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Bruce Herald, Volume VI, Issue 532, 26 September 1873, Page 5

Thh Hokitika 'Leader' heads a leading article upon the throwing out of the Gold Mining Bill by the House of Representatives, " The Late Arson Cas3." The road between Puerua and Port Molyneux is at present in a frightful state, so much so that it takes a saddle horse all [ his time to gat along it. The attention of owners of entires is directed to the prize of L3O (together with a guarantee of a large number of mares) to be awarded at the Olutha Walking Show for a really good Clydesdale horse to travel this season in the West Clutha district. Four Chinamen, for mining on Oaptain Logan's freehold, at Leithem Gorge, were brought before Captain M'Kenzie, J.P. , who fined them each Ll, and directed them pay L 5 for the damage done, with the option of fourteen days' imprisonment. The heathens perferred imprisonment to cashing upOne of the finest plantations of blue gums in the Province is at the farm of Mr Neill, Forest Hill. These trees, which number between 300 or 400, were planted about eight years ago, and have now attained a height of between 20 and 30 feet, v/ith proportionate diameter. Singular to relate, they have never been affected by even the most severe frosts. At present they form a splendid avenue, and afford capital shelter. We understand the Acclimatisation Society will shortly be distributing the trout which have been hatched in their ponds at Boyd's Creek, and also in these of Mr Wm. A Young, Palmers ton. Although the attempt made on a former occasion to secure a supply for our rivers proved a failure, we see W reason why another gsort should not be made. We believe there are fevy l'fvsrg in the Proyin.ee belter suited for trout than the north brandi of the Tokomairiro River, and we would suggest that application be made to the Society for a few hundreds. It would not, perhaps, be out of place for the Town Council, as the iopal authority, to take action in the matter. As an instance of extraordinary despatch in the conveyance of mails in this district, we may mention that on the 19th inst., a lady, resident in Milton, wa3 surprised to be handed by ihc postmaster a letter dated and posted at Waihola on the lcith May, it having thus only taken four months and four days to come a distance of eight miiea or so. Who after this will say that for speed electricity cannot be beat f We believe it was at one time a rule in post-oflicea to accompany each mail with a way-bill, which, upon receipt at its destination, was retui-ried to the office from which it was issued, and thus afforded evidence of the safe delivery of the mail. If the rate of despatch a.bove referred to is to be introduced as a rule, it would seem advisable that £he way-bill system should again be adopted, a3 in fche hurry mails may go amissing — some letters of .ours from the same quarter have done so recently. We may add that .the mail of the 15th May ' was delivered at the office here at noon on the I.9 fch jnsfc., go that our local postmaster cannot lay any v claim to haying been a party to .the wxmderf ul feat; of speed referred to.

Our report of the R.M's Court yesterday is crowded out by late telegrams The nsw Temperance Hall, shortly to be erected in Moray Place, Dunedin, is estimated to cost L 2,500. Farmers in the Taieri will be glad to learn that their old favorite " Emperor " is to travel that district for another season. We learn that- Mr Peter M' Queen, baker Milton, lias purchased Mr Thomas Parker's farm of 50 acres for L7OO sterling or Ll4 per acre. Vessels which have arrived from Ausstral' i during the past few days report having experienced fearful weather and tremeiKi 'U3 seas during tlie voyage. Tun local paper calls the attention of the Mayor of Cromwell to the fact that there is about L5O worth of corporation revenue running wild about the streets, in tho shape of unregistered dogs. This Dunstan Spring meeting comes off to-day. Tho principal events are the Alexandra and Dunstan Handicaps — seven horses being entered for the one and nine for the other. We have to congratulate the farmers in the Oamaru district in being so fortunate as to secure for their district the services of an Emperor colt, two years and 9 months old This colt is out ot the best imported mare brought out by the late Mr Nimmo. A deputation from Waikouaiti waited upon the Executive, on Wednesday, to urge the expenditure of the sum voted by the Provincial Council for harbor improvements at that port. They obtained a promise that the place would be inspected, and the works recommended undertaken as soon as possible. The sum voted is L 1.250.. 250. Tenders are invited in Wednesday's ' Gazette ' for the erection of a timber bridge over the Tomoporaki stream, on the road from Riverton to Wallacetown ; and alao for the construction of a small timber bridge over Hayes Creek, on the road from Cromwell to Queens town. The Edendale cutting on the Mataura railway continues to give great trouble to the contractors From the nature of the soil, it has been slipping down for a long time past, as rapidly as the excavation proceeded. Recently, however, Messrs Campbell and Co. have conquered the natural obstacles of the undertaking, and the work is proceeding satisfactorily. The body of a man in a very decomposed condition was found on the banks of the Molyneux on the 14th inst. Deceased appeared to be from 30 to 35 years of age, had brown whiskers and grey hair, and was clad in a light grey Crimean shirt, dark-ribbed tweed trousers, and dark woollen scarf with white stripes, thick woollen socks, aud watertight boots. The remains appeared to have been in the water for about six months. At the inquest, held before Dr Stewart, a verdict of " Found dead" was returned. Before very long it is probable the question ■>f constructing a breakwater at Riverton will be brought before tho Legislature. We are not in possession of details, but are informed by parties competent to form an opini'Ui that the expenditure of four or five thou-.