The Oamaru Times, AND WAITAKI REPORTER. THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 1865.

North Otago Times, Volume III, Issue 48, 19 January 1865, Page 2

The Oamaru Times, AND WAITAKI REPORTER. THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 1865.

Sax by. 's predictions in regard to the disturbances of the elements during the present month, have attracted considerable attention ; but there are other disturbances impending, the extent and effects of which would require the united wisdom find foresight of many seers to estimate. The Colony is iu a state of political convulsion. This has been impending for some time — it has been brought on by the prolongation and expense of the Native war, and by the state of the finances of the Colony and Provinces, resulting therefrom, and has culminated latterly in a wide-spread cry for " Separation." The subject is by no means a new one in Otago. The former League expired in the beginning of last year, after a brief, and by no means brilliant, existence, and the matter was then considered as finally settled and abandoned; but late events have developed a new one, and have given to it an importance which did not formerly attaclTto it. It need not be said that the impelling cause at present is the oppressive new tariff, which was so hastily imposed at the conclusion of the late meeting of the General Assembly. How the Government could have committed itself to such a measure at so critical a period, and especially considering that Otago in particular was already groaning under the burden of contributing an undue portion of its resources to the general revenue, we cannot imagine — it was the extreme of folly ! This it is, then, which has — proximately, at least — raised the " Southern Separation League," dissolved the Provincial Executive, and given rise to various collateral demands, such as a dissolution of the Assembly and a dissolution of the Otago Provincial Council, and brought Provincial politics to boiling heat. But this is not all, for the convulsion is a general one. We have also the " Northern Association," which has for its object to secure the separation of the Province of Auckland from the Southern portions of the Colony, by itself or with such other portions of the Northern Island as it may be expedient to combine with it, generated, we need not say, by the removal of the seat of Government to Wellington. The demand which the late meeting in Dunedin determined to prefer is, the separation of the Middle from, the North Island. To the sur-

prise of many, his Honor the Superintendent has gone in unreservedly for Separation ; but what he proposes is, in the first place, to insist for separation for Otago as a Province, in the hopes that, by so doing, the other portions of the Middle Island which are hanging back at present, may be induced to co-opeiate. Unfortunately, however, Canterbury is at present opposed to the scheme, and Nelson and Marlborough give no favorable signs. When we come to look at the subject, we are far from convinced that separation is advisable, and we are pretty well assured that it is unattainable, while we must candidly admit that there many cogent reasons why it is to be desired. The present movement is, in fact, a loud protest against the extravagant expenditure in the North, and the necessity which it entails of an increased taxation of from thirty to forty per cent., for purposes in which the Middle Island has no direct interest. The hardship is manifest, and the indignant protest is natural, but we doubt whether the remedy proposed to be tried is procurable, or, if procured, likely to be efficacious ; nor do we think that Otago is altogether in earnest in the matter. Had the Province been thoroughly serious on this subject, the former League would have made more progress, and would not have faded away as it did. It is quite easy to get up an attractive political watchward, and to fill a theatre with a miscellaneous audience ; but if a scrutiny is applied, it will hardly nppear that the Superintendent, bidding for popularity, and perhaps aspiring to exchange "His Honor" for "His Excellency," is so well supported in this matter as might at first appear. It is true that Mr Harbis and Mr Gillies, the two principal supporters of the agitation, have shown their earnestness in the cause in a very decided manner. The first has resigned his seat in the Legislative Council, the other his seat in the Assembly. These acts, however, show that the Government and the Assembly are opposed to Separation. It is opposed alike by General and Provincial Governments, and it will be a long time indeed before it commands the support of even a majority, not to speak of the unanimity which Mr Harris bespeaks for it. Again, it must be borne in mind that the sort of audience which constitutes a Dunedin public meeting, is of a particular description, caring less for the subject discussed than larking and fun, and full of a deal of sound and fury, signifying nothing. On this part of the subject, one significant fact is, that His Honor's Executive have since deserted him to a man, and there cannot be a doubt that his " Separation" action has been the sole cause of their secession. He lacks, then, the support of his late Executive, and. so far as we are aware, there was not a single member of the former Dick Ministry present at the meeting. Where were the Cargills, Paterson, Miller, Clapcott, Richardson", Dick, Moss, Reynolds, and other leading members of the Provincial Council? The only members of the Council who proposed resolutions were Messrs Vogel and Hughes. These two, and Mr T. B. Gillies, alone supported the Superintendent. It is well known that several leading members of the present Colonial Government are keenly opposed to Separation, among them Mr Weld and Major Richardson. The Province of Canterbury is wholly opposed to the movement, and declines to believe that it has the support of any but a small section of the inhabitants of Otago — and we think so too. We think it a political cry, which may possibly do no harm, but will certainly not attain the end proposed, even if it was desirable. It was said, emphatically, by the Superintendent, that unanimity was esspntial in order to carry out Separation ; and, from the little we have advanced, it is scarcely to be hoped that unanimity on this important subject is likely to be attained. We also doubt very much whether the consent of the Home Government, which seems to . have been so confidently assumed, is at all to be relied on. It is futile to argue that the Colony could be more easily governed, and would be more prosperous, were it divided into small colonies, than if it were to continue united. All experience goes the contrary way, and we refuse to believe this. Was England more prosperous in the times of the Heptarchy, or was Scotland or Ireland more prosperous or better ruled when each had its own King and Parliament ? Let history answer. Again, it happens, we think very mal-apropos for the advocates of Separation, that at this very hour the British American Colonies are taking measures for amalgamation into one strong power, in favor of which measure they have produced numerous unanswerable facts and arguments ; while in this country efforts are being made to divide the country into a number of small separate governments. This fact, we must say, is most unfortunate for the Separationists at this moment, and all their special pleading cannot weaken the strength of the example. While we would gladly hear all that can be said in favor of Separation, and are open to conviction, we must say that we lean at present to the opinion that "union is strength." A great many of the evils of this Colony and Province already experienced, have arisen from want of centralization, and numerous governments only increase expenditure and weaken influence and power. We have an example already before our very eyes. What has Separation done for Southland ? The reply is in everyone's mouth — it has been its utter ruin. Viewing the question commercially — and selfishly, no doubt — Separation, at first sight, has its charms ; the Province would have a large revenue, it would lower the Customs duties, it might expend a larger sum on internal development — it might, in fact, make a fresh start for a little ; but it would lose caste and consequence, and instead of being a part of a large, flourishing, and increasing Colony — one of the finest uuder British rule — it would sink down to the comparatively insignificant " Colony of Otago." Were this split-up to take place, might it not be said of us as the North American Colonies are now saying in arguing for union, that " we have no political connection, no bond of " union, and are liable to be cut off one by " one, not having any common means of de- " fence ;" arid that our political and social influence, and place among nations, will be seriously depreciated, should we become petty States ourselves, instead of remaining parts of one influential and important Colony. How insignificant are the petty Duchies and

