THE DUNSTAN.

North Otago Times, Volume IV, Issue 63, 4 May 1865, Page 3

THE DUNSTAN.

The " Dunstan TimcB" has the following : — " Tho exodus to the West Coast is entirely stayed, and many who left; for them in Buch hot haste are returning apparently not at all enriched by their trip. None of the overlanders, havo made their appearance ; they being as yet unconscious of tho disastrous intelligence, are doubtless still pushing on towards the new Dorado. Tho highly prosperous condition of tho Nevis gold-field contributes considerably towards improving the trade of Clyde, most of the supplies for that place being obtained from hero. The want of a cart-road to that gold-field is Tory badly felt. It would not only tend considerably to improve trade, but would assist in the development of a largo amount of auriferous ground in that locality. At present the cost of provisions, mining tools, and material, are much too high to permit miners speculating the extent many of them would wish — which is always the case where goods have to bo packed on horseback. The making of a dray road apross tho Carrick Ranges at Clement's Saddle, would be but a small affair, and probably cost not more than £1000. The revenue from this gold-field certainly justifies the expenditure of such a sum, which, if judiciously laid out, would in a brief period repay itself tenfold. Business matters, both at Cromwell and Alexandra, have visibly improved. At the lattor the reaction ia voiy perceptible, many of tho large mining companies having got into active work. We are glad to learn that tho Government has seen the policy of taking steps to opon a route to tho West Coast. Mr O'Neil, the Government Eoad Engineer, left Cromwell with a party of four, to proceed in tho direction of tho West Coast, via Lake Wanaka, and report upon the best route. One or two old residents at Cromwell belong to the party.

By an order in Council, under date January 6th, the Governor in Council has delegated to Alfred Rowland Chetham Strode, Esq., all powers competent to be exercised by Commissioners appointed under the Now Zealand Native Reserves Act, 1856, in respect of the Native Reserves set apart within the limits of Dunedin and Port Chalmers. The "Australasian" reports that great excitement still prevails in Victoria on the subject of the new tariff, and a large meeting of Freetraders had been held on the subject. The Legislative Assembly is at present in session. One of the most important measures before them has been the amendment of the Land Act of 1862. The dry season has given rise to frightful conflagrations, about 20 miles from Melbourne, running over an immense i extent of country. In South Australia, " intelligence received from the Far North, states that no rain has fallen there for the last sixteen months. The heat continues to be most intense. A letter dated Mount Deception, March 7, gives the following account of the state of the weather : — ' The weather is still the same as far as the rain is concerned, but much cooler than it has been. Last week for six successive days the glass ranged from 100 to 106 deg.' "