The Lake Wakatip Mail. Queenstown, Thursday, March 5, 1868.

Lake Wakatip Mail, Issue 483, 5 March 1868, Page 2

The Lake Wakatip Mail. Queenstown, Thursday, March 5, 1868.

The article intended for this place in unavoidably left out. The meeting of ratepayers, reported in another column upon the principle of fairness, was, it must be admitted, a very tame affair. Retrenchment is the order of the day, and it should be vigorously carried out. But the meeting strikes us as an attempt to lock the stable door after the steed was stolen. No doubt the meeting will assist in doing what might more opportunely have been done six months hence, viz, reduce the assessment to its proper foundation to actual rental. This will be a step in the right direction. But who can admire Mr Shepherd's views as to the value of local self-government. Surely the people are not willing to bow their neck" to p. Provincial Council whose members advocate such narrow views as these :—" In defence of the nesent high rating, it *as said the rates were s .oxidized to the amount of £2 for everv £1 raised. But Government could betui- utW* the £2 tlun we c ild £l. Then :' -re, such false logic would not ao The chief object of municipal lies was to keep the streets clean and in repair, to attend to other small requirements, and to act as advocates for outiying places in their vicinity.' Small requirements require to be defined. \\h&\ are they ? Let us ask Mr Shepherd another question —Wha are municipal institutions worth if they have not lar-;e powers. Though something like tilting' against a win-iinill. one cannot help noticing that the ratepayers, not the Council are accused of dishonesty. " There was absolutely (said Mr Shepherd) something unjust in such a system of high assessment, and in fact, the subsidy was being obtained under false representations. The thing was not honest to Government, and he for one, would not support a claim founded on the fictitious value of property." Indeed ! Our opinion is that the assessed value (fictitious or no!) of property has nothing to do with the grant-in-aid, except so far as it furnishes data and guidance for the levying of rates. The provision of the sth section of the Amend, ment Ordinance, 1866, distinctly says it is lawful for the Superintendent to authorise payment to any municipality of a sum of money not exceeding £2 tor every £1 which shall have been raised by the rates levied within such municipality. Such is the letter of the law, but perhaps Mr Shepherd can produce something shoving the spirit of the law contradicts the letter. Our unsophisticated judgment is that had the assessment at Queenstown been one half what it is, and the rates double what they are, the claim of £2 for each £1 laised would have been no more just. As to the statements made by speakers at the above meeting—that property was assessed at double its value—it is not worth while to dwell upon, except to state that it is an exaggeration.

It is said that no tenders were sent in for erection of the Shotover bridge. This is another instance of the folly of calling for tenders in a 1 Sheet' which does not circulate in the district immediately concerned.

Ten shillings a-day, and provided, is the deathknell to the genus " loafer." This class don't like to go to harvest or any other work; but they cannot get over the present emergency, and the towns are, therefore, comparatively free just nojeof the don't-want-any-work-to-do element. The farmers, in many instances, grumble at the men offered, but, nevertheless-acting on the principle " of two evils, choose the lesser"—they take on the men. It will be curious, by-and-bye, to see how many of these characters return to thsir former haunts and live uppn the public ; or notice if any stray sloths have been reclaimed.

Harvesting operations are being conducted under most favorable circumstances. A few unsophisticated individuals predicted, a week ago, bad results because cool dry winds prevailed without much sunshine. The week just passed has been nearly all warmth and sunshine, and so far it has been of advantage to the cr ps that are backward. Providence has been kind—bounteously kind-to the tillers of the soil. We hope to Bte it acknowledged by a harvest-home assemblage, in \*hich thanks of praise shall not be forgotten. Even the farmer's aveaage of 40 bushels to the acre will, generally, be exceeded. What say you, colonists of Victoria and South Australia, to this; and nearly all from new ploughed ground which the frost never touched.

CHURCH OF ENGLAND.

The annual meeting of the Queenstown members of the above Church took place on the 3rd instant. Mr Lay-Reader Beetham presided. The report presented by Mr Beetham alluded to the extensive repairs and improvements which the Committee" had been enabled to make ; that exclusive of the timber account of Messrs Robertson, the Church was almost free from debt; that the charge for lighting and keeping the church clean amounted only to the small sum of £7, owing to •' the zeal of one or two of the Committee, who voluntarily gave their time to perform duties which would otherwise cause a considerable outlay." A balance-sheet also accompanied the report, by which it appeared that the revenue derived from various sources amounted to £6l 55., and the expenditure to £7O 4s 6d, one item of that amount (£55) being tor alterations to the church. The liabilities to be met amounted to £l9 19s, and the assets to £l4 2s 6d.