Principalities of Germany, compared with what they would be if they formed, instead, integral portions of some powerful kingdom or empire ? But there is this other argument still remaining. Can this in fairness and justice be done? The engagements entered into with the North may be arbitrarily broken, it is true; and although we are at present jointly responsible for a large sum for the Native war, we may possibly throw off the responsibility — we may repudiate, but will it be looked upon as honorable ? If two companions agree to journey together, and one is attacked by robbers, should the other assist him, although to his own peril, or take to his heels, and save both his purse and person ? • We must conclude by saying, that Separation does not ring like the true metal ; and that, although there are hardships attending the present connection, there are more evils to be apprehended from the measure now so loudly proclaimed as a remedy. Mr Macandrew, M.P.C. for Port Chalmers, has just addressed a long letter to his constituents, in which he argues against Separation. He advocates political agitation to obtain a fair representation in the General Assembly, saying that we have now about one-seventh of the representation, while our population amounts to 4-12ths and our revenue to 5-12ths of the whole Colony. He thinks that the present Constitution has never had a fair trial, and asserts the expediency of testing its capabilities fully before trying such a a hazardous experiment as Separation.

A notice has been issued by the Superintendent, and appears in the Gazette, of the 11th inst , of which the following is a copy : — NOTICE.— OAMABO TOWN BOAHD ELECTION. la pursuance of the " Oamaru Town Board Ordinance, 1802," I, the Superintendent of the Province of Otago, do hereby appoint Thursday, the 2nd day of February next, at 12 o'clock 'noon, as the day and time for the holding of an Election of Five Members of the Town Board of Oamaru, in the place of William Sewell, James Hassell, Samuel Gibbs, George Quarrie, and Samuel E. Shrimski. who go out of office on Wednesday, the first day of February next, and I do appoint the same day and hour as the day and time for holding of an Election of Two Members of the said Town Board, in place of William Falconer, and William Chalk Baudinet, who have resigned their seats : And I do appoint the Court House, at Oamaru, as the place for the holding of the said Elections ; And I do appoint the said time and place as the time and place for the assembling of the persons entitled to vote at the said Election : And I do appoint Friday, the third day February next, as the day upon which the Poll shall be taken at such Election, if a Poll be demanded, and that the said Poll shall be taken at the said Court House : &nd I do hereby appoint Thomas Windle Parker, Esquire, of Oamaru, Resident Magistrate, to preside at the meeting to be held for the said Election. This election, then, or re-election, as the case may be, of no fewer than seven out of nine of the members of the present Town Board of Oamaru, takes place in a fortuight, and is a matter of considerable importance to the town. It is quite true that our finances for town improvements or expenditure are at a low ebb, but it does not follow that this is always to continue, nor does it follow that the Town Board has no duties to perform, or that the electors should be indifferent or apathetic on the subject. On the contrary, it is high time that the apathy and indifference hitherto manifested should be thrown off, that a full and efficient Board should now be elected, and that, when elected, they should seriously consider what is expected of their body, and take such steps as they may consider necessary to assert their position. There ought to be an agitation .to obtain funds for necessary improvements, and to obtain grants of the municipal reserves, so that we may have a Board, not in name only, but possessing the means as well as the power to exercise their functions. We earnestly advise the electors to hold a meeting, and choose the best men for nomination ; and when the new Board has been filled up, we feel confident that they will seriously set to work to weigh their .duties and public obligations. It is almost, unnecessary to add that the five retiring members are eligible for re-election.

By last advices the English mail had not arrived, but the Hero was hourly expected. /it is satisfactory to find that our Town Board, although rather short in numbers, is finding some useful work to do. The cutting down and formation of Itchenstreet is a very useful improvement, and combined with the levelling of Tees-street, now nearly completed, will add wonderfully to the appearance and comfort of that part of the town. The work in Itchen-street is to be proceeded with at once, and will be finished in less than a month. The election of seven members of the Board is advertised to take place on the 2nd prox., at the Court-house, at noon. Five members go out by effluxion of time, and may be re-elected ; two have resigned. *. The Airedale brings advices from Auckland to'the j 7th inst. :— The Governor had abandoned his intention of visiting the South. His ostensible reason was, in the first instance, that he had no vessel— all the men-of-war having been engaged. On the Esk's arrival from Sydney it was arranged that he should leave in her on the 7th, His luggage was shipped, and he proceeded to the Jetty. Second thoughts determined him to remain. Full explanations are probably sent to Major Richardson by this mail. It is generally understood that the Commodore and General advised his Excellency not to leave Auckland, but that the Ministry advised otherwise. In this matter he deems Imperial interest to require that he should act contrary to Ministers' advice. Our readers will learn by an advertisement in our present issue, that Mr W. Thornley, a surveyor of much experience, formerly under the Victorian, and lately under the* Otago Proviucial Government, and who is well-known hero, having been employed to survey a large portion of the land in this district, is about to commence business in Oamaru, as a Land Agent and Surveyor. From Mr Thornley's experience and wellknown professional capacity, he will be a decided acquisition, and will no doubt obtain public support. He will, we believe, still continue to be employed by the Land Office on all public surveying business which may be required to be done in this district. • A meeeting of the South Separation League was held on the 11th instant. Mr H. Bastings, M.P.C., in the chair. The Superintendent, T. B. Gillies, Esq., and other influential gentlemen were present. The following appointments were made :— John Hyde Harris, Esq., to be President of the League ; Mr T. B. Gillies to be VicePresident ; Mr Dalrymple, to be Treasurer; Mr Talbot, to be Secretary pro tern, and Messrs Harris, Gillies, Farjeon, Chalmers, Oliver, Crate, and Wilson, as a subcommittee to form the basis of the League. The report of the public meeting held on the 7th instant be printed, and 1000 copies circulated. We beg attention to an advertisement in our present issue, of Messrs. Fen wick's large dairy farm of 640 acres, in the immediate neighborhood of the town. There « already a cottage, stockyard, and other requirements on the ground, and the opening •©ems » very desirable one.

