The Dunstan Times. FRIDAY, JUNE 27, 1879.

Dunstan Times, Issue 897, 27 June 1879, Page 2

The Dunstan Times.

FRIDAY, JUNE 27, 1879.

Beneath the rule of men entirely just the pen is mightier than the swoRB.

The Suez Mail closes on Monday next the 30th instant, at 1 p.m. We notice that the Government have arranged to employ the unemployed in and around Dunedin in formation of the works of the second section of the Strath-Taicri Railway. The first section of the line, for which the contract is signed, and work already commenced, is the only really difficult piece, from thence upwards being all plain sailing ; we think tho Government in having the work done by day labor exhibit a most commendable spirit, shewing not ah ne that they are most anxious to push ahead with the line, but at the same time to find employment for those who unfortunately from a variety of causes are in want of it. As a rule wo do not believe in tho system of day labor, where the work can be contracted for, at the same time hold to the maxim that, there is no rule without an exception, an dare therefore ready to admit that the present is an exceptional case, and consequently agree to it.

The question of tree planting is one we have so frequently drawn attention to in these columns, that for fear of a rebuff we are almost afraid to again refer to it; but as it is one of the most vital importance to the real and true welfare of the district, and as the present season is the best for planting, we again refer to it. The squatter, the farmer, the cotter, and the town lands owner are equally interested, and it is passing strange that year is allowed to follow year without more attention being paid to the ’ornamentation and improvement of properties than is observable. From what has been done in the district, it is clear that it is but to dig a bole and put a tree in for it to grow. The outlay in no one instance would be worth mentioning, while the benefits to be derived by a systematic planting, so as to afford shelter for cattle and for ornamentation purposes would be considerable, amt would repay the outlay in a very few years.

We wish to remind the proper authorities that it is nearly six months since a block of land was surveyed and sectionized in Ida Valley, and lithographed plans prepared, and that it is fully three months since the block on Mouterie run was surveyed, yet nothing has been done to put cither in the market. What is the meaning of it, is it meant to throw open the same to competition, or is it meant that the present season should pass over so as to render the laud useless for next year’s crops ? The conduct of the authorities in this particular is so far open to question that we would rather the question of opening was answered for us. It will he well for all hotelkeepers and others who have been granted licenses for the ensuing year, to remember that license fees must be paid to either the County or Borough authorities on or before Monday, the 30th inst.

Tenders will be received till noon to-day, (or telegraphic tenders it presented by the same hour), at the Public Works Office, Dunedin, for building Gaol at Queenstown. We have been requested to state that the building is somewhat similar to the gaols at Clyde and Arrow town. Mr Fache requests us to again draw attention to the sale of superior household furniture, Ac., the properly of Mr Warden Simpson, on Wednesday next, at 2 o’clock. From our exchanges we notice that snow was very general throughout Otago in the beginning of the week. The work of prospecting the newly discovered quartz reef at Conroy’s Gully is being carried on energetically. The party who have taken it up have applied for a Lease, shewing they are thoroughly in earnest, and have faith in it turning out well.

During the sitting oi the District Court held at Queenstown on the 9th instant, before Judge Harvey, the Wakatip Mail re-

ports the following:—“ Mr Finn complained that an important case had been heard that day at Arrowtown, although in consequence of being engaged in the District Court, he had asked Mr Stratford to adjourn it. This was not the first time counsel wati treated thus, and a great injustice was done to litigants. Mr Tarton corroborated above remarks. His Honor did not know whether he could do anything in the matter unless counsel asked him to represent it to the Government. The subject then dropped.” The most acceptable fact we have had to chronicle for some time past is that our local baker (Mr Bell), has reduced the price of the four pound loaf to Bd, with full weight. We hope an increased consumption will enable Mr Bell, not only to maintain this price, but if possible to still lower it.

So far as we can understand Sir Warden Keddell will arrive at Clyde on Saturday next, and that he will hold his first Court at Alexandra on Monday next.

Mr Stout has decided that he will send in his resignation.

