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Typo: A Monthly Newspaper and Literary Review, Volume 4

[trade dispatches]

The Dunedin Evening Herald, finding itself forsaken and forlorn, makes a touching appeal to the trade unions of the city to rally to its support, on the ground that it has been « their consistent and in many instances successful champion. » The Herald is a kind of « fifth wheel » in the newspaper coach of the southern city. It was once conducted with considerable ability and possessed some influence; but has never been a financial success.

In the Supreme Court in Auckland, in chambers, Mr Ballance's application to have the libel case against the Herald heard in Wanganui was refused. The ground of the application was the great inconvenience he would suffer if the case were tried elsewhere. The reason assigned for refusal was that Mr Ballance's personal influence at Wanganui, where he is a prominent politician and member for the district, might prejudice the case. The court would not change the venue to any other town, as the reason assigned would apply elsewhere as well as to Auckland.

At the first meeting of creditors of Mr H. C. Haselden, stationer, Wellington, the debtor was closely questioned by the creditors. He attributed his failure to the falling off of trade; inability to get a living profit on many lines owing to excessive competition; the fact of having lost so much time and money through illness—the primary cause being pressure on account of a dishonored note. On the books being called for, according to the Press, « the cash book was produced with nearly the whole centre burnt out of it. The debtor explained that on one occassion he was making entries in the book and smoking at the same time, and laid his cigarette on the counter to answer the door. He was engaged at the door conversing some time, and on returning to the shop found the papers on the counter in a blaze. He seized a mat for beating out the fire, and accidentally capsized a bottle of turpentine over the flames, which spread and ignited the cash book. He succeeded in quenching the fire, but not before the cash book was considerably damaged. The portion of the book destroyed included his takings and payments,»

Mr Sala is very sensitive to criticism, and addicted to taking actions for libel, as the late Mr Hain Friswell found to his cost. Mr Harry Furniss's humorous account of Sala's experiences as an art student have raised his wrath; and after taking in turn the papers who had published the report, he took proceedings against Mr Furniss. Mediation was tried, but in vain; and a cable message brings the news that he has secured a verdict, with £5 damages.

Mrs James Davidson (Arabella Goddard), one of the leading musicians of the present century, is now a widow and in needy circumstances, owing to long-continued ill-health. Mr Smith has promised her a contribution from the civil list, and Messrs Chappell are raising a subscription on her behalf. She will be remembered by many in New Zealand, where she gave a series of performances sixteen years ago. Her late husband was musical critic of The Times.

Mr E. W. Cole, the « merry old soul » of the Melbourne Book Arcade, offers £100 in £10 prizes for the five best essays for and five best essays against « the federation of the whole world » —to be contributed by the writers and thinkers of Australasia. The idea is not a new one, and Tennyson gave it poetic prominence sixty years ago. It is a long way from practical realization; but its discussion can only do good. Mr Cole is quite an enthusiast on the subject.

Mr W. Halliburton, lithographer, of the Wellington Evening Press, was on the 8th inst. presented on behalf of the members of the staff with a handsomely-mounted barometer, as a souvenir on the occasion of his approaching marriage. The presentation was made by Mr W. F. Roydhouse, with a few appropriate remarks. Mr Halliburton suitably acknowledged the gift, and the ceremony was concluded by a general expression of good wishes from those present,

From the London and Provincial Printing Ink Company we have an exceedingly pretty calendar of original design in gold and colors. It is printed on stout board, stamped out in the form of the design, and represents a youthful Japanese beauty holding behind her head an expanded fan. The lower part of the fan, forming the background to her head, is in neutral tints, the upper portion is rainbow-hued, the twelve sections, each of a different color, containing the calendar for a month. We note that the name of the tenth month is printed « Oktober. » Does this indicate that the job was printed abroad? The numerous colors are well arranged, and the general effect of the work is admirable.

The Gisborne Standard has been sued for piracy of Press Association messages. The association took similar proceedings against the late John Baldwin, of the Independent, on more than one occasion, but always came off second-best. In the present case they were more successful. Three informations were laid, and on the first the publisher was fined £1 with £9 15s costs. Notice of appeal was given, and the two other informations stand over until the appeal is decided.—The custom of non-subscribing country papers is to engage a correspondent in one of the large cities to forward as soon as the copyright has expired such items as appear to be of value. In the present instance, some items were probably prematurely sent.