CLUTHA FERRY.

Bruce Herald, Volume III, Issue 68, 27 July 1865, Page 4

CLUTHA FERRY.

{From a Correspondent.) July 24, 18G5. As it appears your correspondent in this quarter has taken his departure for another Province, I take the liberty of furnishing you with the following note of occurrences in this district. On the 19th instant, the usual monthly sale of cattle and horses came off, when of cattle there was a very poor display, owing I believe to the fat stock of this district beins? previously disposed ofbyprivatebargin. Of horses we had a fair turn out, which exchanged hands at lair prices. It would be well if the Auctioneer would so arrange as to have his sales on a regular fixed day in ever}' month, for by such means I believe our monthly sales would be consideraMy augmented, both as regards cattle and purchasers. On the evening of the same day, Mr. Edward M'Glashan, one of the contesting candidates for the Superintendental chair, addressed a large meeting of electors and others in the Long-room of the New Hotel (of which Mr. Jopp.is proprietor). Mr. Spooner, of Popotunoa, occupied the chair, and the decision come to by the electors was not to pledge themselves to support any candidate until they had heard the views of the other contesting candidate. This district has been dreadfully neglected by late governments, and no elector in this quarter I am sure will vote for any man unless he is likely to see to the better promotion of the agricultural interests of the country. Here we have the most noble river in New Zealand, with its banks of the most fertile soil, utterly neglected by government, who for their own interests, if not for those of their settlers — namely, in so far as it wonld induce small capitalists to invest in land, and settle down and cultivate it, in which alone rests the true wealth of any country —ought to offer such inducements to capitalists (if they will not undertake it themselves), or say to a joint-stock company, which would probably be the better plan, (as capital is such a scarce commodity in Otago), to place the head of navigation of the Molyneux in immediate connection with the principal seat of business in Otago, viz., Dunedin, by the means of steam, which could be done in the following way, viz. : An outside steamer, to cost, say £4,500, and an inside one, (or river steamer), to cost, say £2,500 ; in round numbers this would be £7000, leaving a balance of £1000 for extras and other preliminary expenses which might be entailed in the completion and fitting, &c., of said ships. Our local members of government appear either not to know what is wanting in the district, or, to satisfy some of their own morbid desires, do not wish to know the necessities thereof, which has every facility nature can afford in the shape of water, and which if kept in regular communication with the emporium of trade would no doubt be one of the most nourishing districts in Otago and one of the most populous. In a moment of excitement a contract was entered into nearly two years ago with Messrs. Murray and Jackson for the opening up of the Molyneux by steam navigation, which would no doubt been most successful had the Government acted up to their contract with those gentlemen. But here was the ' hinge' again. The government, as soon as the 'Tuapeka was in the Molyneux waters, apparently thought no more about their engagement with her, (which was to have an outride steamer to run in connection with her) but pay the subsidy. Of course *>ur Port Molyneux friends had a few angel visits of the .* Win; Miskin,' which burst up one fine day and we heard no more of her at the mouth of the. river. Why did the Govsnuftent allow this? via., thV withdrawal of

the c Wm. Miskih,' and then, was this a way in which to treat any enterprising gentlemen who expected nothing more I suppose than a i fair return for their, capital invested , and who were actually working for the government good in opening up their country and exposing the rich mines of wealth the Province . contained for the lasting wealth of the' country, viz., husbandry. For the real wealthproducing members of our Provincial Council and Executive we have really few, and . the constituencies of agricultural districts (such as this) would do well to pa v their member and take him from their own body who ha ye their interestsreallyatheart. Itis no run- I holders interest to have his run declared into Hundreds, and I consider that our Provincial Councils and .Executives should have fewer such men in them, so that the interests of the people may be thoroughly looked after. I trust a more able pen than mine will take up the subject and be the means of the agriculturists interest being better cared for, and not solely those of runs and gold-fields — of course every interest of the country should be represented, but hitherto these last-men-tioned have been pre-eminent, but no doubt they will both give way some day to the agriculturist. I would ask why^the government throws away so much money on the gold-fields, in making roads to them, &c, for it is actually throwing money to the dogs, as it is more than likely in a short time they will be completely deserted, and how is it we have more revenue from ' dogs' than 'sheep,' as shown by last report.' The local Library Committee, I believe, are working most assiduously, and expect to have the library commenced very shortly. On Saturday morning last our ferry punt ! got so disabled as to be unfit for use. The damage done, I understand, was through sheer carelessness, and she gradually sunk under water until to-day, when she was raised and the necessary repairs commenced. Two drays have been detained since the break-down, and Cobb and Co.'s daily coach has been unable to get across, the mails and passengers having to cross in a small boat above the usual landing, and horses have to be swam across. The lessee, I understand, was from home when the accident occurred, otherwise the necessary repairs would have been commenced on Saturday, still the government ought to see where the fault lies (if any) and apply the remedy as soon as possible, otherwise very great j inconvenience may arise through such ! occurrences. I believe the necessary steps are being taken to have a Government School here soon, which will be a great boon to the township as well as the district at large, but I am sorry to say that our Church Committee appear to be asleep, as no steps are being taken to accomplish the end they were originally elected for. If this be considered worthy of a corner in your * Herald,' I may be tempted to give you a shoit 'screed' again.