-md pounds in the construction of a brea'* water at the mouth of the Aparima woul i allow vessels drawing 14 or 15 feet of water to enter that river. Should the local deposes at Longwood or Mount Nightcap be extensively worked such extension of harbor accommodation as above indicsted will become a necessity. The unfavorable impression the immijEfran T -i introduced by Brogden and Co. into Sout'i'and created is a matter of colonial noloi i ity. Many of these men well earned the unenviable reputation they were credited with, but it is unfair to credit the whole with the bad qualities displayed by some. Many of the immigrants referred to, after quitting the employ of the leviathen contractors, found employment from the settlers, and it is but fair to state that a lavge proportion of these men proved valuable, trustworthy servants, and easily adapted themselves to colonial life. These latter seem well satisfied with their condition and prospects, and frequently draw comparisons between the wretched state of the laborer in the old country and the compartively independent and pleasant life men of that class enjoy in New Zealand. The Darwinian theory of development has received singular and unexpected illustration from Murihiku — the Province of Southland of days gone by. When the "matchless steed of the strong new world " first commenced to travel in that Province, cows and horses, apparently preferring the ballast on the line to grass as an article of diet, frequently impeded, and often brought to a stop, the engine, to the great disgust of travellers, and jeopardising — in the minds of the drivers — the third commandment. The aforementioned animals, however, seem to have acquired experience — for, as years have passed by, the stoppages have become less frequent, aud or late haye occurred go seldom as to have occasioned little or no inconvenience. If these animals are capable of receiving instruction and profiting thereby of the risky nature of straying on railway lines, to what pitch might their education be brought is a question some of our savans might well consider. AuotDßT.s to Gobb and Go's Coaches on the Dunedin and Tokomairiro line have, dur[?a the Ifvst twelve months, occurred with such frequency, that public- confidence in coaching as a means of locomotion is beginning to be shaken, and inquiries relative to the possibility of preventing the recurrence of such mishaps are passed on every side. Ifc seems inexplicable that on tho best road in the Province break-downs should so often happen, while on the unmade and dangerous roads of the interior accidents to the coachts of the same firm are of the greatest rarity We know, and the public know, that the drivers on the Tokomairiro and Dunodin line are careful, experienced, and thor< nghly reliable, and that the proprietors apparently do their best to promote the safety of the travelling public, but there must be a screw loo3e somewhere. The last breakdown occurred on Tuesday, the 23rd instant. When the up coach was within about 50 yards of M'Kegg's White House Hotel the near fore wheel rolled off, capsizing the vehicle. The passengers, seven in number including two females s r ere thrown out, fortuna,tly, none of them sustaining any injury. The horses were startled at the capsize, and playing up, broke the pole and bolted. The driver, Mr Carmichael, however, hglc], on to the reins. He was pulled off the box and dragged along the road till the horses reached the White House Hotel, when they stopped. The passengers were brought up to Milton in an express waggon. Singular to say, the coach was the same one £0 which the accident occurred a fortnight ago. which, after having received a, thorough overhaul, was on its first trip.

A large rush- is taking place from Hokitika to the Haast River. The brig Ottawa, from Lyttelton, has been totally wrecked at STew Plymouth, Taranaki. We are informed that it is likely Major Ooker will receive an appointment in the Civil Service. 33 x the capsizing of a boat in the Auckland, harbor on Tuesday, a fish erman named Fahey was drowned. A quantity of salmon ova arrived at Lyttelton, ou Wednesday, from Hobart Town. They wore found to be in fine "condition. Thf, ship Wild Duck, bonne! home from Adelaide, has put into Port Chalmers in a leaky state. The leak commenced when a few days out. AcconDixr, to a telegram in a contemporary one of the Maori members of the Legislative Council says the members of the House of Representatives are lunatics. This is the general opinion amongst sensible people. The annual Walking Show of Entires in | connection with the Clutha Agricultural and Pastoral Society is advertised, to take place on Tuesday, 7th inst. The annual meeting of the Association will be held the same afternoon. The Dunedin police have recently been having a raid against the unregistered dogs. ; The owners of several of these animals have ' been fined 40s each and costs. This is the lowest penalty allowed by the Act. We have heard of dogs having recently been seen in the pheasant covers in this neighborhood, Are they registered ? It is currently reported that Mr A. M'Laren has purchased Mr D. M'Callum's farm at L 8 per acre. for re-sale as advertised on the 27th inst. A race has been arranged to come off at West Taieri on 2nd October, between Mr Keid's " Outrani " and "Gamester." Both horses are in good condition and the event is attracting considerable attention. Two wood-cutters named Edward Clark and Alexander M'Kay are supposed to have been drowned in the Taieri river. They left their hut on the 10th inst. and pi'omised to return when