The Dunstan Times. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1876.

Dunstan Times, Issue 766, 22 December 1876, Page 2

The Dunstan Times.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1876.

Beneath therale of men entirely just the pen is mightier than the sword.

Once again the opportunity occurs to ns of addressing our readers at Christmastide, and we do so upon this present occasion with feelings of manifest pleasure, not so much that we seize upon the opportunity of saying something about ourselves, as, according to established custom, the journalist is permitted to do at this particular season of the year. But rather that, with this issue of the newspaper, is ushered into being an important change in the politics of the Colony, which, if made the best use of by all parties concerned, cannot fail tobe productive of increased happiness and prosperity. While welcoming the advent of another Christmas, so must we also welcome the result of to-day’s elections as burying finally and for ever a worn out and decayed institution, which, although it had served us well during its youth , and vigor, like all other things of mundane existence, it required to be invested with f.-esh life, and from this forth we shall only have to record Provincial Governments and the enormous abuses which time permitted to creep into them, aq a mere matter of history. While welcoming Christmas with its concomitant coming fresh horn year we may be said—figuratively speaking—to be this lime putting off two old garments and clothing ourselves with new ones. Emancipated as we shall presently find ourselves from the shadow of what was one of the worst forms of oligarchy that ever was inflicted upon an advanced civilisation, we must, while welcoming the annual festive season of Christmas, also bid a welcome' to our new political existence under the County System which, with tho new, young life of the coming year, lays itself at our feet and bids us improve the opportunity which it presents. We will not enter into details just nov.‘, because the present is not the proper season ; we will therefore content ourselves by saying this much, that in the colonies on the Australain Continent the County System has worked most beneficially, and under its influence places which, at one time, were scarcely known have risen to first-class importance. AYe always had faith in the Dunstan, and in the town of old Clyde in particular, and although rival interests may have sot it down as in a chronic state of decay, it is not so for all that, it always possessed considerably more vitality than it was credited with, and there is one thing to be assured of, that, although a certain amountof decrepitude raav or may not exist, the plane.lives still, and year by year if we only look ■around us wo cau readily recognise many and various visible signs of improvement. Onrdetractorshave harped upon their favorite string of doleful melody for some eight years past, but they are as far off as ever from touching the final chord of our desolation, and wo think that if the fates arc no more against us than they ever have been, our enemies may go on whining away at their old tune for eight more

years, and then they will find the town of Clyde still having existence, and what is more, growing fat and kicking. We do not say this out of any spirit of rivalry, because wo always aro opposed to anything in tho shape of local jealousies, deeming such as only tho outcome of narrow-minded prejudice. Our policy has ever been to depend upon our merits, we ate satisfied to be judged by them, and we ask no more from our readers and supporters. This much said we think w6 may With'confidence, and we believe the feeling is reciprocated, wish our friends a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

We. the more readily publish the circular as under, addressed to Returning Officers, being aware that a very great difference of opinion exists on certain points relating to the qualification of electors and their power of voting. The circular, so far as we can see, shows that this difference of opinion is not confined to one place, but is general, and that there are several interpretations to be placed pn those parts of the Act above referred to, and the Government admitting this refuse to take the responsibility of interpreting, but thrust the onus on the shoulders of the returning office. The justice of this we will not question, but we cannot but think it was the Government’s duty to make the Act clear. One of the points in dispute is the right of the holder of a miner’s right. Some hold to the opinion that a miner’s right is only available in the riding in which the holder resides ; others hold that at every subsequent election to the first election such will be the ca-e, but at the tii at election a miner’s right issued in the Electoral District, which comprises one or more ridings of a county, is a good qualification in any part of a county, irrespective of the residence of the holder, and advance in support of their argument the section of the Counties Act, headed “ Provisions for First Election,” which on the point says—- “ For the purposes of the First Elections to be held under the Act the following persons shall be deemed to be County Electors within each riding 1. Every person who is entitled for the time being to vote at a Road Board Election in any Riding. 