The Oamaru Times, AND WAITAKI REPORTER. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 1867.

North Otago Times, Volume IX, Issue 245, 27 September 1867, Page 2

The Oamaru Times, AND WAITAKI REPORTER. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 1867.

We are glad to notice that the Volunteers of O.imani are showing signs of life, and hope that the movement now started for the reorganisation of our local company will be crowned with success. It has frequently been a matter of surprise that Oamaru has been so far in the background in the matter of volunteering, especially as smaller towns have been successful in maintaining very efficient companies, and our neighbors of Timaru have two — a rifle company and a batteiy of artillery ; and there must surely be sufficient material in Oamaru to keep up a strong and efficient corps. But, in order thereto, it will be necessary to enquire what have been the reasons why the movement has hitherto languished among us, in order that the causes which have militated against its success may for the future be avoided, and that the inducements which have hitherto been wanting may be supplied. One serious difficulty which the Oamaru Company labors under is, its distance from the head-quarters of the regiment, and even from that of any other local company, so that the members cannot look forward to taking part in encampments or reviews, or even to working in battalion ; and a continuance of company and squad drills is apt to become tame and uninteresting. This is a difficulty which time only will put an end to. As the town grows, there will be a prospect of starting other companies, and eventually having a local battalion ; but, in order to this, the spirit of volunteering must be kept alive, and we hail with pleasure the efforts which are now being made with this object. Among the causes which have hitherto operated against the success of the company, has been, perhaps, an indisposition on the part of civilians to submit to strict military discipline. Private Brown, who is a wealthy man but not sufficiently up in his drill to entitle him to " the stripes," is perhaps im willing to be corrected by Sergeant Robinson, who, although his superior on parade, and justly so by his superior knowledge of drill, is yet in private life Brown's tailor, baker, or hairdresser. Now, this sort of thing must be got over ; in the ranks men must forget their social and commercial relationships, and be content to do their duty and to render obedience according to their rank and standing as Volunteers. In this way only can discipline be preserved. Another tiling which is equally necessary to the prosperity of the company is, .that promotion shall go by merit and by merit only, for it is utterly subversive of discipline to place men in the supernumerary rank who, so far from being able to drill others, are not even moderately up in the drill themselves. Another point which is of vital importance is that every man should take an active interest in the prosperity of the company ; that there should be, in fact, an esprit de corps among its members, inducing them to mike little sacrifices, and to submit to temporary inconveniences in order to promote the company's success. Such a spirit, too, will prevent carelessness on parade, and will cause an honorable rivalry between the members of the convpany in endeavoring to excel in drill. Punctuality in attendance at parade and squad drills cannot be too much insisted upon. If men cultivate the habit of regularity, it will soon become so powerful that their being present at drill will be a matter of course, and it will be only under the pressure of veiy exceptional circumstances that " absent without leave" will be recorded against their names. When the opposite is the case, the movement soon languishes and dies. A stops away because B does, and scores stop away because they expect the muster to be small, and therefore the muster is small. Let the members of No. 8 Company band themselves together, and let each man consider liimself bound in duty to his company always to be present at drill, unless absolutely prevented, and we have no fear of the movement being a success. Another reason why regularity in attendance is most important is that all the members of the company may be advanced in their knowledge of drill simultaneously, and that those who are regular in attendance may not be kept back by the necessity of giving preliminary instruction to laggards, thus going over the same ground again and again ; and further than this, it is at the same time very discotiraging and also an ill compliment to the officers to refuse to meet them on parade, or to give them only a muster sufficient for squad drill. These matters are in the hands of the member of the company themselves, but there are certain other things which should be supplied by the Government and public — we mean a drill-shed and armoury, a rifle-range ai»d a band. We notice that steps have