they had completed the making, of a new raft. They have not been seen since the 12th, and the river has continued too high to permit of search being made for the bodies. Considerable danger has frequently been incurred by residents in the Forest Hill district, and by travellers, through the absence of bridges over the branches of the Makarewa at the Gap. We believe that these much needed works will shortly be commenced, and sincerely hope that they will be completed before another winter. These two bridges will afford access to 40,000 acres of country, and that, irrespective of the safety to travellers, is sufficient to warrant the expenditure of the required money. Business of every kind is apparently in a most prosperous condition in Milton at the present time, and all classes of artizans are fully employed. A considerable number of new buildings are i» progress. These include a Wesleyan Church, the new Postofiice, a School-house, a.krge boarding-hoii3e of two storeys, a ginger beer and cordial manufactoi'y, besides a number of very substantial dwelling-houses. Many of the vacaucies in the back streets are rapidly getting tilled up, and ground is high in price. Should the present rate of progress continue," as we hope it may, the township will shortly assume a very respectable appearance. Although we have of late had one or two fine mild spring days, the weather, as a rule, is still cold, wet, and stormy, most inclement for stock, and retarding all vegetation. The busy season for field work with agriculturists is fast passing over, but the ground has not, for sometime pa3t, been in a condition fit to be wrought. A. change is anxiously looked for by all parties. The Alhambra arrived at Hokitika, from Melbourne, on Wednesday, and brings the following items of news : — Melbourne, 17th September. — A reorganisation of the Public Works Department is proposed. — Mr Francis has declared that the House will sit until Christmas. — Flannel and blanket making is projected at Geelong. — The Alfred Graving Dock is finished. — The London line is interrupted, Sydney, 17th September. — The Permissive Bill is read the first time. — A private tramway company is formed. London, 13th September. — The Canadian loan of two millions is introduced. — The line is interrupted. ISfo further English news. Our local police desarvo much credit for the trouble they have taken in improving the camp grounds by planting trees, and ")ther\vise. They are, at the same time, to be congratulated upon the success which has attended their exertions in thi3 direction. Two year 3 ago, the planting of blue gums was commenced, and now, there are two rows along the frontage to the road, the trees being about eight feet high, they having grown six feet during last season. All round the paddock one row has been planned, and three rows along the hanl*.3 of the creek and gullies, and upon the various terraces, &c. In all, 2000 trees hare been planted, all grown from seed sown in a bed. upon the ground. That sown last spring ha 3 lately been transplanted, the trees being from ! three to four feet high. We. believe the grand excuse settler^ give for. not planting is the necessity for, and the expanse of erecting double fenoea to protect the joung trees. No such protection has been found necessary in the police paddock, which has been pastured the whole time, and out of the 2000 planted, only a dozen ' came to grief. The work has been performed in leisure half -hours, and h:vs in no way interfered with the ordinary duties of the men. The whole outlay in connection with the 'work is under twenty shillings, and in the course of ten years the timber will, in all probability, be wort'i about LlOOO. Surely such an example as this is worthy the attention of settlers and others throughout the plain, which might, in a very few years, be changed from a bleak, cold expanse of unsheltered ground into a picturesque landscape, pleasing to the eye, and warm and. comfortable both for man and beast. We would only add, that in the Tokomairiro Recreation Ground alongside the police domain, some trees lrave also been planted, and these have been protected by a substantial and expensive fence. The trustees should take a. look, first cm th,e one pictur^ and then on tl^e other,' and if they don't immediately order the wretched abortions, by courtesy called "trees," planted by them, to be thrown out, and quick-grQwing evergreens planted in their stead, they certainly .ought to resign their trust, so that the ground may be attended to by those who know how to unproye \t, and will take the. trouble to do so. The trees planted there are an eye-sore to every passer along the main road, and even for their own credit the trustees should have them removed.

During the ensuing summer it is more than probable that the coal deposits in the Longwood district will be thoroughly prospected, and their value ascertained beyond doubt. Captain Hutton some time ago reported very favorably upon them, and some enterprising colonists are evidencing their faith in that gentleman's opinion by embarking capital upon the strength of it. The effect upon the prosperity of Riverton and Southland generally, if these coal deposits ' ca,n be profitably worked, is iucalculable. It is expected a very large number of both horses and cattle will be brought forward for he Puerua Market on the 2nd proximo. In consequence of the state of the roads numbers have arranged for paddocking for a short time in the neighborhood, so that the stock may have both re3t and feed previous to being exhibited. These markets have hitherto proved very successful, but from present r.ppearances the forthcoming one will be the largest yet held in the district. As on former occasions, the National Bank will have a representative on the ground to facilitate the conduct of business.