The report was well received. Various matters were discussed, but it was decided to proceed to the election of a new Committee before arriving at any definite conclusions. The new Committee were—Messrs Roberts, Brown, Davies, Eichardt, Turner, Lorimer, Fraer, Wright, Mandors, and the lay-readers (ex-oflScio members), Messrs Beetham and Worthington.

The new Committee then assembled.

A vote of thanks was passed to the lay-readers and the choir for their zealous and effective services.

Letters from the Rev Mr Oldham were read, from which it appeared that the church might obtain the services of a resident clergyman from England, and that he (Mr Oldham) had made arrangements to secure one. The letter suggested the advisability of co-operating with the people of the Dunstan. Warmeconiums were expressed approving of the *eal shown by Mr Oldham to the Qutenstown church; hut it whs thought that as a revenue of £3OO a-year could he secured to a clergy'iian, it was at present unadvisahle to ally the district to the Dunstan, as the travelling expenses between the two places would prove a heavy item of expenditure. It was further decided upon that the matter of securing the services of a minister should be referred to the congregation. Ah numerous applications for seats had been made, Messrs Brown and Lorimer were oppointed a sub committee for the year, to allot seats and collect rents of same. The charge was fixed at 10s a sitting per annum, payable half-yearly.

A member called attention to the action of their representative, Mr Smith, at the Rural Deanery Board, and disapproved of the views he had expressed with reference to Bishop Jenner. The Committee determined to take no action in the matter, believing that Mr Smith had ably filled the position he had so long ht Id in connection with this church. It was, however, agreed that a meeting of the congregation should be called to consider a resolution Mr Fraer desired to propose upon the subject. A good deal of other business was transacted for a report of which we cannot find room.

The Cromwell correspondent of the ' Dunstan Times' draws attention " to the imperative necessity of have the eastern side of the Lindis included in the Lindis Goldfield ; that part known as M'Lean's Run is highly auriferous in countless places, but the miners are entirely at the mercy of the squatter mentioned, as he can (and I am informed has) turn or rather stop water from running into their races whenever he may think fit to do so. The Warden is therefore powerless." The editor of the «Times' remarks n The Government, we understand, are about to proclaim a very large area of country at the Lindis and Wanaka a goldfield. In this is included the land on Mr M'Lean's run, mentioned by our correspondent."—Another complainant, writing to the 4 Dunstan Times,' from Black's Diggings, makes the following sensible remarks: large area of agricultural land in its immediate vicinity, and that land brought into cultivation, tends to establish a highly prosperous community. Unfortunately, we have not the opportunity o! permanent settlement. If the land hereabouts had been surveyed and open for selectiou, would it not have been an inducement to many of those farmers at the Taieri and other places, lately sufferers by the floods, to look about this locality and probably settle in our midst 1 Grain and produce of every description could be raised, and, with a regular system of agriculture introduced, English grasses grown. A great improvement in our meat supply would follow, substituting for the 'culls, cast offs, and decrepid' at 7d per lb., good wholesome joints Cheap meat and cheap bread are great blessings Then let us have more tangible facilities for settlement on the waste lands. Government should give their especial attention to this, and we should have loyal proprietors and a weil-to-do class." Taking a prospective view, we will ask—Provided the leases of runs in the Wakatip (which is a known goldfield district) were sold as the Provincial Government desire, how long afterwards is it probable it would be found neccessary to compensate the holders of one or more runs, and re-purchasing at a premium ? Not long, we will be bound to say ; and tiien what would become of the vaunted increase to the chest of our Provincial exchequer by the present projected sale f

QUEEXSTOWN CORPORATION.