The following notices affecting this district are Gazetted : Andrew Ferguson, of Tuapeka, to be a J.P. ; W. L. Simpson to be R.M. for Dunedin ; Jackson Keddell to be R.M. for the Otago Goldfields ami Warden of all Wardens’ Courts in Otago ; Alexander Ferguson to be a member of the Licensing Courts for the district of Tuapeka.

We would again remind our readers that the concert in aid of the funds of the Mannherikia Bridge. takes nlace this evening at Alexandra. It will he followed by a dance. Besides those lartics and gentlemen whose names appear in the advertised programme, Mrs Aldred, Miss Finlay, and Mrs Austin will contribute towards the enjoyment of the evening. To-morrow (Saturday) Mr Fache will sell by auction a comfortable four-roomed iron house and a selection of household furnituro on the premises of Mr Murphy, opposite the schoolmaster’s residence. Full particulars in our advertising columns. It the lecture to be delivered by the Rev T. E. Ash on Wednesday evening next, in the Town Hall, Clyde, be equal to the one he recently delivered, a great treat is in store for his audience. The subject chosen is “ London.” W. L Simpson, Esq., will occupy the chair, and the proceeds will be given in aid of the funds of the Dunstan District Hospital. This alone should be sufficient to cram the hall.

We have been shown a sample of scoured wool prepared by Messrs James Brown and Go., of the Spring Vale Fellmongery. It is but a small parcel, and is intended to be sent to the Sydney Exhibition. We are informed that the wool has been prepared by a new process, the invention of the firm, and from its appearance we shall be very much surprised if it does not hold its own with some of the best -Australian and New Zealand exhibits.

At the sitting of the Land Board held at Dunedin on the 18th instant, the application of Mr William M'Endoe to purchase under deferred payment lease, section 1, block 11, Tiger Hill, was granted.—The District Land Officer at Clyde forwarded a report on the application of James Tamblyn to purchase ten acres adjoining section 37, block 11, Teviot East, in which he recommended that after it had been advertised to be offered for sale at L 3 per acre, with 1.30 or L4O valuation for improvements. —lt was decided that the request could not be entertained until the land had been advertised, in accordance with section 18 of the Act.

It is understood that, in the present state of the revenue and falling off of the land returns, the Government will not propose a further reduction of Customs duties this year. All the ranges surrounding the Valley of the Dunst.m have received during the week a thick coat of snow, greatly to the delight of the miners, who look to the snow for a supply of summer water. The snow fall being late this season, the sheep-owners will not experience similar losses of their flocks as they did last year. The survey party under Mr Campbell, who is surveying off the area on Earnsolengh run, are making good progress. From what we can learn, however, but a very little of the land pointed out to the Commissioners at the time the Block was selected will be included. If some of the pegs pointed out to us are in the Block, we can only say that instead of some of tbe best land being selected it is the very worst excepting may be as “ gravel reserves.” At the Supreme Court, Dunedin, last Monday, Frederick William Hoffman applied for his order of discharge. After hearing evidence, the bankrupt’s certificate was suspended for twelve months. A passenger by the Aconcagua from Melbourne to London speaks of a fellow passenger (Captain Barry) as follows : - “ Captain Barry was a first-class steerage passenger (Ll6 and all found). He was constantly boasting that he had 1285 acres of land at Palmerston, and I do not know how many cattle on it. He said he was going Home to start a company, as he had found copper on his estate, some very fine specimens of which he claimed to have with him. I consider him to be a very low and illiterate man.”

We are requested to draw attention to the sale by auction of a valuable water-race &0., at Ophir. on Tuesday, bv Mr Facbe. Full particulars are published in our advertising columns.