2. Every person entitled to vote at an election of members of the House of Representatives upon a qualification in any outlying district in the riding. 3. Any legal holder of a miner's right ichich shall have been issued within the Electoral District in which the riding or part thereof is including not less than three months prior to the election. This latter sub-section which we have purposely put in italics we cannot but think is plain enough, and we think that all returning officers who act up to it will be carrying out the intention of the Act. Circular. Minister’s Office, Custom House, December IC, IS7G. Sir, A number of questions having been raised as to the interpretation of those provisions of the Statutes under which the County elections are being conducted, it has been deemed advisable to impress upon Returning Officers that they are themselves to be the judges of the Reading and Intention thereof: and that any explanation which may have been given from this Oflioe in answer to questions submitted are not to be taken as in any way relieving them from any of the responsibilities which under the Acts devolve upon them. Having been put in possession of the Acts in question it rests with Returning Officers to act, subject to the instructions from tbe Colonial Secretary, upon their own interpretation of the same or upon such advice as they may see fit to take for their own guidance, the Government being anxious to abstain from interfering, or in any way seeming to interfere with Returning Officers, whoso duties are sufficiently defined by the Acts referred to. I have to request you to publicly notify tlie return of the person or persons who may be elected for your Riding. I have the honor to be, Sir, Your most obedient Servant, Geo. M‘Lean. The Returning Officer. Later Sydney telegrams announce the defeat of the English cricketers by the N.S. Wales team. In another column will he found the programme of the Clyde Caledonian Sports to be held cm the Recreation Ground on Boxing Day. We have received and acknowledged with thanks part 2 of vol. 1 of the New Zealand Justice of the Peace from the publisher, Mr R. T. Wheeler, of Dunedin. The Victorian Government have telegraphed Home for 20,000 tons of railway rails. It is evidently intended to push the railway system- “ The Mining on Private Properties’ Bill” hasbeen rejected again by tbe Legislative Council of Victoria, after having been passed five times by the Legislature. The Lake District Jockey Club Race Meeting will be held on the Frankton Race Course on Thursday and Friday, the 11th and I2th January, 1877. when the total sum of about L 230 will be run for. The nomination of candidates for the Queenstown Riding. Lake County, which was held on Wednesday the 13th instant, resulted in the return, unopposed, of Messrs C. C. Boyes and M. J, Malaghan. A country gentleman in Taranaki boiled down a large dog for the sake of the fat. He was absent for a time, and when he returned ho found that the cook had been frying the stakes and onions with that fat. Valuable Discovery for the Hair. If your hair is turning grey or white, or falling off, use the Mexican Hair Renewer,” for it will positively restore in every case Grey or While hair to its original color, without leaving the disagreeable smell of most “ Restorers.” It makes the hair charmingly beautiful, as well as promoting the growth of the hair on bald spots, where the glands are not decayed. Ask your Chemist for “The Mexican Hair Renewer," prepared by Henry C. Gallup, 493, Oxford Htrcet, London, and sold by Chemists and Perfumers everywhere, at 3s 6d per Bottle,

According to English news the Australian kangaroo btoeds freely in England. We have been requested to notify that a social daued-will bo hold sft tho Town-hall on Boxing Night. A small charge will bo made for admission simply to defray the expense of lighting and cleaning. The Hobart Town Mercury states that Salmon is now regularly sold by all tho fishmongers in that city at 6d per ib. Two fishermen caught 16 salmon in one night by a single net. Some of the fish weighed upwards of 151b each. They aro making flour in England by crashing the grain with a machine formed of innumerable little trip hammers. A mill of that kind costing L 250 will make as much Hour as an ordinary mill costing L 1200.' We have been requested by the Secretary of the Dunstan District Hospital