THE MAYORALTY.

Lake Wakatip Mail, Issue 333, 7 July 1866, Page 2

THE MAYORALTY.

Oo Thursday night a public meeting of electors was held in the Queen's Arms Hotel for the purpose of nominating and hearing candidates for the office of Mayor. Mr Worthington who was called to the chair having briefly stated the object of the meeting,

Mr Burn in a few words proposed Mr Robertson as a fit and proper person to fill the office. Mr Shore briefly seconded the nomination. Mr Fraer then nominated Mr Bendix Hallenstein which was seconded by Mr Matheson. Mr Matheson proposed Mr Weaver, but as that gentlemen declined to stand the motion was withdrawn. Mr Roche proposed Mr Denis G. Macdonnell as a fit and proper person for the office. Mr Dohey seconded the motion. Mr Samuel at considerable length nominated Mr Denis Powell, but that gentlemen who just then entered the room declined the honor. Mr Fraer then after a few remarks on the desirability of hearing the different condidates on the topics of the day called on Mr Hallenstein to address the meeting. That gentleman, however, did not appear till some time afterwards, when he intimated that he had no intention of aspiring to the honor. At the request of the meeting Mr Manders here described in a very creditable and lengthy speech what the legal duties of a Mayor were, and also what might reasonably be expected of him by the public. Mr Hallenstein being again called on to address the meeting, he said it was with the greatest reluctance he came forward as a candidate, and if it was wished he would at once retire. But if no better man came forward he would stand (cheers.) He had been connected he said with municipality matters in Victoria, and he knew that the position entailed more duties, and the sacrifice of more time, than most people were aware of. He was afraid he could not bestow the time necessary, and on that account alone would prefer another being elected.

A show of hands was then called for and given with the following result:—Macdonnell,9; Hallenstein, 13; Robertson, 14.

A vote of thanks to the chairman terminated the proceedings.

A reward of £250 has been offered for such information as will Jead to the discovery of tho person or persons who robbed the Bank of New Zealand, at Okarita. As yet the Grey River • Argus' believes the police are fairly baulked in their investigation, not the slightest clue having been left by the thief or thieves.

The ' Grey River Argus' has been informed of a circumstance that occurred which may be taken either ae a favorable sign of the times, or as illustrating the laziness of the tribe known as " loafers." The steamer Thane had a large quantity of cargo to take on board, and as the captain was anxious to get away as quick as possible, he endeavored to hire a few extra hands from the crowd of men standing idle on the bank, offering 5s per hour ; but not a man could be got to accept the captain's offer, and the consequence was the detention of the steamer fatly two hours more than there was any necessity for. Now whether it was that the men were too well off to accept 5s for one hour's work, or that they were too lazy to work at any price, we cannot tell, but we can vouch for the accuracy of our story.

The Paihi diggings seem to be fruitful. A late issue of the 'Southland News' says:— " Cobb and Co.'s Riverton coach started yester. day with a full load of passengers en route for the Paihi diggings. The population there is steadily increasing in spite of the drawbacks of the winter season. It is admitted that while instances of extraordinary success are not the rule, yet persevering exertion secures earnings considerably beyond the average rate of wages paid for unskilled labor." In another issue of the 1 News' it is stated :—" From the Riverton diggings the advices continue very favorable. In a letter we have just received from a correspondent it is stated.—' The late gales have enriched many of the beach claims, and clean swept others of the precious metal. A party of two left Riverton about eight weeks ago for the diggings. They have procured and sold £145 worth of gold, and disposed of the claim for £BO. This is not bad. Many of the diggers that stick to their work and shun the grog shanties are making a nice little pile, and that on the quiet. They are principally Rivertonians. The roads are nearly impassable, and boating of late has been retarded, owing to the westerly gales.'" A Boston paper says that " the late storm in Minnesota kicked up some queer pranks. It blew eight oxen over a river 800 yards wide. It took all the water out of a pond, carried it a mile, and then set it down on Major Doran's farm in the shape of a small lake. It blew a . man's boots off. Another man's coat was not only blown short, but actually buttoned from top to bottom. One old lady went up like a balloon, was carried two and a half miles, and was finally landed astride the telegraph wire, where she was found by her grandson, and relieved by a ladder. Judge Morgan says the wind not only carried off his dwelling-house, but his sub-cellar and two wells."