Now in the press, and will shortly be published, by Mills, Dick and Co., of Dunedin, “ The Old Identities, or the First Decade in the History of the Province,” by One of Themselves. This book is written in an easy, racy style, by a gentleman of considerable literary experience, and who has been identified with the Province since

its formation. It is proposed by this publication to preserve from oblivion many interesting historical Facts, Narratives of Events, Amusing Incidents, and Information of the early days of the Colony. It will be embellished with humorous fac simile sketches from the portfolio of the late James Brown ; some of which are already familiar to the early Settlers To Old Identities it will be most interesting ; bringing to their recollection reminiscences of the days of hardship and toil in many cases, but to which most of them look back with feelings of regret. To the New Arrival it will give a vivid description of the life and labor of the Pilgrim Fathers of Otago, and of the toils and hardships which they underwent in building up the Colony. The total receipts on the New Zealand railways for the four weeks ending May 3rd, was 1,74,603 ISs lid, as compared with L 59,231 Os 2d for the corresponding period last year. The total receipts during the financial year to the termination of the four-weekly period mentioned has been 1.643,663 Is 51, and the total expenditure L 441,230 7s 4d, which leaves the percentage of expenditure to receipts at CS.3O On the Chrit-tchnrch-lnvercargill section the total receipts for the four weeks was L 59.229 11s 9d, and for the corresponding period last year L 47.298 17s 7d. New Zealand will have a representative at the intercolonial sculling match to be held at Melbourne. Mr Hearn, of Wellington, the well-known boating man is undergoing careful training, and will probably leave here for Victorian waters about the end of the present month. For the last four years Mr Hearn has pulled in winning boats in most of the big events in the sculling contests. He has invariably beea successful.

The Tuapeka Times says “ A gentleman named Wilson, who has lately been acting as Assistant Engineer in the Government service at Jackson’s Bay, and who has been exposed to exceptionable hardships, was brought overland to Cromwell last week, said to be suffering from rheumatic fever. From thence he was brought on to the Tuapeka Hospital, to be near Dr Stirling. This we understand was bis special request. On arrival by eoaoh on Saturday last, he was met by I)r Withers, and conveyed to the Hospital, where he was placed under Dr Stirling’s care. It was found that ‘instead of it being rheumatic fever, he was laboring under typhoid fever. Mr Wilson, we learn, is a son of Judge Wilson, of the Native Band Court, Tauranga." The body of a man, supposed to be John M‘Gregor, was found floating in the ha;hour, Oaraaru, on the 19th inst. The body was disfigured beyond recognition, and had evidently been in the water for some time. The only clue to the unfortunate man's name is found in some papers in the pockets of his do! hes, winch are receipts for certain sura' 1 of money from John M‘Gregor. A large sum of money was on the body, and also some deposit receipts for nearly LoOO from a bank in Cromwell. It is supposed he had been a shepherd at Clyde, and was going to the steamer late at night when he fell off the wharf. The Cromwell Argus has ascertained that the man referred to had been for three years a shepherd at Ivlorven Hills station. He recently went into the

employ of Mr Fraser, of Wauaku, ami about six weeks ago started with a flock of sheep for Timaru.

Much commotion was caused recently at Saudridge by a rumour that Kate Kelly, sister of the two outlaws, was in town. The rumour proved to be correct, and the detectives kept strict watch upon her movements, as the City of Adelaide was to leave in the afternoon. The inference drawn was that the Kellys intended to leave by that vessel.

Thirty ounces of gold per day ! The fortunate recipient of this lucky turn of Dame Fortune’s wheel is Mr John Holverson, a hard-working, persevering miner, who has been engaged in the search for the precious metal, with but indifferent success, for the last fourteen or fifteen years on the slope of the range dividing the Strathtaieri and Deep Dell, near the Fillyburn and Wheelbarrow Creeks, and about four miles from Hyde. The deposit containing the gold is about three feet in depth, aud consists of a loose, rotten, white quartz, and white slate. The claim is situated in a depression on the hill side, at the confluence of several blind gullies. To get rid of the natural drainage, a tunnel some 100 yards in length had to be constructed through a solid bar of reef into Fillyburn Creek. A line of wooden rails, on which trucks filled with the washdirt travel, has also been laid through a cutting for a distance of 100 yards to where the boxes or “ toms ” are situated, and where the gold is extracted. Mr Holverson’s good luck is a well merited reward for the patience and perseverance displayed by him in the many years ’labor undergone, and the considerable Outlay incurred, as well as the realisation, we believe, of an oft-repeated prognostication that he would find good gold in that particular locality Whether the rich nature of the ground is of limited area will soon be tested, as several claims have already been pegged off both above and in a line with Holverson’s claim, and one party has sunk a shaft immediately on the boundary, which when bottomed should indicate the direction, thegoidhas travelled. There cannot be a doubt as to the existence of a large extent ot auriferous country in this direction. Several places in the immediate neighbourhood became famous in years past for their remarkable rich finds ot gold, and in our opinion this recent develoomont is only one among many that judicious prospecting might bring to light.—Mount Ida Chronicle.