to acknowledge tho receipt of a case of wine as a Christmas gift, for tho use of patients in the above Institution, 'from Mr J. Hazlett, of the firm of Mackerras and Hazlett, Merchants, Dunedin. At the bankruptcy sitting of the Supremo Court on Monday last, the National Bank, as creditors, petitioned to have Joseph Mackay late of the Bruce Herald adjudicated a bankrupt. His Honor decided to give judgment on Friday next. The Anniversary Day at Christchurch on Saturday last was a complete holiday. The athletic sports were attended by 12,000 persons, and during an interval in the races Mr Rolleston, late Superintendent, was presented with a testimonial plate and a sum of money, valued at LBCO. A piece of land in London, about an acre in extent, in the new street formed by the demolition of Northumberland House, has just been let by the Metropolitan Board of Works at an annual rental of L 58,000, the lease being for 90 years. The site has three frontages, and is one of the best in Loudon for shops. The Wakatip Mail says :—Parties have been again stealing and killing the trout that were in Mr Rowell’s garden. Consequently, Mr Mackin, who had charge, determined to liberate in the stream at HalfWay Bay all that were left alive—some 200, tho result of 1000 live ova. At the sitting of the Waste Lands Board held on Wednesday tho 13th instant, Mr j. C. Chappie wrote complaining of stock being allowed to trespass on block I, Tiger HiU Listrict, and the Crown Lands adjoining.—The Board, being unable to interfere in the matter, recommended the applicant to adopt his legal remedies. It has not been officially announced, though from good authority We learn that the first meeting day 'of the County Council has been fixed for Thursday the 4th of January, 1877—the place of meeting, however has Pot been decided on. Subscribers to the funds of the Dunstan District Hospital are reminded that the annual meeting will take place during tho last week in January next, and that no one is entitled to vote or speak at such meeting unless a subscriber of Ll la 30 days before the day of meeting. The Postmaster courteously informs us that on Christinas Day -'Sted on New Year’s day, he will for the convenience of the public sort and deliver the Mails arriving on those days from 9 till half past 9 in the morning, and from 5 till half past 5 in the evening, and that the up-country Mails f«r Cromwell and Queenstown closes at the Clyde Office at 10 a.m. sharp on those days. The London Standard publishes tho following letter:—“A Turko-Russian Alliance. —Sir -This morning I married Thomas Turk to Jane Russ May this fact be taken as an omen for good in respect to the nego tiations'now going on at Constantinople? Or would you regard it as emblematic of evil ’—Yours, Richd. Oscar T. Thorpe, M» A., Incumbent of Christ Church, Camberwell.” A Daily Times telegram of the 18th instant from Invercargill says:—A fire occurred last night at 9.30. in a stable at the back of the Albion Hotel, a part of which was occupied by Cobb and Co. All the horses were got out with difficulty, one having a very narrow escape. The fire started in Cobb and Co,’ stables. The origin is not known. No blame is attached to the groom. Tho building was insured in the New Zealand office for L 250. The Collector to the Dunstan District Hospital informs us that at a canvass of the shearing shed of tho Ida Valley Station, D. Stronach, Esqi, Manager, in aid of the funds of tho Institution, he succeeded in obtaining the handsome sum of nearly L2O sterling. If every shed in the Dunstan district were to come forward as liberally, a very handsome New Year’s gift might be handed over to the management. ZEglea says there are some remarkably rich people living in tho suburbs of Melbourne. In somo cases the hospitality of the establishment is not quite on a par with its resources. In one instance this was neatly summed up by tho coachman, who declined to believe that a visitor had been asked to stay for a week. “No fear,” said old Mahogany-tops, “when visitors como to our house they breakfast before they start, they bring their lunch with them, and they leave before dinner time !” Apvice to Mothers !--Aro you broken in your rest by a sick child suffering with tho pain of cutting teeth ? Go at once to a chemist and get a bottle of Mrs. Winslow’s Soothing Svßop. It will relieve the poor sufferer immediately. It is perfectly harmless and pleasant to taste, it produces natural quiet sleep, by relieving the child from pain, nnd the little cherub awakes “ as bright as a button.” It soothes the child, it softens the guns, allays all pain, relieves wind, regulates tho bowels, and is tho best known remedy for dysaentery and diarrhoea whether nvising from teething or other causes. Mrs Winslow’s Soothing Syrup is sold by Medicine dealers everywhere at Is lid per bottle. Manufactured at 493 Ox-ford-street, London.

