JOURNAL OF THE WEEK.

Lyttelton Times, Volume I, Issue 7, 22 February 1851, Page 5

JOURNAL OF THE WEEK.

The week which has just closed commenced with the selection of the land by the first body of colonists down to No. 106. The new LandOffice at Cbristchurch was so far completed as to allow of the business being carried on in one of the rooms. Mr. Godley and Mr. Brittan were on the spot at an early hour, and when the office was opened, it was found that applications to make their choice of land were entered on the part of almost the whole of the first body down to No. 106. The numbers were severally called out, and the applicants came into the room in order, and made their applications for the piece of land they wanted; pointing out the locality on the maps, which, were placed before them.

There was, of course, some difficulty in explaining the exact spot -which each applicant was desirous o{ obtaining, but this was immeasurably lessened by the presence of Messrs. Cass, Torlesse, Jollie, and Boys, who have executed the survey of that part of the country which is open to selection. Nothing could exceed the attention and civility of these gentlemen, not only in describing exactly the pieces of land which the land-purchasers wanted, but also in assisting in their selectionjthose who had not had an opportunity of inspecting the land themselves, and ascertaining the nature of the soil. When the land was described, a printed form of engagement was given by the Chief Agent, entitling the holder to occupy the piece of land so described, till the regular title deeds are ready; which will be the case as soon as the Association's seal sent from England, shall arrive in the colony. A similar engagement was given for the town sections ; in this ease, however, the description was simple enough, the sections being all numbered on the surveyor's map, and described by that number.

It is, after all, a matter of surprise that tracts of land in a wild unoccupied countr.y could be described so simply and readily as proved to be the case. The whole of this is attributable to the survey. The frontage of a road or river, the distance from the neighbouring town lands, or from the nearest trigonometrical Station, served, in almost all cases, to fix the locality of a section. The number of chains frontage, and the lengths of the other sides of the section, according to the terms of

purchase, were soon calculated and marked off by the surveyors, determining the form and dimensions of the block.

By five o'clock fifty choices had been made, when the office closed fov the day.j Outside, the scene looked busy enough. Groups of land-purchasers, lounging under the verandah, or lying on the luxuriant fern and grass with which the streets of Christclmrch are still green, discussed the merits of their selections, or their hopes of obtaining favourite spots. Around, horses were tetliered, and dogs quarrelled ; bullocks dragging timber from the bush, raised the dust on the recent track ; and the carpenters continued to work on the outside of [the building, within which the exciting business of the day was going on. Dr. Barker's tent, which stands immediately opposite the land office, and is constructed of an immense studding-sail, formerly belonging to the "Charlotte Jane," was remarkable for its seasonable hospitality ; whilst on the next section an eating-house appeared in the most primitive phase "which such an establishment can assume. A white cloth spread on boards supr ported joints of mutton and beef* which together with bread, butter, tea and coffee, formed an excellent repast to those who were unable to obtain the hospitality of friends, or were desirous of patronising the earliest attempt at a place i>f public entertainment in Christchurch ; .whilst around the merry party who sat within, some Maori workmen'still continued to erect the raupo walls of the house,—the building having been begun only that morning. On Tuesday the same scene was repeated, except that there were fewer visitors, the claims of fifty, having been disposed of the previous day; and in" the evening before the office closedj the whole of the first body down to No. 106 were " -upon their land.*1 A foot bridge over the river has been constructed close to theland-oflice at Christchurch, which will prove very convenient to those who have selected sections on the farthest side of ;• the river.