/ Attention is reque&ted to the report of a meeting of the Committee of the proposed Mechanics' Institute, by which it appears that the number of names on the subscription list is as yet under 50. The number fixed by the public meeting as desirable, was thrice that number. We hope to see the public take a. greater interest in this matter — its success depends entirely on them ; if they support it, it will go on ; if not, the efforts of the Committee will be fruitless. We refer to an advertisement on the subject in our present issue. / / The Horticultural Society of Otago held their second annual show of flowers, fruit, and vegatables, in Farley's Hall, on the 11th instant. The weather was most unpropitious, and operated as' unfavorably on the attendance as it did on many intending exhibitors, who were prevented from bringing their fruits and flowers. Notwithstanding, the show was one that would have done no discredit to an older society, and ft more highly favored country. Considering that this is only the second annual show of the kind, it must be admitted that great difficulties have been surmounted, if wonders have not been actually accomplished. No one could glance at the products of the soil which embellished \le show-room yesterday, without coming to the conclusion that New Zealand is behind no country in the world in the production of the most beautiful flowers and the choicest fruits. / Messrs. Hood and Sherman, wholesale and retail drapers, announce a cheap sale of general drapery and gentlemen's clothing. It commenced on 14th instant, and is to continue until the end of February. Another serious fire occurred in Stafford-street, Dunedin, on Sunday morning last— the fourth in the street within fifteen months, and on this occasion unfortunately attended with loss of life, a man named Thomas Ahem having perished in one of the burning houses. The fire commenced in the Stafford Arms public-house. The houses consumed were the Stafford Arms, a bakery and store, (Mrs. Glynn's) ; a butcher's shop, (Messrs. Willoughby and Ames); shop occupied by John Breeze, bellman ; shop of Mr. S. Webb, painter, pulled down ; and a "shanty." The Fire Brigade behaved with their usual gallantry. The deceased was an old soldier, he fought in the Crimea, was in the Balaklava charge, and had the medal and three clasps ; formerly he served in the Otago Police Force. Those who have taken out licenses to depasture stock on the Hundred of Oamaru for the present year, are reminded that the meeting for the election of three persons to act as Wardens for the year, takes place in the Court-house here, on Tuesday next, 24th inst., at noon. We learn from the "Wanganui Chronicle" that a large expeditionary force left that place for the Waitara on 30th ult., consisting of 650 men of the 50th regiment, 380 of the 57th, two six-pounder Armstrong guns, with 20 men of the artillery — the whole under the command of Colonel Waddy, C.B. Overawed by such a force it is not likely that the Waitotara natives will be able to resist the making of a road or the purchasers of the block assuming possession. This is the first step towards protecting the inland settlers of that district, whose valuable property has "hitherto been much exposed. General Cameron is expected afc Wanganui immediately. In the proceedings of the Presbytery of Otago on 13fch inst., we observe the following : — " Otepopo and Hampden. — A memorial was read from these congregations, which are at present united with Oamaru, praying to be disjoined front it, and erected into a. separate charge. They desired also that Mr. Riley should continue to labor among them, and that the Presbytery should take such steps as they should consider proper, in order to Mr. Riley being licensed and ordained as their minister. Mr. Connor said these two stations contributed last year £216 to the Sustentation Fund, besides £200 for the salary of their missionary. Mr. Stobbo moved that the Presbytery disjoin Otepopo and Hampden from Oamaru, and erect these two stations into a separate charge. Mr. Johnstone seconded this, which was agreed to. The Clerk said that in regard to the part of the memorial referring to Mr. Kiley, that the newly-formed charge would fall, to be dealt with by the Committee for distribution of preachers in the same way as any other vacant charge. The Presbytery agreed to continue Mr. Riley there for the next six months." We also extract the following : — "Division of Fund for Manses.