Tho notice of camera ia directed to the advertisement in another column by Mr Rees, Manager of the Galloway Station, that ho has wool for carriage to Dunedin at tho rate of L 6 per ton. The Cromwell Argus says Mr Charles Colclough on Friday submitted to cornpetition tho privileges connected with tho annual Races. The attendance was very pood but, Whether owing to the present depress, ed times or what we cannot say, the bidding was not nearly so spirited as on former occasions. The VaridUs lots of booth and stand, saddling paddock, right to sell fruit and cards, were disposed of at figures scarcely coming up to to last year’s prices by one half—tho total amount realised being L7O 10s. Mr J. Lawrence of Quartzvillo secured tho booth and stand. At a conference held in London Under the presidency of tho Duke of Westminster, at Which tho Earl of Shaftesbury and many members of Parliament were present, a thousand delegates from different parts of the country also attended. Amongst the speakers was Gladstone. Ho condemned the ambiguous policy of the English Government, and said the nation had a right to expeot it to be more explicit with respect to its intentions. He said the English nation were unanimous against defending Turkey, and urged cordial co-operation with Russk / on behalf of the Christians of Scrvia, Bulgaria, and -other provinces. The editor of the Western Star having received a letter signedTichborne,” in declining to insert it says Were we even sure the remarks were called for, we should have some hesitation iu publishing tho effusion, owing to the underhand and cowardly manner in which it seems to have been indited. We take this opportunity of informing our correspondent that we most certainly decline to publish such unmanly contributions, and recommend him to vent his spleen in some Other manner ; and if ho cannot do so, to try some other medium than our columns. Two accidents from the careless use of blasting powder ocouared on a sub-contract of the road leading from Butcher’s Gully to Conroy’s Gully. The first occurred through the jumping out of a charge that had hung fire ; the other, from the playing with and firing powder in the open air ; in each case a man was most most seriously injured, and had to be conveyed to the Dunstan Hospital, where they now he in a, though not dangerous, yet in a had state. Mr M’Connoohie informs us that tho portion of the road where both accidents occurred he hau sub-let, and therefore was beyond hit control, therefore no blame is to be attached to him. Floriltne ! For the Tet'th and Breath.— A few drops of the liquid “ Fieri, ine ” sprinkled on a wet tooth-brush produces a pleasant lather, which thoroughly cleanses the teeth from all parasites or imparities, hardens the gums, prevents tartar, stops decay, gives to the teeth a peculiar pearly-whiteness, and a delightful fragrance to the breath. It removes all unpleasant odour arising from decayed teeth or tobacco smoke. “The Fragrant Floriliue,” being composed in part of Honey and sweet herbs, is delicious to the taste, and the greatest toilet discovery of the age. Price 2s 6d, of all Chemists and Perfumers. Prepared by Henry C. Gallup, 403 Oxford Street, London. A trotting match against time took place at Mosgiel on Saturday last. Mr John Maclean s horse, Rattler, was hacked to run a mile in three minutes. Tho course was s mile of tho road between Silverstream and Mosgiel. Mr Yeend rode the horse, which trotted splendidly, never breaking its pace. The first time the Course was run, the timekeeper s watch stopped, and so the event was undetermined. The general opinion was that the horse did the distance in three minutes. Upon the course being run a second time, the result was still undecided. Ghe watch made the time 3 minutes 6 seends, and two others made it under the 3 minutes—one giving the time as 2 minutes 30 seconds, No decision was therefore come to definitely as to whether the horse had won or lost the race.—Guardian. The party at work on the Deep Leads Blacks No, 3, continue following up t 1 lead, with what results, however, it is be' yond our power to Say, hut we ascertained that the returns over and above working expenses, which are in no way- insignificant were equal to good wages and a prospect of something better. Off and on this lean baa been at -work for a number of years with various results, some parties making a good thing out of it, others losing. With an engine to draw the water from tho deep ground, ahd plenty of timber, the Deep L»ad of Blacks No. 3 should be one of tho best paying claims in Otago. If, with the primitive means as has been employed to contend against tho many difficulties that impede tho working, good wages and expenses can be made, there can he no doubt but with every convenience a fortune could be made, A Case involving a question of much interest to runholders and farmers was heard before Mr Simpson, R.M., at Blacks, on Tuesday last. The claim was for LSO damages for loss occasioned by the trespass of defendant’s sheep (Mr Davidson, of Matakanui Station) on tho farm of plaintiff (Mr J. G. Chappie) at Tiger Hill. Mr F. JWilson, for the defence contended, that plaintiff not having sufficient fences in accordance with tho Waste Lands Actnndtha Fencing Ordinance no damages could b« claimed. Plaintiff held that he did not require any fences, as ho originally took op tho ground under the Goldfields Act .Agricultural Lease Regulations ; ho had, however, brought tho land within the deferred payment clauses of the Waste Lands Act. He (plaintiff) further contended strongly that it was tho duty of owners of shcop and cattlo to prevent them from trespassing and not for him to fence. Mr Simpsoh said, the case being tho first that has cropped up he would take time to consider, and would reserve judgment till tho first sitting in Janu* I ary of the Clyde Court.