AUCKLAND. In a Government Gazette of the 21st January, the Colonial Treasurer publishes a return of the Crown lands sold otherwise than by public auction, from the Ist of October to the 31st of December, ISSO. The total amount of the proceeds is 3,204/. 4s. lid. Of this the sum of 198/. 65.6 d. is for land selected by pensioners serving in New Zealand.. The Collector of Customs publishes the returns of the Auckland imports and exports from the 11 th of October, 1850, to the sth of January, 1851. The value of the Imports was 4,388/. 5*., the principal item being sheep, in number 2,579, in value 1,279/. The exports were in value 7,181/. The principal items were, copper ore, 360. tons, value 3,550/.; timber, 375,750 feet, value 1,545/.; cordage 39i tons, value 880/.; black oil, 22 tuns, value 625/.; Has, 13 tuns, value 304/. The acting Immigration Agent publishes a Be turn of Immigration and Emigration at Auckland during "the quarter ending Dec. 31, 1850. The Immigrants have numbered 128 male and 59 female adults, and 63 children — total 250 ; the Emigrants, 56 male and 30 female adults, and 37 children—total 123, showing a preponderance of 124 on the side of immigration. We observe with pleasure, that Avhile there have been 56 immigrants from California, there has not been a single emigrant to that country during the last quarter. This is an additional and gratifying evidence that the illusory dream under which many, some time since, were in hot haste to " seek their fortune" in the land of gold, has in a great measure given place to more correct and rational views of its perils, disadvantages, and disappointments ; and a ground of hope that—however our merchants may still turn the Galifornian market to the best account they can in their commercial pursuits—few of our colonists in any station of life will again be found visionary or speculative enough to abandon the tangible realities which may be secured here for the uncertainties (to say the least) which experience has abundantly proved to be inseparable from a life in California.— New Zealander. Land Slip.—An occurrence of this description, fortunately unattended with the loss of human life, took place yesterday a little after noon, in the immediate rear of the Victoria Hotel, where the dangerous earthen cliffs, attached to the several premises in Shortlandstreet, overhang the yards of Mr. Leevy and others. Forming the sea-front of those yards stood a skittle shed and stores. Shortly before the slip took place the earth was seen to be rent, and a loud crack was heard. The skittle-alley, ■ which had been crowded with players, was vacated just in time, for shortly after its clearance, an enormous mass of earth, of at least from 40 to 50 tons, fell upon the building, crushing part of it to atoms, and pushing the remainder half-way over the bank into the sea. The only life that was sacrificed was that of a poor watch-dog, who, chained to the spot, was overwhelmed amidst the ruins, and so sadly mutilated that it became an act of mercy to terminate his sufferings. Mr, Levy has sustained no further loss than that which results from the destruction of this portion of his premises ; the cliff, however, still looms ominously threatening, and as these superincumbent" back slums" are a source of danger, dirt, and discomfiture to those they over-cnve, and a filthy disgrace to the town, we should rejoice to see some prompt and energetic measures taken for their speedy removal; the health and comfort of the citizens would be materially improved by such a course.— Wellington Independent. WELLINGTON. The Public Meeting, adjourned from the 29th of January, was held on the 3rd February, when, notwithstanding some opposition, the Eeport of the Committee on the Separate Form of Government for the Southern Province was adopted by a majority of 8 to 2 of those present. The meeting was said to be the largest ever held at Wellington. Within the last two days upwards of 170 tons of flour have been brought to Wellington by the late various arrivals, chiefly from Van Diemen's Land. This will have the effect of reducing the price of flour, and we hope, of lowering the present high price of bread.

