We are by no means partial to tho method of inflicting the laat penalty of the law by means of hanging, iv fact have doubts as to the propriety of capital punish ment|at all, except iv very exceptional cases ; but if done, it should certainly be done in a proper manner, and this ought iv every case to be ensured by the legal authorities. There is abundance of medical evidence to prove that strangulation by haugiug is, whon all things are properly arranged, followed by almost instantaneous aud painless death, and it should be the duty of the medical officer to see that all arrangements are complete. Wo arc glad to bo able to say that the notorious Captain Barry, who was present at the execution, was not permitted to take a caste of the head and face of Wiuiata. A celkmmted American temperance lecturer, Mr Eli Johnson, is creating con siderable sensation in Sydney. Last week he delivered a lecture on " Drink from Drugs," aud made some astounding state ments, whioh should be sufficient to make even the most confirmed dipsomaniac regard the bottle with suspiciou. He said that enough of a certain chemical could be obtaiucd for Gi to make 20 gallons of French brandy, and for 2a to make a simila r quantity of rum. Of other preparations, a shilling's worth would make six gallons of port wine, sherry, whisky, gin, or even champagne. In New York, he said there waa as much wine and brandy consumed as was made iv the whole world three times told ; there were also in the same city manufactories where beer is made entirely out of drugs. In America, ho would undertake to say there was not a single pint of French brandy, and he had no doubt the same might be said of Australia. But the most telling part of the lecture waa the statement that he, the lecturer, had purchased these very chemicals, prepared for the above purpose, in Honolulu, in Auck land, and in Sydney. He mentioned the names of several of the best-known Sydney druggists from whom he bad obtained samples of the essences of rum, gin, brandy, wines, &c, and produced the bottles. He even obtained a written quotation of prices, signed " Elliott Brothers," who are probably the largest wholesale chemists and druggists in the colonies. 