been heard. Mr Atkin son, in openin' the pleadings, said this was an action to recover £BOO from the de fendant for broach of promise of marriage. Plaintiff, a handsome young woman, is the daughter of a farmer residing in BaHina kilbeg, County Limerick. Defendant is also a farmer, and resides in Baliuakilli cassy, and is a neighbor of the plaintiff. He is a widower, his wife having died recently. The defendant pleaded that he never agreed to marry plaintiff ; or that if he did they agreed to dissolve the contract by mutual consent. But there were t-.vo rather more frolicsome defences—one was that he was to receive a marriage portion of £3OO, payable before the marriage ; but, more extraordinary still, that the promise to marry was consequent on his receiving the consent of his father-in-law, the father of his deceased wife. (Great laughter.) There was a defence ! one of the most romantic ever made by a widower with two children. (Laughter.) The wedding had been arranged by the two families. Alice (the plaintiff) was to re ceive £3OO as a fortune, the defendant de claring that ho could get another girl with £OOO, but he preferred his 1 ‘ darling Alice.,” and showed her his keys vhich, he said, would make her mistress of hi* house. They arranged to be married at Shrovetide. They went to confession to prepare for the solemn ceremony ; but on the day for the jjerforinance of tlxe mar riage Cagney failed to make hisafxpoaranco, and Misai.Normile lias since tyeen pointed out as “The girl I left behind mo.” (Laughter.) The plaintiff’s brother went on tlxe Monday of Shrovetide to defen dant, and asked Cagney why he did xxot fulfil his promise, and come up to his (Normile’s) house. He said he was not able to go, his wife was so lately dead, and xxxade other lame excuses, during which a man named lliordan said to Cagney, “ Faith, you were not able to go to .Normile’s because you were up at Liston’s arranging a marriage with his daughter, and you are to got £6OO. ” And so it turned out to be, he married Miss Liston and got this £(500. The defendant in course of his evidence, said—My eldest daughter, by my first wife, is 15 years of age. I never spoke to plaintiff until the 2nd November last, when I weixt with her brother to her home. I drank too much liquor there, but don’t remember anything about making the match. In the follow ing Fobruaxy, in Newcastle, the plaintiff’s brother offered me £3OO if I would marry her. I said £3OO would not do me. I wanted £350. I drank a great deal, and recollect nothing more. When I awoke I was in bed with my clothes oxx in N ormile’s house. When young Normile came to xxxe to xxxarry his sister, I told him I coidd not as my father-in-law would not give his consent. (Laughter.) The Judge : And you marled another women the next day ! (Laughter.) Witness : Yes. (Groat laughter.) Tlxe Judge ; And whilv you wex - e bargaining for the plaintiff you were aheady exxgaged to your present wife 1 — The witxxess shook his heac‘ and said, Yes, my lord. (Laughter.) I got no fortune with my wife Ellen Liston, nor a promise. To Mr Atkinson—lf Miss Nonnile’s father had come down with £4OO I wmild have thrown up Miss Liston. (Great laughter.) I would not have married thexxx both. (Renewed laughter.) I was engaged to Miss Listoxx while I was proposing for the plaintiff. (Laughter.) The Noruxiles said I would get £3OO with the plaintiff, but they did not produce the money. I told tlxenx I coxxld not many without my father-in-law's consent. (Laughter.)—The Judge : And yet you married next day without his consent/—Witness : Yes. (Great laughter.) —The Jury found for the plaintiff, £6O damages and costs.

Atmospheric Phenomenon.

(From the London L'imes.) Our Geneva correspondent writes, under date August 22;—“On the evening of August 5, six persons who were standing in the gallery of a chalet in the Jura, above St Cergues, witnessed an atmos pheric phenomenon equally rare and ciivi ona. The aspect of the sky was dark and stormy. The air was thick with clouds, out of which darted at interva s bright flashes of lightning. At length one of these clouds, seeming to break loose from the mountains between Nyon and the Dole, advanced in the direction of a storm which had, meanwhile, broken out over Moges. The sun was hidden and the country covered with thick darkness. At this moment the pine forest round St Cergues was suddenly illuminated and shone with a light hearing a striking resemblance to the phosphorescence of the sea as seen in the tropics. The light disappeared with every clap of thunder, but only to apj car again with increased intensity until the subsidence of the tempest. M. Raoul Pictet, the eminent chemist, who was one of the witnesses of the phenomenon, thus explains it in the last number of the ‘Archives des Sciences Physiques rt Naturolles ’: —‘ Before the appearance of this fro of St. Elmo, which covered the

whole of (lie forest, it had rained several minutes during the first part of the stonr. The rain had converted the trees into con ductors of electricity. Then, when the cloud, strongly charged with the electric lim’d, passed over this multitude of points, the discharges were sufficiently vivid to give rise t >fh • luminous appearance. The effect was produce 1 by the action of the electricity of the atmosphere on the elec tricity of tlm oar.h, an effect which, on the occasion in question, was considerably increased by the height of the locality, the proximity of a storm-cloud, and the action of the rain, which turned all the trees of of the forest into conductors.’ ”

That Russian Prison Ship.