— Mr. Meiklejohn said ithat the Presbytery should decide on what principle this fund should be distributed. He thought it should be according to the order of the settlement of the minister. Dr. Burns and Mr. Christie agreed with this. Mr. Watt, Mr. Connor, and JVlr. Stuart considered that the order of application should be the principle on which the funds should be distributed. -Mr.-Banner-man moved — ' That the grants in aid for manse-building be distributed to the several congregations who have manses built or building, in equal proportion, till they have severally received £200.? Mr. Will seconded <the motion, which was agreed to." > i Taxation is progressing. A tax has been imposed I of Id on newspapers sent by post; the enactment, which takes effect on the 1st of February next, says : — "The Governor, with the advice and consent of the Executive Council of New Zealand, do hereby alter so much of the proclamation of the 29th December, 18C0, as provides for the transmission of newspapers free by post ; and do proclaim and declare that a postage rate shall be charged and paid before the same shall be transmitted by post, as follows, that is to say :— 1. On each newspaper published in the Colony, and posted in New Zealand for any other part of the Colony — one penny. 2. On each newspaper posted in New Zealand for England ' via Southampton,' or by ship direct, or for any place I beyond the seas ( except as is specially provided for in the above-recited proclamation) —one penny. And I do further appoint and declare that this proclamation shall ! take effect on and after the first day of February, one thousand eight hundred and sixty-five." [In con- ' sequence of this, we [shall be unwillingly compelled to add 2s. 6d. half-yearly to the price of newspapers sent to subscribers by post.] The Licensed Carriages Ordinance is now in operation here. Serjeant Bullen receives applications for licenses, and the penalty for non-compliance is heavy. The duty is 10s. on every carriage, cart, or waggon plying for hire. The following abstract of receipts and expenditure of the Wardens of the Oamaru Hundred for the year ending 31st December, 1864, is published in the " Gazette :" — " Receipts. — April 12 : Cash from ' Treasurer of Waste Land Board for license fees for 4864, £16 10s. May : Do. from T. W. Parker, Esq., for do., £5. August 5 : Do. license issued to A. J. Denton, 10s. August 5 : Do. do. to F. Schluter, £1 10s. October 3 : Do. do. to G. and A. Graham, 10a. December 1 : Do. received from assessment fees, £82 12s 6d. December 31 : Do, from licehse fees issued for the year 1865 to date, £16 10s. Total Receipts, £125 2s. 6d. Expenditure.—April 27 : Advertising in Oamaru Times, notices, &c, £4 10s. June 13 : Cash paid for books, £1 6s. lOd. July 15 : Cash paid advertising for Ranger, 18s. December 3 : Cash paid Ranger's salary for six months, from June 1st to December 1st, £55. December 3 : Do. do. commission on collecting £85 12s. 6d. at 10 per cent, £8 12s. December 30 : Do. do. Ranger's salary from 1st December to 1st January, £9 3s. 4d. December 30 : Do. do. advertising for fresh licenses, 9s. December 31 : Balance in Bank of New Zealand, Oamaru, £45 3s. 4d. Total Expenditure, £125 2s. 6d. — W. G. FiLtEDL, Treasurer." The License Fees and Assesment on Stock received in the Hawkesbury Hundered, amount to £274 10s 9d. The payments have been— Ranger's salary, £137 10s; Treasurer's salary, £35 ; stationery, advertising, printing, &c, £12 lls 6d ; leaving a balance in hand of £89 9s 3d. The Escort arrived in town on 13th instant, conveying 10,952 oza. 15 dwta. from the various goldfiald*.