already been taken to organise the latter, { which is especially needful in the case of an isolated company, out of the reach of the battalion band, and which requires something to relieve the monotony of drill. It becomes irksome to men to have continually to march without, music, and a good band is half the battle hi keeping -up n company. Nor only to the Volunteers will the band, be a boon, but also to the whole town, which the inspiriting strains of the drums and fifes would do much to enliven. On this latter account, therefore, as well as out of a desire to see the local company prosper, we trust the citizens will unite with their usual liberality in furnishing the requisite funds. We believe that the bandmaster and boys are forthcoming, and all that is required to start the band are the necessary instruments and uniform, the cost of which, we learn, will amount to from £50 to £60. Subscriptions to the amount of about one-third of this sum have already been promised, and we trust that the remainder will be soon made up. The rifle range also remains to be provided and is a very obvious necessity. The company will only do half their duty if they are not taught to shoot, and more than half the attraction of volunteering will be wanting if butts and targets are not provided. Surely there can be no difficulty in obtaining a range near Oamaru almost surrounded as it is by hills, and we should think that some one will be found public-spirited enough to grant the Volunteers the use of a range. The Government may be fairly looked to also for any requisite assistance in the matter, and also in the providing of a drill-shed and armoury ; and we have no doubt will be willing to give a grant-in-aid of the cost. The company may, we think, look forward with tolerable certainty to obtaining these essential requisites, especially if its members show themselves thoroughly in earnest in endeavouring to make it a really efficient corps, and we hope that those who have time to spare will redly round the flag of No. 8, and that at the meeting of to-night a large number of recruits will join its ranks. Then having made a good start, let the members show perseverance and patience, and we may yet see a "Volunteer Corps in Oamaru alike creditable to itself and to the town.

The English news via Panama was telegraphed last evening too late for insertion in our columns ; we, therefore, publish it in the form of an " Extra." The first peiformance of the Oamaru Garrick Club took place last evening in the Masonic Hall before a very respectable audience. The pieces presented were Cherry Bounce and Poisoned, and both went off very successfully. Between the pieces Messrs Shipton and O'Meagher gave several songs, which were well received. In consequence of the lateness of the hour at •which the performance was concluded, we withhold a. more detailed critique until next ihsue. A special meeting of the Municipal Council will be held this afternoon, in the Courthouse, at 3 o'clock. We are requested to intimate that the Rev C. Connor will pi each at Sebostopol, near Totara, on Sabbath first, at half-past 2 o'clock. He will resume his Lecture on Galritians in the evening, in St. Paul's. "We remind the membeis and others wishing to join the Oamaru Company of Volunteers that a meeting is called for this evening in the Northern Hotel. We are glad to notice that it is intended to try the experiment of boring an artesian well in Oamaru. Tenders for this purpose have been called for by the Municipal Council. We understand that the goats presented by the Melbourne Acclimatisation Society to the kindred Society in Oaniaru, have arrived. They are four in number, and consist of a pair of pure-bred Cashmeres, a purebred Angora ram, and a three-quarter-bred Angora ewe. These animals have been temporarily placed in Mr Hassell's paddock, who has kindly taken charge of them until some more suitable place can be found for them. A meeting of the Society is called for Thursday next, when it is hoped that there will be a full attendance of members. By the courtesy of the Rev. Father Williams,, R.C.C., wo have been allowed the opportunity of inspecting the plans of the new church, which it is iutended to erect for the Roman Catholic congregation upon the piece of land near the White Hart Hotel, reserved for that purpose. The plans are by Mr Lawson, architect, of Dunedin. According to the design, the complete building will, when carried out, be quite an ornament to the town. The plan of the building is crucifoim, including nave, chancel, and two transepts, with a very elegant tower and spire. The general design is of the Gothic oider of aichitecture. The whole of the building (except the foundations, which will be of bluestone), is to be of Oamaru stone, finished entirely w^th same, except round the walls, to the height of four feet, which will be dado lined and coped. The work to be in broken courses of square lubble outside, except at angles, reveals and finishes, and in foot-courses smooth finished. The roof is to be open-finished with slate finish from ridge to eaves. The -whole design is estimated to cost about L2000, but it is only intended at the present time to erect the nave of the building, which will scat upwards of 200 persons. Weleain that it is intended to have a number of photogiaphs taken of the whole elevation, which, when completed, will be obtainable at Mr Livingstone's, Wansbeck-street. Subscriptions to a considerable amount have been promised by residents in the town and neighborhood, and rro are requested to intimate that, as the building will shortly be commenced, the immediate payment of the sums subscribed is very desirable. We would suggest to our Municipal Council the advisability of placing boards with the names of the streets at the corners of the principal thoroughfares. This would be a great convenience to strangers visiting the town. This being the breeding season, numbers of wild-ducks aie frequenting the pools and creeks in the town and neighborhood. It is to be hoped that they will not bo unnecessarily disturbed, as the only way to onsure a good supply of game in the propoi season is to prevent their destruction during "close" time. The " Dunslan Times," of the 13th instant, says :— "On Friday last at St Bathan's, a miner named Patrick Cummerford lost his life whilst woiking in his claim ; it appears that a considerable quantity of earth from the face of the cl?im, suddenly slipped and buried the poor fellow ; after immense exertions on the part of his mates, the body was recovered. The remains were interred on Sunday last, a numerous concourse following. W© learn from the "Daily Times" that the erection of a Masonic Hall is shortly to be commenced in Dunedin. Tho " Southern Cross" asserts that Sir George Grey proposes to reside permanently at Kawau, where preparations are being made to receive His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh. The "Southland Times," of the 16th inst., says that in the Provincial Council, on the 14th, Mr M'Clure intimated that he had succeeded in forming an Executive — viz., himself Provincial Secretary, Mr Blacklock, Treasurer, and Mr Armstiong aud Dr Monckton, the two • remaining members.