At the Auckland Police Court on the 24th instant, Fred. W. Colson, formerly a clergyman, and a man of high attainments, was brought up on a charge of vagrancy. Accused said he could not plead guilty, as he had sixpence in his pocket? and if the Bench would grant a remand he would explain his position. The police said'the Court could have no idea of prisoner’s filthy con-

dition. The best way would be to send him to prison, and give him time to think. He was sentenced to three months imprisonment.

The Waipori correspondent of the Daily Times says :—“ Operations on the Chinamen’s reef will be commenced on Wednesday next, when six men will be put on to sink the shaft. A Chinese manager, who has had considerable experience of quartz and alluvial mining on the Australian goldfields, has been engaged, and none bnt Chinese labour will be employed unless the employment of European turners is absolutely necessary, which the manager thinks improbable. They will commence next week to take the levels of a race which they intend to cut in from Reedy Creek, and which will carry six sluice-heads of water. When the shaft is completed, 15 men will be employed, and should the prospects obtained warrant it, a 10-head battery will be erected. The company has a capital of L 2500, in shares of LI each. When first discovered the reef was named T the “Canton,” but the present proprietors have altered this name to “l ee Yick,” which, being translated, signifies “ The Beneficial,” and it is to be hoped that the reef will prove worthy of the name.” We (Tapanni Courier) have heard of two travellers on one of the main roads to Tapanui on a recent frosty night, who called at an accommodation house and asked for drinks. Whether the landlord had been recently converted we are not told, but after enumerating most of the )iqueurs usually supplied by the keepers of hotels, the wayfarers were told by the host that he had all those articles in stock, hut they were of such a quality that he would not offer then to “ gentlemen,” and he intended to semi them all hack —he did not say where to ! The travellers took the only thing he could recommend, namely, a little “ gin ” which they put away, bnt made some very peculiar grimaces in doing so—which would hardly lead one to imagine they liked it—and drove on, with the expressed desire of becoming Good Templars on their arrival in Tapauui, and thereby presenting the recurrence of a similar episode in future.

Referring to the mining revival at Ballarat, the local Star writes :—“ The problem of the richness of quartz at great depths is not solved, as some persons have supposed, for these lodes are not very distant from the original surface of the schist, hut it is quite possible that they may be found to pay for even thousands of feet. On this point nothing need he said at piesent ; it suffices to be able to say that a new e' a has been begun, which may leal to a mist unexpected development of auriferous resources. The country around the old rich gutters must he full of quartz lodes, and it is probable that the working of them will reveal enormous riches, and solve the Sebastopol drainage problem. We have a genuine revival at last, and one whose limits it will be idle to attempt to define.

The Pao (Shanghai) in a recent issue publishes a letter from a mandarin in Shansi, North China, relating to the famin“-strick‘ ii districts. In the Tai-yuan Fu, the capital of the province, and its suburbs, the Government Burial Board buried nolesstlian 1‘2,000 corpses of persons who died of typhus, whose relations were tco poor to provide for their funerals. The number of mandarins who died of fever was about 300. In the four southern departments, Pingyang Fu, Chiaug Chow, and Chiai Chow, only about three-tenths of the population remain, the rest being dead or gone elsewhere. In the two districts of Vauuch and Hocking, in Chiang Chow, only one-tenth is left. Cannibalism has become too common to be taken any notice of. People who have money left are afraid to have public funerals when members of their families die, lest they should attract attention and the bodies he eaten.