Tho Evening Star’s Cromwell correspoml--ent telegraphed the following—“ Considerable interest is being manifested in these (Riding) elections, tho favorites being— l Eor Hawea, Messrs Colclough and Cameron ; for Nevis, Mr Crombie or Mr Little. Mr Pyke represents the strongest constituency in the County, and his unopposed return shows tho confidence reposed in him notwithstanding tho persecution of a section of the Dunedin Press.” Mr Henry Mandcrs, M.H.R., Writes our Arrowtown correspondent addressed his constituolits on Tuesday evening last at the Library Hall there, anenthis doings in Wellington. The (Honorable Member made a most excellent speech, which appeared to give universal satisfaction to his hearers, and an universal vote of confidence was passed. His Worship the Mayor, Mr R. Pritchard, Wfet in the Chair. Our correspondent further says ’that fresh elections will have to be called for the Ridings of Matukituki and Cardrona ift Lake County, the Returning Officers by their erratic conduct having invalidated them. In the first instance two different days of nomination and polling places were advertised, which so bewildered candidates and their nominators, that they did not know whe r e 'to go to, while others withdrew, refusing to be humbugged. At Cardrona two different dates of nomination were advertised, and the whole thing will require being done over again. The Escort returns for the month as published in another column, is evidence that the yield of gold in soma portions of the Dunstan district, at all events, is not on the wane, to the contrary it proves that there are as equally good fish in the sea as ever were caught, or in other words that, there are as equally rich claims now as ever—these remarks apply to the Blacks’ division of tke Dunstan district, which includes Drybread, Tinker’s and Devonshire. At Tinker’s, especially, the claims we learn are yielding very handsomely, and 'but for a parcel of between 200 'fend 300 ounces, which found its way to Cromwell, the Escort for the mouth from Blacks would have been greater than for many years past. It is a wonder it doss not occur to tho miners that by sending their gold out of ’■their district, so as to swell the Escort of another, and thereby add to its dignity and importance, that they ncit only rob their own district of its just dues, but that they are actually injuring themselves. It is no rumor that has reached us that parcels of gold were sold to a Cromwell gentleman, it is a fact, but we hope the sellers will not continue a course which to any thinking man must appear suicidal. Holloway’s Ointment and Pills.— The finest remedies iii the "wArl'rl for bad legs, old wounds, sores, ulcers. If used accordng to directions given with them, there is no wound, bad leg, ulcerous sore, however ■obstinate or long standing, but will yield to their healing "and curative properties. Numbers of persons who have been patients in several of the largo hospitals under the ' care of eminent surgeons without deriving the slightest benefit, have been thoroughly ' cured by Holloway's Ointment and Pills. For glandular swellings, tumors, scurvy, and diseases of the skin there is no medi- ' cine that can be used with 're salutary an affect. In fact, in fee worst fdVras of disease, dependent upon the condition of ’the blood, these medicines, used conjointly, ■ are irresistible. Wo bear, on good authority, that the quartz reefs at Ron gh Ridge are turning out remarkably well, the last cleaning down at Mr Withers’ small battery yielding for 'threo weeks’ running 5520z5. of amalgam. The stone from which this large amount of gold was obtained is said to have been taken from an immense heap of stone that Mr Withers has been engaged for some time past in raising, and the yield from what is left it is expected will be equally as good as that operated upon. Mr Withers Das been now for a very many years working and employing labor on the ! re4fs, during which time ho has spent no end of capital, and we are well-pleased that his perseverance and industry has been rewarded. W,c do not hear whether this rich stone was taken from ono of tho old reefs or from something newly discovered ; but which ever it is the fact is nil the Same, a'very rich'deposit has been struck, and we shall be but little surprised