Wellington, February 12.—Flour, 22J. per ton ; Bread, per 2 lb. loaf, 7d.; 3eef, 4d. to sd. per lb.; Mutton, 4d. to sd. per lb. ; Pork, 3d. to 6d. per lb.; Fowls, 3s. to 4s. per pair; Ducks, 4s. to ss. per pair; Geese, 4s. to ,ss. each; Turkeys, ss. to 6s. each; Fresh Butter. lOd. ; Salt do. Is. per lb.; Potatoes, 4/. per ton.; Eggs, Is. 6d. per dozen; Cheese, Is. 4d. peril). ; Maize, Ss.6d. per bushel; Bran, Is. per bushel: Raw Sugar, 3d. to 6d. per lb.; Loaf Sugar, Sd to lOd. per lb.; Ale, 4s. per two gallons; Ham and Bacon, 6d. to 7d. per lb.; Firewood, per ton, 18s.; Onions, 4d. per lb. NELSON MARKETS. New wheat may be quoted at 4s. 6d. Barley at 3s. 6d. Oats 3s. to 3s. 6cl. for new, oldjls' GTAGO. At a public meeting- held by the friends of the Church of England, on Friday last, at the Odd-Fellow's Lodge room, to consider the propriety of petitioning- the Bishop of New Zealand (who is daily expected to arrive at Otago) to establish a ministry of their own, as well as to raise subscriptions for building a church, we are glad to anounce that 80^. was at once subscribed, and lists for further subscriptions are spread throughout-the town and country. Otago News. A public meeting had been held at Dunedin, attended by not less than 200 male adults, chiefly for the purpose of considering the Provincial Councils' Ordinance proposed by Sir George Grey,with a view to obtainingfrom his Excellency such modification of its provisions and powers .as would adapt it to the present circumstances of that settlement. The following resolutions, which were carried unanimously, will best explain the views of the settlers: the second resolution was carried by acclamation. Moved by Mr. M'Glashan, seconded by Mr. Bain. That with reference to that clause of the address to his Excellency the Governor-in-chief, of the 19th November last, in which application was made for a,Municipal Charter, giving powers to authorities elected by the people, and unsalaried, first, to legislate and rule within the whole boundaries of the Otago block ; and secondly, to dispose of the surplus revenue of the district. As it appears from the verbal reply of His Excellency at the time, and his subsequent remarks thereon, that these powers, j and especially the disposal of the public revenue, : could not be held under a municipal charter ; but they might be largely obtained under a modification of the Provincial Legislative Councils Bill, a copy of which had been sent to his Excellency,' for any observation the settlers might make thereon,' it is therefore resolved—That the application for a Municipal Charter is withdrawn; and proceed to consider the foregoing Bill, with a view to suggest modifications, by separate enactments, so as to adapt its provisions to the present limited state of the population and revenue of this district. Moved by Mr. Cutten, seconded by Mr. A. Anderson. That the modifications suited to the circumstances of the district (or province) would require to be as follows, namely, Ist. The provisions of the bill for placing the powers of Local Legislation and Government, together with the disposal of the Revenue, under an officer appointed by the Governor-in-chief, and a Legislative Council, of which two-thirds to be elected by the people, and one-third to be elected by the Governor-in-chief, is satisfactory in principle ; but with a view to necessary economy, it is necessary that the officer so appointed by the Gover-nor-in-chief should be designated ' superintendent, or some such other name as should imply a salary much less than that of the Lieutenant-Governor (but the limited salary alone is insisted on); and also that no other appointments be made, but the public duties of the district be left in the hands of the aforesaid officer and Council to be provided for by such appointments, and small appropriations of revenue as from time to time shall be found requisite, excepting, however, that the customs and postottice departments, do stand as at present. 2nd. That the salary of the principal officer holding appointment of the Governor-in-chief the salaries of the customs officers, deputy-postmaster, and of the police establishment, so long as the latter shall remain on its present footing, be paid from the civil list of ; and that the contribution from the Otago revenue to that civil list, be fixed and defined hy the amount of such salaries so as to leave the remainder of the Otago revenue at the disposal of its Legislative Council for necessary expenses and public improvements. ' 3rd. That the appointment and salary of the Judge being altogether disproportionate totlie means" and population of Otago, his salary ought to be provided from some other source. Highly as the

settlers do prize and esteem his residence awpng them, yet they think that his exalted office slßmld include some larger sphere, and the salary, so far as they are concerned, be but rateably laid on the Otago district. Only one criminal case has occur, red since the arrival of the first ship, and that so unimportant as to have left a general impression that it might have been adjudicated by a bench of magistrates; but certain it is, that the establishment of quarter sessions, in addition to the powers of Justice of Peace Courts, under the Resident Magistrate's Ordinance, would leave little or nothing for reference to a higher court, until the community shall have largely increased.

4th. That the allowance of 501. to each member Council, whose residence shall exceed 25 mil^s from the place of meeting, as provided in clause 2o of the Bill, is uncalled for in this district, and should be withdrawn.

sth. That the dwelling-house qualification in towns, as per clause 5, be reduced from 107. to 51.

The following resolution was also carried unanimously.

That the meeting takes this opportunity to record the grateful sense of the settlers for the munificent and well-timed donations of his Excellency from iunds at his disposal, of 4007. for the erection of an hospital, and 1501. for the extension of the jetty at Dunedin, and 501. towards removing a difficulty on the Taieri road.

We regret to find in the Otago News of the 21st December, the announcement- of the discontinuance of that Journal, owing to the illhealth of the proprietor and other causes. During its brief existence, the industry and independent feeling evinced by our contemporary in the conduct of the Ifeivs merited a better result, and we should have rejoiced if his exertions had been attended with success.— Wellington Spectator. [We cordially agree in this opinion.—Ed.]