The Town Council held a special meet-1 ing on Tuesday. Present-Tbe Mayor and ; Councillors Fraer, Powell and Malaghan. Minutes of previous meeting were read and canfirmed. Letters were read—From the Secretary for Lands and Works, stating that £3O would be placed on the Estimates for a bell-buoy. Another letter from Mr Duncan concerned survey of road to Head of Lake, which it was reported by the Engineer of Roads and Works would cost £SOO. A third letter was read from Mr Duncan (in reply to telegram from the Mayor) stating that, on the return of Mr Wright, he will be instructed to peg off the track to Glenorchy. From Mr Vogel, provincial treasurer, stating that the adoption of any parts of the Municipal Act would not necessarily interfere with or alter the standing of the Queenstown Corporation in its relations, pecunfary or otherwise, with the Government. From Mr Wheeler, Dunedin, stating that a clock had been purchased for £8 10s, as requested. From Mr Haughton, Wellington, stating that it is advisable that a memorial from the inhabitants of the Wakatip district, against the sale of the Runs, should be forwarded to the Executive Council of the Colony, it was his (Mr Haughton's) intention to see the Colonial Secretary and other members of the Ministry upon the subject, and a direct expression of opinion from the people would much strengthen his hands. Cr Fraer—on behalf of Finance Committee —reported that the sum of £79 9s was in bank to credit of the Corporation, and that contracts were in hand to the amount of £l7l, besides money being required for sundry expenses. The Public Works Committee reported that a surveyed track had been pegged out to the Cemetery, and that the Shotover--Btr»et bridge had been passed, and that they had contracted with Mr Campbell, for £3, to make a road to the bridge—a very small sum. Resolved that the surveyed line to Cemetery be inspected previous to forming road. the Mayor said he had marked out what he thought was the best line for the Shotover western approach, but it would be advisable to let the formation of the road stand over for a time, ou account of present harvesting operations. Cr Malaghan considered the work should be gone on with at once. Cr Fraer thought they should look at the fact that, if the road was made now, interest would have to be paid the bank for overdraft. Cr Malaghan proposed— 4 ' That tenders be called for cutting approaches to the Shotover Ferry; tenders to close at 4, p.m , 12th inst." Seconded by Cr Fraer, and carried. The following acconnts were passed for payment:—E. Samuel, fire-engine, £4 ;S. G. Cook, removal of dog from M'Larn's, £1; J. Campbell, Shotover-street bridge, £94; S. G. Cook, wages, £5 12s 6d. Cr Powell moved— 1 * That this Council is ! placed in a false position, owing to the fact ! that the fines inflicted in the R.M. Court are not paid over to the Corporation ; and that, moreover, the police are in the habit of collecting cartage fees; also, that the Town Clerk state the matter fully to his Honor the Superintendent and the Colonial Secretary." Seconded by Cr Fraer, and carried. It was decided that, until the fees and fines were paid over, the Council should take no action in prosecuting persons; but that all existing nuisances be reported to the police. The Inspector reported that Mr M'Larn had not abated his nuisance.

Ordered that matter be reported to police. Ordered that Mr M'Larn be called upon to pay £1 for removal of dead dog. The question of election of delegates for Municipal Conference was left over until next meeting.

We are obliged to hold over letters signed J.S. and W. Shore until next issue.

Next Saturday is the day appointed for the monthly meeting of the Hospital Committee. At last meeticg it was decided the Fete and Bazaar in aid of funds should take place on the 17 inst. (next Tuesday week), but we have heard nothing more of it. If the Committee wish the undertaking to prosper, it is time they bestirred themselves There is much to be done in the way of canvassing for contributions, seeking the aid of ladies and gentlemen in presiding, &c, and unless action is at once taken, those who have taken the affair in hand will fail in making it what it should be—-a decided success.

A proclamation in * Gazette' notifies that the Provincial Council are to meet on the Bth April.

The dwelling-house of Mr Humphreys, a farmer on Frankton Flat, was burnt down on

Saturday afternoon. The cause was the usual one—an insecure and foul chimney. The family hud only time to escape, and could not even remove their clothing. The loss is a serious one to Mr Humphrey and his partner, who are hardworking settlers. In a case heard on Tuesday, in the R.M. Court Queenstown, a defendant, against whom judgment had been given, put in the usual plea asking for time to pay the amount, because he was penniless. Mr Beitham very properly took the opportunity of calling attention to the fact that any man inclined to work could get plenty of employment at 15s per day—that it was difficult to get men—and his Worship recommended tbe defendant to at once go to work for wages and pay off the debt.

R. M. COURT, QUEENSTOWN. March 3, 1868.

(Before R. Beetham, Esq., R M., and J. W.