A. meeting of the settlers on Papakaio Plain was held at the house of Mr James D.ilgleish, on the 16th hist. The Rev Charles Connor was called upon to preside. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confinned. The Secretary read what he had communicated to the Inspector of Schools, which was cordially approved of. The letters of the Inspector were then read, and after some conversation it was ascertained that it was the mind of the meeting that as Mr Hislop had taken no exception to the course adopted at last meeting, it be considered ratified, viz., that the grant of L100 be handed over to the Awamoko District. It was movtd by Mr Smollie, seconded by Mr Hall—" That a Committee be now nominated, and the election take place on jiloiiday, the 23rd instant." Mr Haggie proposed an amendment, which was seconded by Mr Pricker — " That this meeting proceed at once to appoint a Committee out of the settlers resident in the Awamoko District." The motion was carried. It was agreed that all the settlers in the Awamoko District be nominated aa fit and proper persons to be members of the Educational Committee, the election to take place on the 23rd instant, at Mr Aitchison's, at 7 o'clock — five to form the Educational Committee and three to form a quorum. Mr Archibald Hutchison and Mr Thomas Hall were appointed to go round the district, and ascertain how much each would be disposed to contribute towards the erection of a Schoolhouse, and to receive the voies of those who could not conveniently ntf ati/I tl-m meetingjm the 23rd instant. At the meeting held on the 23rd, in Mr Aitchison's house, Mix Connor again presided. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. The voting papers having been examined, it was ascertained that the five names which had the most votes were Peter Aitchison, J. F. Sweatland, Thomas King, John Johnston, and E. Fricker. These gentlemen were declared duly elected to be members of the Educational Committee for the Awamoko District. Messrs Hall and Hutchison repoited to the meeting that they had received subscriptions for the orection of & Schoolroom in the District, amounting to L37 10s. After some conversation about a site, the meeting was closed with prayer by the Rev C. Connor. The Educational Committee thereafter met, when it was unanimously agreed to that Mr Peter Ailchisou be chairman, and Mr J. F. Sweatland secretary. At a meeting of the Committee of the Oamaru Cricket Club, held in the Secretary's office, on Tuesday last — present, Messrs JTotheringhAin. (in the chair), Turnell, and Sumpter, the following resolutions were earned : — " That a double gate be erected, provided the cost does not exceed L3." — " That broom-seed be sown round the fence, and that a man be engaged for a week." — "That Mr Lees be requested to purchase two kills and a bag for holding cricket material." — " That on Satiudays, fiom3to 5 p.m., all mombers practice in their places ; said places to be fixed by the Captain." — " That a temporary Captain be elected on Saturday next, to act until one be elected by the Eleven." — " That the accounts of F. Pinkerton & Company, Turnell, and Reid & Robertson be paid, and that Mr Sumpter bo paid L12 on accouut." — "That the thanks of the Club be tendered to the Corporation for the receipt of L15." The weighbridge erected by the Municipal Council is now in full working order, having been accurately adjusted by Mr Buist. This will supply a want that has long been felt in Oaniai-u, both by sellers and purchasers of produce. The charges for weighing at the machine are fixed by the Council at one shilling for a two-wheeled and two shillings for a four-wheeled vehicle. " An amusing scene," says the c "Wellington Independent,' " occuried during the discussion on the Tiniaru Bill in the House of Representatives :— Mr Cox rend a telegram, which he stated he had received from Tiniai u, announcing that a meeting had been held that day at Chi istchuich, which had expiessed its strong appi oval of the Bill, and had hooted Moorhouse's name. That gentleman thereupon said he had also received a telegram from Christchurch, but of a slightly different tenor, as it stated that a meeting was to be held in that town on Tuesday. To make the confusion greater, Mr G-. Marfarlan announced that he had also been the happy recipient of a telegram, but the information it conveyed was different to that given by the other two, • being to the effect that a meeting was held at Lyttleton on Saturday, which expressed an unanimous condemnation of the Bill, and that a memorial would be forwarded by the first steamer. To cap the whole, Mr Hall, amidst much laughter, said that according to a telegram which he had received, a meeting was held at Christchurch on Saturday, and was adjourned till Monday. At a later period of the evening Mr Cox gave notice that he would, on Wednesday, move that the House do go into Committee to consider the appropriation clauses of the Bill." The Canterbury "Press" writes : — "We are indebted to the courtesy of Dr. Haast, the Provincial Geologist, for a copy of his report on the head-waters of the river Rakaia. The repoi t, which is issued in the form of a blue-book, is most complete, and has appended to it seveial illustrations of some of the most strikingly beautiful scenes to be found in the mountains amongst which the river takes its rise. These views, which are chiefly of the glaciers and mountain peaks in the vicinity of Whitcombe and Browning passes, have been elegantly lithographed by M essrs Ward and Reeves, and are well worthy of being framed, as they convey a capital idea of the grandeur of the scenery lepresented. Dr. Baast possesses considerable powers of description, which he certainly displays to advantage in the report now before us, which contains a great deal of information that is rendered fully as interesting as a book of travels by the descriptive passages with which it abounds. Accompanying the report is a topographical map, showing the different routes over which the Piovincial Geologist has extended his observations, and giving a general outline of the main features of the country, and of the rivers and mountain ranges. Sections of the valley of the Rakaia and its tributaries afford very good illustrations of the vaiious deposits and accumulations, and of the stratification of the different rocks. Dr. Haast mentions a large and rare bird of prey, which he describes as being of a dark colour, with pointed wings and heavy flight ; but he was unable to obtain a specimen as it seldom came out until after dusk, and was then rather shy. It is supposed to belong to a species of eagle hawk. This fact is interesting, as it shows that the ornithology of this country is more extensive than has hitherto been supposed." The " Waikouaiti Herald" informs us that an accident, terminating: fatally, occurred last week to a Mr James Duncan, a carpenter, on© of the old residents of the district. Our contemporary writes : — " Mr Duncan was employed in the erection of a woolshed on the station of Messrs Jones and Orbell, by Mr T. Whinam. It appears that he was, at the time of the accident, working at one of the gable ends of the building, and had just previously assisted a fellow-workman to fix a ridge-pole, when, in moving to enable himself the better to accomplish the work he had in hand, a piece of timber he imagined to be safe and secure, bub which unfortunately had not been nailed, gave way. Losing his balance, Duncan fell with considerable force to the ground, a distance of from twelve to fifteen feet, thereby sustaining a comminuted fracture of the arm, and seriously injuring his spine. The unfortunate man was at once brought into town, and Dr Drury having been sent for, he was promptly in attendance, and rendered all the assistance in his power. It is with much sorrow, however, we have to state that the injuries received liaTG since proved fatal, notwithstanding all the attention that medical skill or 1 kindness could prompt. Duncan expired on Sunday, leaving a wife and five children to mourn his loss." We learn from a contemporary that the damage done to the wharf at Wellington by the s.s. Otago is estimated at over L5000.