if it is not tho cause of a'largo rush. Mr Ulrich in his report on the reefs of the Province says :--“The reefs of tho Rough Ridge vary in strike, though not at large angles, and’most are n6t traceable far in strike. They are generally not so well defined as those of Bendigo, and Seem liable to frequent irregularities iu strike and dip, contractions, and more especially to being faulted by slides ; but these Unfavorable features are apparently tho result of surface disturbance only, and may disappear in depth. It is not uncommon, both at Bendigo and the Rough Ridge, that reefs split in strike into branches, which, though deviating at first from, assume gradually again the strike of the main reef, and run thus pretty close and parallel together, some increasing to the same, nr even a greater thickness than that shown by the latter. . - I was much astonished to see so many of the reefs and claims neglected (at tho Rough Ridge over 20 claims were once ■worked, whilst fit present only a single one); but the reason was explained to me to consist partly in the high prices charged for ■crushing, partly in expensive cartage, and more especially in tho want of enterprising miners, those who worked the top havin'' become afraid of the hard work and expense required in contending with the water. With regard to the prospects of the roofs in depth, I consider them, where tho reefs are well defined, as very favorable, both as concerns persistency in auriferous character and regularity in average size. . . . They promise at greater depth to become more highly charged with metallic sulphides (iron aud arsenical pyrites, galena, xincblende, Ac.) than in any of tho reefs of the other districts I examined. Timely attention to improvements in tho gold-saving appliances 'is ffiereforc highly advisable.”

Throat Arm-noNa and Hoarseness. ■All suffering from.irritation of the throat aud hoarseness will bo .agreeably surprised at the almost immediate relief (ifforded by the use of “Brown’s Bronchial Troches.’ These famous “lozenges” are now sold by most respectable chemists in this country at 1s lsd per box. People troubled with a ‘ hacking cough,” a “slight cold,” or bronchial affections, cannot try them too soon, as similar troubles, if allowed to progress, result in serious Pulmonary and Asthmatic affections. See that the words “ Brown’s Bronchial Troches” are on the Government Stamp around'each box.—Manufactured by John I. BroWn ft Sons, Boston, United States. Depot, 493 Oxford-street, London. The Tuapeka Times says --“ An unfortunate yoitng man named Buckley was arrested finder a charge of lunacy on Thursday It appears that he had been working for sometime on Greenfield Station, and came to Lawrence with a deposit receipt, and a sum of money in notes. From What we can glean the delusion under which he labored was that it any person knew he had a large sum of money on him he Would be robbed and murdered. On Wednesday evening, whilst under this hallucination, he says that he threw the money and deposit receipt into the Wetherstoue’a tailings, and afterwards declared he was happy without it. On Thursday Sergeant Shury, in compary with Buckley, made strict seirch, but was unable to find the lost property. Buckley is now under temporary restraint, pending medical examination.” Asad case of suicide took place at Saddle Hill'dnthe morning'bf the 15th instant at 5 o’clock. The school-master, named John Meikle, who had been for some days previous complaining, went 'deliberately into the hush anil cut his throat. He was very much respected, and took an active interest in the Good Templar movement. A Coroner’s inquest, before Dr Hocken, was held, on Saturday afternoon, when evidence was given by Margaret Meikle, sister of the deceased, and otheis, to the effect that he had been complaining of illness recently, was low spirited, 'and was attended by Dr Fletcher ; but no fears were aroused concerning him. On Thursday evening he went out for his customary walk, but being away longer than usual search was instituted, and he was found lying in the bush with his throat cut and an open razor by his side. Deceased had only been in the Colony about a year, and was much respected. A verdict that the deceased committed suicide whilst under temporary insanity was returned.