A gentleman of great experience in the commercial world cashed a cheque at a London bank for LIOOO, taking the whole in LIOO notes. He was only a few yards from the bank when a person resembling a clerk, bareheaded, and with a pen behind his ear, touched him on the shoulder, saying, “ Beg your pardon, sir, will you allow me just to take the number of these notes again? I won’t keep you a minute.” The gentleman, taken off his guard, handed the notes over to the supposed clerk, whom he followed into the bank. After giving the former time to reach the top end and return, he met the gentleman at the door, saying, “ please walk this way ; that gentleman will attend to you in a minute,” pointing to a clerk who was deeply engaged. Five minutes elapsed before the gentleman could draw the clerk’s attention to his case, and he was thunderstruck to find that this officer knew nothing about it. The other e’erks were interrogated, but they were equally in the dark. Of course, no time was lost in going to the Bank of England, but too late ; the clever rogue had been before them, and obtained gold for the notes. —Chambers’s Journal.

There is a moral, especially for shareholders, in the following story “ Four men, partners in business, bought some cotton bales. That the rats might not destroy the cotton they purchased a cat. They agreed that each of the four should own a particular leg of the cat’s, and eacfc^.

adorned with beads and other ornaments the leg thus apportioned to him. The oat, by an accident, injured one of its legs. The owner of that member wound around it a rag soaked in oil. The cat, going too near the hearth, set this rag on fire, and being in great pain rushed in among the cotton bales where she was accustomed to hunt rats The cotton thereby took tire and was burned up. It was a total loss. The three other partners brought a suit to recover the value of the cotton against the partner who owned this particular leg of the cat. The judge examined the case and decided thus : —‘ The leg that had the oiled rag on it -was hurt ; the cat could not use that leg ; in fact, held up that leg, and ran with the other three legs. The three unhurt legs, therefore, carried the fire to the cotton, and

alone are culpable. The injured leg is not to be blamed. The three partners who owned the three legs with which the cat ra i to the cotton will pay the whole value of the bales to the partner who was the proprietor of the injured leg.’ ” The eccentricities of Tir Robert Peel have afforded another theme of a more piquant character. In the House of Commons he has distinguished himself by pressing an unusual series of questions, almost in defiance of the Speaker, the mam purport of which was to ascertain what the Government intends to do in the interest of humanity to mitigate the horrors attendant on the present “ reign of terror ’ in Russia, His bearing in the House was suggestive of some previous irritation, and ‘ Vanity Fair’ supplied a more than sufficient explanation. In a recent lively speech, Sir Robert had attacked Lord Chelmsford as one who would not be retained in command but tor the favoritism of the Ukmmande’-in-chief, the Duke of Cam'bridge, and he spoke also, with contemptuous allusion, of George IV,, as blubbering with curaeoa while talking of his scruples about the coronation oath. His words appear to have given offence in his circles, and ‘ Vanity Fair’ published the gossip, to the effect that certain Royal personages had intimated their intention not to take any further notice of him- Thereupon Sir Robert Peel wrote a furious and contemptuous letter for publication in ‘ Vanity Fair,’ protesting against this attempt to gag members by means of the Royal displeasure, and threatening scorn and pungent criticism of “ the coming K and Co.” The editor wisely withheld the letter. Meantime the Prince of Wales appears to have heard of Sir Robert Peel’s anger, am] forwarded him an assurance that the statement in ‘ Vanity Fair’ had not been inserted “ either by his authority. ’ This assurance Sir Robert communicated to the Times, where it appeared conspicuously under the Court circular. The editor of Vanity Fair then called upon Sir Robert Peel to withdraw his letter unconditionally, and receiving no reply, published it for the edification and amazement of society at large, the Court included.