Robertson, Esq., J.P.)

Powell v. M'Ellroy—Claim for £ls, billiards, board, &c. Verdict for £ll 7s 6d. Same v. Stevenson—-£ls, promissory note given on behalf of a mining party. Judgment for amount, with interest at the rate of 5 per cent per annum for 21 months, £l6 6s 3d, and costs of Court, 17s. Licensing Bench. Application was made for temporary transfer of general license for the Wakatip Hotel, Queenstown, from W. G. Huff to A. Aitken. Application granted. The Bench remarked that it Trould be necessary for the transferee to send a draught for amount of tranfer fee (£1) to Dunedin, and obtain a receipt for same from the Provincial Treasurer before the license could be transferred.

Applications for General Licenses from Thos. Goodwin, Post-office Hotel, and Robert Davidson, Diggers' Rest Hotel, Maori Point, were granted. The applications of Julius Bourdeaux, Maori Point; John Birrel, Maori Point; and Thomas Smith, Skipper's Point, were dismissed, as having been too late.

WARDEN'S COURT, QUEENSTOWN. (Before R. Beetham, Esq., Warden.)

A complaint was laid by the Police against G. Beer, for depasturing cattle on Crown lands without having a depasturing license for same.

Defendant pleaded that his cattle did not run on Crown lauds, but on land applied for by him under lease. Constable Gallagher deposed that defendant's license for depasturing cattle expired in July last, and that he had duly cautioned him (Beer) before taking out the present summons. He had frequently within the last six months seen Beer's cattle running near his place, and once within a mile of Queenstown. He could not swear whether the cattle were on defendant's lease or on Crown lands. Defendant asserted that the catile could not get off his land, which was much of it naturally fenced by precipituous spurs and deep gullies. He was willing to pay the license, but he had expected his lease up before this, and, had he got it, it would have been Ike paying the license for nothing. Two years' ago he had applied for the ground, and deposited the customary £2O. The land had been surveyed, and balance of £lO returned ; but up to the present time he had never received an occupation certificate, lease, or any other document to show his legal title to hold it.

Police v. H. Beer (a similar complaint) was heard before the Warden gave his decision in the previous case. Defendant pleaded that he had come into Queenstown more than once with the intention to register his cattle; but that he could not, as it was stated the

runs were to be sold, and his application was, therefore, refused. He admitted the cattle were running on Crown lands at the present time, because the whole of his leased land was under crop or laid down with grass. The Warden stated he should hold over his decision in both cases, especially, as in a few days new depasturing regulations would be issued. It was rather unfortunate that he could not deal with the cases at once; but as he had received positive instructions by last mail that fresh regulations were to be issued immediately, he had no choice. If their cattle ran outside defendants' lands, defendants' were of course liable to be fined ; but it would hardly be fair to inflict a fine, and then not be able to give a depasturing lease when applied for. The matter would merely be held in abeyance for a few days. The charge per head for depasturing cattle was very low, and it was advisable for owners to register as soon as rent was due, to save further trouble. He (Mr Beethara) was so particular on this head that he paid a license for his own horses, although he hardly considered it was necessary at all. The application of John Morrison for an agricultural lease of 50 acres on Racecourse Reserve, Arthur's Point, was refused, on the ground that the land was auriferous, and also portion of a Government reserve. The applicant could, if he wished, take up three acres if he obtained six miners' rights, but he (Mr Beetham) could not recommend the grauting of present lease application, as it would be foolish to alienate goldfields land—in fact, it would be equivalent to locking-up land —because, unless very good payable workings were presumed to exist hereafter, miners would not pay the heavy premium required to compensate a leaseholder for disturbing ground and destroying crops or other improvements.

We hardly think the Oamaru people will feel complimented by the statement made by a member of the Provincial Council (Mr Shepherd) I at a recent public meeting here, that Oamaru ! was only rated at £SOOO worth of property on assessment. Our own opinion is that it was for over £12,000, and that Queenstown, on a former occasion, stood second to it, viz, £8,300. How- ! evrr, M.P.C.'s perhaps know these things better 1 than the journalist. I We notice in the columns of our Dunstan ' contemporary that a new lodge of the Ancient | Order of Foresters, under the title *• Court Star l of Cromwell," was to have been opened on Monday last at Cromwell. This is the third Court of the Order opened in the district within about eighteen months.