f Our readers will see by the report of the proceed of last meeting of the School Committee, that they still persevering with the«ollection of the sura requ for the^district school Expenses, -bj yolvmtary contn tion. ' It is rather up-hill work, and looks like •" compulsion but must." As, however, the effort m has been a success so far, it is to be hoped now t those who have not responded will do so withont del Messrs. M'Landress, Hepburn and Co., advertise sale here, on Thursday, 2nd February, the entii e st belonging,*^, Messrs., Dalgety^ Itkttr&y.andCo. (bf lit dation), consisting of timber, iron, saddlery, ironmongi soft goods, and goneral .merchandise.^ Catalogues. of Bale may be obtained at- Messrs. Dalgety, Rattray Co.'s in Dunedui, and" at Mr. W. T.' Kirby*s, ,Hai den ; A. Fisher, Timaru ; and Messrs. F. Pinker and Co.'s, Oamaru. /We were sorry to learn that our townsman, Luke, was so unfortunte as to meet with a niisl yesterday evening, but, we are glad to say, not o personal nature. It appears that he, accompanied b gentleman from Dunedin, drove out in a buggy to Waitaki River ; at which place, in order more freelj enjoy the scenery of the neighborhood, they fastei their horse to a flax-bush. They had not left it lo however, when the animal, tired of solitude, succee< in making a "bolt" for home. Before it read Boundary Creek, the buggy was divested of two whet in the vicinity of Mr M'Mnster's another was ( posed of j in like manner the animal continued degrees to get clear of all encumbrance, save its bl'nke which it brought safely to 'the fortunate owne Messrs Paterson and Dansey^ The number of visitors to the Exhibition on Frii was only 205, of whoir 95 were season ticket-holde We fear that the sight is not yet thought worth t money it costs. "When, howeyer, the Building is fill up and the price lowered, the public will probably fi quent it more freely. The Commissioners have decid to extend the time for receiving exhibits, and, not mince matters, will be glad to get them. If any woul be exhibitors have been behind they have thus still {• opportunity, and should avail themselves of it witho delay. On Monday, the number of visitors was betwei 110 and 120, of whom 30 were ticket-holders.