Hitherto T have only forwarded to you reports of the voyage of the Nigua Nov gorod as they appeared in the Russian press from time to time. Ito dd not guarantee the accuracy of any of the statements published, and, indeed, the minimum amount of sickness mentioned by the captain seemed remarkably small— something like the “ one man wounded ” in the reports of war skirmishes. In any ease those reperts were utterly irreconcil able with the astounding statements pub lished in England. I stated that [ w-« m leavoring to gain further informs io i to help to elucidate the question in till ibsonce of information from the Foreign Office from English sources. I have not /et obtained the information desired, but 1 have seen letters of an entirely unofficial character written by an officer of a ship to us family in all the freedom of unrestrained ■ntercourse. Two, which bear internal evidence that the/ wore never intended for publication, sitisfy mo that the entire statement respecting the mortality on hoard the vessel is a fabrication, without any foundation whatever to sustain it. The letters are in the form of a diary. They narrate that shortly after leavin O lessa the fetters were removed from all the pris mers. Each day’s incidents and cases of illness which occurred are also narrated. At or near Alexandria one case of mortal sickness is mentioned. It is not stated subsequently whether the prisoner died. Several suffered from sunstroke in the Red Sea, and a large number from tropical rash, not one case as stated by the captain. A contemporary converts 34degs. heat ? Reaumur, into 79 Fahrenheit. A more correct calculation would be 110 Fahrenheit. If it be asked how could persons endure and survive such heat in the hold of a vessel, anyone knowin <■ the habits of the Russii ns, sleeping huddled together bj? their stoves in winter, or in summer enjoying their mid-day sleep by the road-side under the blazing sun, or in the unwholesome atmosphere of the habited houses, would find it possible to believe in their groat power of enduring heat and close air. From the frank and detailed narrative already mentioned, it is quite clear that, except in the case of mortal sickness, angina pectoris and a few cases of sunstroke, there had been no sesious amo.ilnt of illness up to the arrival at Aden after passing through the Red Sea—the worst part of the voyage. Yet it has been circumstantially narrated in England, and too readily believed, that 250 persons died on board, and that 160 were landed in a dying condition where no English agent could report such an occur rence. As to the number and character of the prisoners, I have information from an equally reliable source which leads me to believe that there was not a single woman prisoner on board, much less any woman of education. The male prisoners were criminals convicted by the ordinary tribunals. lam informed from indepen dent sources that it is extremely impro bable a single political prisoner was on board the ship. I believe, also, that there is no foundation whatever for the state ment that there were 250 deaths and 150 persons landed in a dying state, except the prophecy of some person said to have boarded the vessel at the Bosphorus, who appears to have ascertained somehow that not one third could reach their destination, and forthwith telegrams were fabricated to meet this statement, quickly disposing of 400 out of the 600 on board.—St. Petersburg correspondent of the London “ Daily News,” August Cth,

Curtailing Her Freedom. —A lady of this city called at a police station the other day, and complained to the superinten dent that her husband had, in the most cruel manner, kept her a prisoner at home for the last ten days. “ Ah,” said the superintendent, “does he lock the doors on you “Certainly not.” “Does he have somebody to guard you, and keep you from going out ?” “No, indeed ; not he !” “ Well, does he—does he t-t-tie you to anything ?” “ No, sir ;he dares not ?” “ Well, I should say, madam that —pray excuse me—that you have about all the freedom you could want.” “ Gracious heavens !” exclaimed the lady, with clenched fingers and flashing eyes, “ a horrid mouse tied to the top of the box with my Sunday bonnet in it ; and you talk to me about all the freedom I could want.”

Great Grimsby, which has just been honored by a visit from the Prince of Wales, is a place worth knowing of, especially now when a general election is at hand. Its burgesses are freemen, and these freemen are great men in their way, with rights inalienable. They have the franchise for ever. No Act of Parliament could, or rather would, deprive them of that; and, not only has every freeman a vote, but so has the happy man who marries a freeman’s daughter. The story goes that in one close-run election a mar riage was made in hot haste to turn the scale. A bride-groom, whether an im promptu or a long-engaged lover is not known, was brought over from Boston in a coach and four, was married to a Grimsby girl, and voted on the same side the same afternoon. Freemen’s children have also the right to free education in the borough schools—more, they are paid to attend.

Ploughing by electricity, the latest no velty in the agricultural world, is, accord lug to a French correspondent of the “ Mark Lane Express,” now an accom plished fact. The motion is conveyed to a drum from the electric machine, and thence by a coil of wire to the plough.

The Canadian Government is inaugu rating a new policy in regard to the Indians of the north west. Fourteen schools of farming are to he estahlishi d there for the purpose of instructing tl e Red man in agricultural puruits, and duly qualified persons are already appended ty parry out the gtjhsme,

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’ T hursday, October 30, 1879.!

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN