The Bruce Herald. TOKOMAIRIRO, JULY 20, 1865.

Bruce Herald, Volume III, Issue 67, 20 July 1865, Page 3

The Bruce Herald. TOKOMAIRIRO, JULY 20, 1865.

The nomination of candidates for the Superintendence of the Province is over ; and the Electors have three gentlemen to choose from. We have frequently spoken of the sad want of men possessing 1 the ability, and at the same time inclined ior, and in a position to- take a leading 1 part in public affairs. Too frequently does it happen that when a representative has to be chosen, the Electors have either to take a man who possesses the sole recommendation of being- willing" to accppt. the position, or else have what is little better — a choice of evils. If anything 1 was needed to show the lamentable poverty of the Colony, in respect to public men, the present election should convince the most sceptical. We think that even the most devoted and attached friends of Messrs. Dick, Clapcott, and M'Glashiin, will readily admit that none of thes* 1 gentlemen possess the qualities which, in a more advanced state of society, and amongst a community properly constituted to* 1 the successful working 1 of representative institutions, would point them out as fitted for assuming' the direction of aftairs — as qualified for the position- of leaders. ProbaMy the gentlemen themselves will readily admit this, and admit, also, that circumstances have placed them in a false position. We cannot refrain from expresing our reg-ret that the Superintendence' should have absolutely " gone a-beg-g-ing-," from alluding- to the unsatisfactory character of the candidates who have been nominated j but at the same time we feel that the Province is deeply indebtad to those gentlemen for their being- willing-, under the circumstances, to accept an onerous, and we may add than Mess office. At the present moment, the Superin tendency can scarcely-be considered an enviable position, — its occupant will find it anything- but a bed of roses, and must be prepared to meet and combat difficulties of no ordinary kind. We therefore say that the Province oives a debt of g-ratitude to the gentlemen who have placed themselves in the hands of the Electors ; and it now behoves the Electors to carefully weigh the respective merits of the three candidates, and to choose the one most fitted for the post. With the view of assisting 1 our readers in makingthis choice, we will say a few words regarding 1 each of the candidates. In one respect they are all equal, — they all represent the Squatting- interest. This, which would be a serious consideration were there an Ag-ricultural representative in' the field, Hoes not therefore affect the present Election, and Messrs. Dick, Clapcott, End M'Glashan may be judged on their individual merits. Mr. Dick has for the last six years held a prominent position in the public affairs of the Province. He has filled the office of Provincial Secretary in many different Executives, and is g-enerally allowed to possess considerable administrative ability. Every Government to which he has, belonged, however, has proved exceedingly unpopular after a not very long* tenure of office ; and Mr. Dick himself has usually proved the most unpopular element. He is essentially a town member, and his constant policy has been to consider Dunedin as "Ota go.' In fact, we believe that his experience of the Province does not extend very much beyond the townj and neither . Mr. Dick nor the Governments to which he has belonged^ ever did very much to secure either the gratitude- or confidence of the dpuhtry Electors. It is to Mr. Dick that the Prbvince owes the Land Resolutions, passed during the last Session of the Council. To him and to his party that, in a great measure, may be ascribed the opening of the Ports; and in him the obnoxious Education Ordinance and Assessment find their most determined champion. At the nomination he distinctly avowed himself in favor of the Education rate. Mr. Clapcott is an old resident in this Province, ana was for a considerable time a country settler. He is but a very young politician^ anil has as yet only belonged co one. Administration, which went into office on the avowed policy of retrenchment. In this Ministry he held the office of Treasurer, and it is admitted that he displayed Considerable qualifications for the office.

He worked hard, and managed his department well ; but with his colleagues he participated in the most illegal and unconstitutional proceeding* ever taken by any political body in the Colony. We mean the- Land Tax proclamation: the complications resulting' from which are only just beginning- to be felt. Mr Clapcott is in favor of allowing- distillation, admits the injustice of the Education rate, but does not see how to avoid it. He wishes to see free selection in )and, but is understood to be tavorable to the Land Resolutions of last Session. Allowing-, however, that in other respects he equalled his opponents, the g-reat political blunder of the celebrated Proclamation would utterly disqualify Mr. Clapcott for the office of Superintendent of the Province. Mr. Edward M'Glashan is one of the oldest setters in the Province, and has been long- and intimately connected with its various interests. In the early days of Constitutional Government, Mr.M'Glashan took a prominent and popular part. He was a member of the first Provincial Council, and displayed considerable political ability. In the land question of that day — the reduction of the price from L 2 to 10s. an acre — he took an active part, and his retirement from the Council (which, if we remember arig-ht, was in consequence of the bitter party spirit manifested by certain parties) was generally regretted. Some years later, Mr. M'Glashau held a seat in the Assembly for a short time. Since thac Mr. M'Glashan has taken no part in politics ; and in this fact we think may be found one of his best claims for the Superintendency. Mr. M'Glashan is an active, practical man of business, and if he goes into office he will .be able to initiate and curry out the policy he deems best, unfettered by old associations or party feeling-. If either Mr. Dick or Mr. Clapcott go in, the new Superintendent will simply be the representative of a party in the Council; and all the old enmities " of the Council will follow him. Mr. M'Glashan is not identified with any party or clique, and would probably have far less difficulty in. getting- an Executive to work with him than either of the other g-entlemen. Mr. M'Jlashan is altogether "opposed to the Education Rate; and like a g-ood many other people, wishes to know wiiat is done with the Educational Reserves, which comprise one-thirtieth of ohe original survey of the Province. On the Laud question he only expresses a desire to sue the matter permanently and liberally settled. Altogether, we think that of the three gentlemen in the field, Mr. M'Glashan is the one who, il elected, is likely to provo most useful to the Province ; and we trust, therefore, that the Electors will support and return him.

To-day the Electors of Bruce are called upon to nominate candidates for the representation of the District in the General Assembly. Although the person now to be elected will only hold his beat for one Session, that Session is likely to be ttie most important that has yet been held by the New Zealand Parliament. Amongst the many subjects likely to be discussed during" the Session, and regarding- which the Electors should ascertain the opinions of the candidates, who to-day present themselves, we may mention a few of the most prominent. A determined effort is likely to be made by the Auckland party, to again remove the Seat of Government to that Province, — a step' Which, we need scarcely say,, would be most. injurious to the interests of this Province. .Then, again, the question of readjustment of Representation is almost certain to demand the consideration of the Legislature ; and it will require all the exertions of the Otago members to secure fair consideration to the claims of this Province. The Revision of the Tariff; the alteration of the present very unsatisfactory Commercial laws, relating to Bankruptcy, and other subjects of a similar nature affect Ota" o in common with the remainder of the Colony. Nor have we any peculiar interest; in the settlement of the Native difficulty, or the dismissal of the troops, beyond the simple fact that we

have to supply the chief portion of th e funds. The question of Separation may or may not arise j the probability is that it will not. But there is one question of vital importance to Otago, which is sure to. arise, and on which we hold that tile* present Election should turn ; — we : allude to, the Land question. The Electors of Bruce: have already expressed their disapproval oi the Resolutions passed by the Council at its last sitting-. They have petitioned the Assembly to refuse to pass the Bill founded on those Resolutions m f and they have now the further opportunity of giving effect to their views, by electing- a representative who coincides in thenu. If they elect a person who will not support their Petition, they stultify themselves j and the Assembly will naturally disregard the request of such an inconsistent body of Electors as would be those of Bruce, in. such a case. But we hope better things. We trust that the Electors will elect the man whose: views are most likely to advance the wellbeing- of the Province, — that they will decide this Election on public, not private: grounds. We do not know what candidates are likely to woo the fair voices of the Electors. Mr. John Cargill has announced his intention of being one, and he has already explained his opinions. Weimagine that his candidature will not be; very iavoi-ably received, on account of his; views on the Land question. Mr. W. A... Murray has also publicly intimated hisintention of standing, but he has since; announced that he intended retiring mV favor of Mr. Macandrew. Whether that, gentleman intends to stand or not, we.are-,.---quite ignorant ; but if he does, the Electors could scarcely fina any one who holdssounder or more liberal views as to the-, disposal of the Waste Lands. But thereare other circumstances to be considered,, which, would, we tiling render it betterboth for Mr. Macaudrew and for the. Electors, that he should not stand on the pre--sent occasion. Mr. W. J. Dyer has alsp^ , been spoken of, but. we are not aware of" what his intentions are. It is however,,, pleasing to see that there is some interest displayed in the present Ejection $, and let the candidates be who they may, wo trust that the Electors will be true ta themselves, and choose a man who will, in the highest sense of the term, be thei&, representative. \ - s

Late last night we were informed thatitisV probable that both Mr Dick and Mr Alaca^r drew wilL visit this district to-day- . ' "We are glad to notice the formation of a Court of Foresters in tuis district. On Saturday lass a meeting of gentlemen coaaected with that Ancient Order, or desirous of joining the Sylvan ranks*, was held in. the YVhite Jdorse Hotel, Mr C. Tom K liuson in 'the chair. Mr James Daniels, after' expressinghis pleasure at .the numerous attendance, staled that lie had communicated with the chief officer of the Order in the Province,, relative to the formation of a Court here.r reply of." that gentleman was read, and the meeting, at th suggestion of the Chairman, proceeded, to settle the name of the- new Court. Amongst the title 3. proposed were Court Milton, Court Robin Hood^ and Court Bruce. ; The latter was ultimately agreed upon, and the election of founders of the Court Bruce was then proceeded with. — Messrs* Capstick, Inglis, Daniels, and Tomliuson being unanimously .selected. Mr Daniels was elected Interim Secretary,, and wa3 instructed to make the. necessary arrangements for the formal opening of the Court, on which occasion it is expected that the Chief iianger and other dignitaries will be present. The fortnightly meetings of theCourt are to be held on alternate Saturday evenings. The Secretary, before the close of the proceedings, received the names of twenty five gen~ tlemen desirous of joining the Order, and not a little amusement was caused by the ', particular inquiries as to the respective; ages of tn'a candidates. The usual vote to the Chairman -ended the proceedings. %/ v\ i: The last English mail brought 'intelligence o# the disposal of L50;oOO worth df \Canterbary Debentures, at L 92 Cain. *' ; '. , •-A new Stamp has just been i3sued*by A the Post Office. It is a fouf penny one, and will" na daob.^ prove veiy useful, x

The Rev. Mr ForFaifh has been ordaited pastor of the Port Chalmers Congregational Church The suspension of Messrs S. S. & A. Lazarus^ General Merchants, Dunedip, is announced. The annual ploughing match of the Taieri Agcirultural Society took place on Friday last in a pad. flock belonging to Mr Wna. Allan. There were 28 entriesifand the prizes were awarded as follows : — First, L 4 (or a silver medal), Win. M-Kenzie ' second, L 3, James "Williamson ; third, L 2 loV William Cooper ; fourth, L 2, William Couper fifth, Ll 10s, Thomas, Butters ; sizth, Ll, Wm. Chrktie ; seventh, 15s, George Warnock. Spe. cial prizes — 10s given by Mr J. Souuess, for the best feering, William Cooper ; 10s given by Mr John Andrew, for the best finish, William M'Kenzie ; 10a given by Mr Souess, for th c most masterly ploughman, William Cooper ; two open -bridles, given by Messrs Chesney and; Baillie, saddlers, East Taieri, for the owners of the team driven by the first-prizeman. Mr D. W. Oughton. I» the evening there was a dinner at the East Taieri Hotel. A public meeting has been held at Port Cbalmers, for the purpose of considering the advisability of establishing a Flax Manufactory in that neighborhood. * Letters were read from Mr EDonaldson, of Christen tirch, atatjng thai he had discovered a cheap and easy wav of manufacturthe native -flax* and offering to visit the Port i* his expenses were guaranteed. It was resolved to -write Mr Donaldson to come and carry on his experiments; and about L3O was subscribed in the room towards defraying his exwenses. The Otago Harbor Trust Lands Ordinance, the Otago Roads Ordinance, the Otago Haibor Loan Ordinance Amendment Ordinance, and the Otago Public Buildings Loan Ordinance Amendment Ordinance, have received the assent ot the Governor;' and the Superintendent's Indemnity Ordinance. ' and the Impounding Ordinance Amendment Ordinance have been left to their operation, . The Provincial Council of Marlborough seems to be in a very rowdy state. The majority passed a vote of censure on the Executive, but that body refused to resign. The Speaker is a member of the Government, and' he would not allow a vote of censure to be passed o» the Superintendent; \. but allowed the most' viulent language to be used towards the country members, who comprise th e majority of the House. These left in disgust' and they have since petitioned the Governor to dissolve ihe Councils J^ The inhabitants of Oamarn have petitioned the Assembly in favor of the abolition of Provin: cial Governments, and the establishment of one Central Government in each island. Tfsey complain that their district has been grossly neglecied I by the Otago Government. At the same meeiin^ the electors prerent pledged themselves not to vote at the present election of Superintendent. \ Mr C. Brown, the late Superintendent of Tara'"naki, and Mr H. C. Richmond are candidates f. r ~- tbfi Surerinten.dency of that Province. In Canterbury, Cobb and Co. are very demonstrative in grief for Lincolus' death. All their drivers turned out in black crape hatbands and armlets, and are to wear the " livery of woe 1 ' for thirty days. The flag in front of the coach office is to be displayed half-mast high for the same period. Mr R. H. Forman, Mr James Paters «n, Mr H. Mason, Mr. J. A.. J. M-Gres:or, and Mr W. W. Wilson, are candidates for the Mayoralty of D'>,nedin.. Mr B. .0. Haggitt, solicitor, Dunedin, lias been gazetted a Justice of the Peace and Resident Magistrate of the Colony. It is understood tha* Mr ..Haggitt will assist Mr Strode in bis increased L duties, consequent on the extension cf the juris- \ diction of the Couit. The Province of Taranaki is to be released from the -operation of -martial law on and. after the first of August next. stßy proclamation in the ' New. Zealand Gor vernment Gazette,' the jurisdiction cf the Reeident Magistrate's Court at Tokomairiro is extended to cases involving one hundred pounds! to take effect frogj." the Ist "^August next.«§-The jurisdiction of the Resident Magistral e's Court at Duiiedin is also extended to cases involving amounts of one hundrecT pounds, to take effect from Ist September next. The Marnwenuea Hundred has. been pro-* claimed. "£• The ' General Government Gazette,' publishes the following schedule of the names iof persons entitled to Crown grants of land, claimed, through the New. .Zealand Company: — John Law, William Hunter Reynolds,. Thomas Oliyqr, Edward Martin, John GilUos, John Sutherland,, Edjrard. Martin, William Alfred Mosley, John Petchell Archibald. Andejcspn/and Alexander Ferrier. The mhatitants of Port Chalmers are petitionfn^^e^^s"s€imbly to have the Port. made an mdejfo&so Electoral District,, returning a meiabei^ia^afe 1 House. of Represwrtatiyes.; ■"*"/.

A Complimentary Dinner has been given at the Dunstan to Mr Harrold, the Manager of the Bank of Australia there, on hi* leaving the district to fill ■ a similar situation in llokitiki. A Cottage at Waikouati has been destroyed by fire. The occupant, aMr Eglan and .his wife were at Church at the time. The cottage was not insured, nor was the furniture, all of which was destroyed. It is supposed that the fire was caused by a spark flying out of the fire which was left burning in the house when Mr and Mrs Eglan went out. The ' Daily Times' writes : Through the kindness of Mr. Vincent Pyke, the Secretary to the Gold Fields, we have been shown a small portion of what is evidently the skin of a bird. Although it is changed in appearance, through the influences to which it has been subjected, so that it is somewhat like gypsum, the pores and roots of feathers are plainly discernible, and there is a cluster of fine soft dark grey feathers still adhering to it. It was sent to Mr. Pyke by Mr. Warden Robinson, with the following note :— lt is what appears to be a piece of the skin of a bird (Moa 1), with feathers still adhering in the natural way, but the skin changed to the consistency of French chalk. It was given to me by Mr. Mouat, M.P.C., who told me it was obtained by a mate of his at Reedy Creek, which lam told runs in a narrow gully. Mr. Mouat conjectures that the substance is now adipocire, but I do not offer an opinion on the. point. " The 'Provincial Government Gazette/ of the 12th instant, contains a statement of revenue and expenditure, during the quarter ending June 30th. The revenue iron) all sources was L 80.386 Is 2d, which was imde up of the following items : — Customs, L20.97S 7s 3d; Gold Export Duty, L 9&28 3s lOtl ; Crown Lands, L 25,076 8s lid; Miners' Rights and Licenses, L-1882 14s ; Harbor dues, L 63 9s 6d ; Jetty dues, L 517 0s 11!,; Sheep Assessments, LlO5 os- 3d ; Dog Tax. L 731 16s; Licens sof all classes uot previously named, L 2037 9s; Rents, Ll9O 2s" 7d ; Immigration, L 1420 19s ; School fers, L7O ; Hospital Repayments, L 36 14s fid; Lunatic Asylmn Repayments, LL6 ; Gaol Deportment for Maintenance of Debtors ami Prison Labor, T. 841 15s 2d ; Tolls on Roads, L-293-1 8s; Lithographic Paper?, L 5 16s 7d ; Incidental Receipts, L 685 17s; General Government, L 12,866 18s Bd. Expenditure: — Advances to Heads of Departments for expenditure under v jtes and appropriations, L 42 ,156 2s s<l ; advances to Heads ot Departments, L 23.006 10s 6d ; Harbor Reclamation, L 6206 4s lOd ; Suspense Account, L 29,043; Denosit Account-. L 1633 9s ; City Commissioners, L 1059 14s 2d Against these items there are credits placed : Advances to Heads of Departments, ! 23.033 13s; Suspense Account, LlO3 19s 6*l ; De posit Ace wits, L 1093 Iss; Loan on Account of Harbor Reclamation, L 99; Harbor Debentures, L 3150. The conclusion we arrive at is, that the receipts from all sources have been L 107,867 8s 8J; and the expenditure L 103 . 105 10s lid; leaving a balance in hand of .^4762 7s 9d. Meetings are announced to be held in East and West Taieri, to take steps to prevent the recurrence of firts, such; as have of late been po common in the stackyards of those districts, and which are supposed to have been caused by incendiaries. A meeting of the License-holders of the Waihola PJundred is to be held in the White Horse Hotel, on Saturday next, at two o'clock, p m. The 'Dunedin Herald' writes: Our old friends Mr. and Mrs. Clarance Holt have met with great success since their arrival in England. They have been pla3'ing to crowded houses at many of the most important provincial theatres. At the date of last advices they had just concluded a 30-night engagement at. Hull, where they created quite a sensation in Dion BoucicauTt's sensation drama of the Octoroon. There are a number of candidates for the Councillor's Seats in the new Corporation of Dunedin. On Friday evening last Major Cargill inspected the Bruce Rifles. There was a good muster, and after the customary evolutions hud been performed the Major complimented the corps on t.eir efficiency in drill. It is understood that MrEdward M'Glashan will address the electors to-day, after the nomination for Bruce. We. have received the first numbers of anew tri-weekly journal, published in Dunedin under the title 'of the ' Dunedin Herald.' The numbers before us are in every respect highly creditable to the promoters, and we cordially wish our contemporary the success ' which it •will deserve, if the succeeding issues are equally good. There should be ample room for a weil conducted paper in 'Dunedin. A;meeting of the Tokomairiro Sheep r owners' Association was held on Saturday last, but was adjourned t,o next Saturday without any business being transacted. Mr J. Rolland^of the Clntha, has been c/iljed by the Governor to the Upper house.. A similar honor has been conferred on Mr A. P. Seymour, of Marlborough, MrB.A. Ackland. ..of Christchurch, Mr H. J. Coote of Wellington 1 , and; Mr- J. P. T,ay lor of Southland. . °

Thomas Reynolds, Ksq., Upper Harbor, H. A Stratford, Esq.,' Cromwell, W. G. ■ ecs, Ksq., Wakatip, an:l \V. D. JYlurison, Esq., Maniototo, have been made Justices of the Peace for the Colony. .. The Gowrnnor has withheld: his assent to the Appropriation Ordinance. No. 2, passed at the last session of the Council. The object of the Act was to legalize the return of the purchase money, together with 12^ per cent, interest, to those purchasers under the famous Land Tax proclamation, who having purchased on the faith of the Proclamation chose to relinquish their purchase on finding it subject to the tax of 2s per acr;e p ;r anium, Lady Don lias recently been performing to crowded houses in Hobart Town. Before leaving she gave a mid-day performance, when all the children of the Orphan Asylum, attended and were greatly pleased by Lady Don, who not only amu«ed them by her acting but gave them a feast of a more substantial kind as well, her ladyship having provided 2 cwt. of plum cake, 5 bushels of apples, and 25 gallons of milk for the refreshment of the juveniles. Mr. W. A. Murray intimates by advertisement in another column that lie wishes to meet the. electors of Bruce at the Clutha Ferry on Friday, (to-morrow) at two o'clock, p.m. ir^The stackyard of Mr. Milne, Taieri, was totally destroyed by fire early on Tuesday morning. The value of the property destroyed is estimated at upwards of £1000. The fire is supposed to have been caused by an incendiary, ys The Canterbiiry Chamber of Commerce has decided that the weight of barley is 401bs to the bushel. The Dillons have finished their engagement in Dunedin, aiid are about to leave the Province. Togetiier with Mr. George Fawcett, they had a most successful complimentary benefit last week. " . A disgraceful squabble has occurred between two Ha wke's Bay M.P.C.'s. Party feeling in that Province has lately ran very, high on the subject of leasing land from the natives. Immediately after the Council ad- ; journed on one occasion, and while all the ! members were still sitting in tlie: Council Chamber, one of the members,- Mr. Curling, said that Mr. Buchanan had used "disgraceful language. " This was replied to by the terms ''lickspittle and toady,"' and after a good deal of similar language on both sidus,-' Buchanan is repcrted to have said to Curling (who is a militia officer) "you wear a sword and 1 suppose you know how to use it." 31r. Curling at once laid au information against his brother legislator for inciting to iighfradujl. The ease came before the Police Court, and a large number of the Members of the Cou-ncil figured as witnesses. 'The evidence was excessively contradictory, arid the bench dismissed the case. ; Altogether, the affair was a most discreditable one to all concerned. The Philharmonic Society's Concert, held in the Theatre iloyal last week, was a great success, and realised a large sum in aid of the funds of the Benevolent Asylum. Mrs. W. H. Mumford's assistance was, of course, most valuable. The concert wasrepeated on Tuesday evening with equal success, and the proceeds were again devoted to the same charity. . ; : ' : .; Immense excitement has been occasioned in and around Tuapeka by tlie. announcement of the intention on the part of tk'o Government to remove 'the "Warden .and He.-.' sident. Magistrate,, Major Croker., '-As. soon as it became known that such, a thing 'was contemplated a publib-' meeting was stun-, moiied aad pipers paraded the ■' district inviting the 'miners ■to assemble. . . .'This they did, and the meeting was held in the ] open . air, in Peel-street. John Mouat, Esq i? M. P. C. , was called on to preside, and reso-r. lutions expressing the. fullest confidence in. Major Croker, and the ' conviction that his removal would be highly injurious to the district, were unanimously passed. A petition to the Government was also prepared, praying them, to re-consider their decision} and in a few minutes, it was signed by upwards of 500 people. \[ A deputation, consisting of the leading men ; of 'the district, _ wa's appointed to- proceed to Dunedin to" .present it, and a sufficient sum ; t6 ; defray tlielir expenses was quickly raised! • The 1 meeting then marched to- the froirifc of Major- Croker '&■ residence, where; three Jiearty cheers were, given : for that gentleman, who made his appearance and acknowledged the compliment, at the same time 'expressing his regret at the possibility of having to leave them.. Everything passed off in the most orderly manner. Major Croker has been Warden and Magistrate on the Tuap.eka for upwards of ' four years, and is, if we mistake not, the oldest Warden in the service. He is universally respected and esteemed by those , amongst whom lie has so long exercised". wha't'must at times have- been difficult and' unpleasant duties, arid it certainly -•' does 'seem :j jrios't -arbitrary arid unfair that,; without 'any-' cause being assigned, he should be tlius summarily removed. We cordially hope that, tlie' Remonstrance of the inhabitants of the. district will be attended to by the Government, and (Major Croker allowed to, remain in a posi : toon which he has pro v,ed -.himself in every .jway well qualified- to> hpld; /■■•• —■• ",- -'■'■'