The " Argus," writing of tho vessels expected for the harbor defence of Melbourne, writes :— " Information was received by the Government by despatches by the last mail, to the effect that the Nelson, steam frigate, would in all probability bail for this Colony about the end of August. She was detained waiting for the six 300-pound guns ordered for the shore defences here, which she will bring out in order to save freight. The crew, however, had not been engaged, so that no expense was being incurred. One or two alterations and improvements had also been suggested in the boilers and machinery of the Nelson, and advantage was being taken of the delay to carry them into effect. We are informed that there is no truth in the report that the Nelson was rotten and but little worth. During the thorough overhaul which she underwent only two or three pieces of unsound timber were discovered, and these were all removed. The plans and drawings for the iron turret ship had been prepared by the Admiralty, and submitted to Major Pasley, and ho had taken the best unofficial professional opinion upon them which was to be obtained in the United Kingdom. Only a few trifling improvements were suggested, and these are to be carried out. Tenders for the construction of the vessel were to be immediately called for, and it is said that when finished the Victorian turret ship will be one of the finest, if not the finest, vessel in the world. She will be armed with four 600-pound guns, and is estimated to cost L120,000. Before any tender is accepted it will be sent to Major JPa^loy for his approval." An Australian contemporary «ay<i • — Tho aborigines of the south-east have been meeting at Mount Gambier, and have sent up a petition to the Government, praying that they may be conveyed to Adelaide at the public expense, on the occasion of the visit of the Duke of Edinburgh, in order that they may see and pay their respects to the son of the Queen. A fish, of the variety known as Murray cod, weighing 641bs., has been caught in the Ovens River, near Tarrawingee.