The Oamaru Times, AND WAITAKI REPORTER. TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1868.

North Otago Times, Volume XI, Issue 360, 3 November 1868, Page 2

The Oamaru Times, AND WAITAKI REPORTER. TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1868.

If ifc be true that " in the multitude of counsellors there is wisdom," then most certainly in the matter of harbor-works and dock-accommodation the people of Oamaru should by this time be very Solons. Within the past three weeks no less than six different plans have been brought forward, each proposing to provide the great desideratum for Oamaru, viz., improved shipping facilities. We have plans for the formation of a canal or canals to bring water from the Waitaki to the Creek, So as immensely to increase the volume of water, and give a supply sufficient to float large vessels in the present Lagoon, and to admit of their being taken up stream as far as the hollow at the back of the Post Office, where it is proposed to construct a dry dock. This plan, which is that of Mr Hillary, C.E., and of which a detailed account appeared in otxr issue of the 16th ultimo, was first suggested by Mr Ferens, in a letter which found a place in our columns so far back as the 18th of August' last, and it is undoubtedly the most thorough scheme which has yet been brought forw .rd. Mr Robert Wilson, who signs himself Practical Engineer, proposes to make a " free and straight passage for the Lagoon waters into the sea," to use the Jetty piles in the construction of a barricade to per-

manently turn the Creek, and to excavate a dock on the Esplanade/ with strong gates fixed between two piers, urging that it would be cheaper to make the dock in this way than to dredge-out and wail-in the Lagoon. Mr Robert Anderson, who tells us that he has " had some years experience in dock and water-works," adopts the Lagoon project, and proposes to construct a culvert to carry off the Creek water during the deepening of the Lagoon, ptitting in the dock piers, &c," for which latter work he proposes the use of stone from the Fortification Quarries, dipped, before setting, in boiling tar — to form a dock entrance fitted with gates, and protected by piers of inasonry, and to construct a dam a little below the culvert mouth, so that the Creek water could at any time either be turned thi-ough the culvert or into the proposed dock. In most points (leaving out the proposed Waitaki canal) Mr Anderson's plan is on " all fours" with that of Mr Hillary. Next comes the plan of the Provincial Engineer, Mr Thomson, who proposes to turn the Creek just above the present landingplace by a most effectual barricade of stone and concrete, and to form a dock capable of containing six or seven coasters of seven feet draught, at a spot just to the south of the demolished jetty, where there is a small natural basin, protected on either side by a reef of rocks. Mr C. G. Moore comes forward with a totally different suggestion. He does not attempt to provide dock accommodation, but proposes to facilitate immensely the landing and shipping of produce by cutting a boatcanal along the Esplanade parallel to Tynestreet; to draw the cargo boats up by a stationary engine on' to a moving platform, and to shunt them into the ca.nal, so that cartage might be saved and goods landed without danger of damage from the surf. Mr Hertslett, in a letter written to the " Daily Times," and reprinted in our issue of the 27th ult., proposes the erection of two pairs of shears on the cliff, in the vicinity of the old derrick, with wire ropes passing from these, and attached to heavy anchors outside the ordinary break at low-water mark. Along these wire ropes a cradle for the conveyance of goods or passengers, to be propelled or drawn up by a stationary engine. Arguments are adduced in favor of each of these plans, but as the item of cost' will doubtless be the test of their practicability, let us glance at the figures supplied : — Mr Hillary estimates the cost of constructing a dock at the lagoon, with a canal from the "Waitaki, at £50,000, or with" two canals at £70,000. Mr Thomsoii estimates the cost of constructing a small k* rbor, at the site suggested by himself, at £20,000 ; and we believe that Mr Moore estimates the cost of the proposed boat-canal and landing-stage at about £3000. The other plans we will leave out for the present, as they may be said to be modifications of one or other of these three. We must confess that, so far as we have seen, the balance of evidence inclines us to the belief lagoon project ; and although the estimated cost (at the lowest figure £50,000) is very large, the disti-ict has a perfect right to the expenditure even of .that sum, if only it can be proved that the outlay will result in a work which will permanently provide shipping facilities for the port. But it may be urged that the justice of the claim of the district being admitted, the Province has not the required sum at command. Even so, the work need not be put out of sight as impracticable. Let the Province provide a similar sum to that which it was recently in contemplation to spend on a breakwater, viz., £20,000 ; let a Harbor Trust be granted with power to issue debentures, and we do not see why the balance should not readily be obtained. The saving by the new dock, in cartage, insurance, and boating, would not be less than £6000 per annum, which would provide 10 per cent, interest on £30,000 of debentures, and also a Sinking Fund which would extinguish the debt in seven years. Until it is proved that the Lagoon, which is the place pointed out by n 'ture for a dock for Oamaru, cannot be converted into a dock unless at a much larger expense than the figures given, we think that there is no need to cast about for any other locality. Should some insuperable difficulty, either financial or physical, be proved to exist, then, and then only, should the plan of Mr Thomson be fallen back upon, on the principle that half a loaf is better than no bread. For ourselves, we think that if the plan of Mr Moore for a boat-canal, &c, can be carried out for £3000 or even £5000, it should be done at once, so that, if possible, it might be in operation in time for the shipment of this JbeabOxi's wool. This would give time for the dock-works to be gradually carried out, and in doing this the suggestion of the emplyment of prison labor might wisely be adopted as tending greatly to reduce the cost, and meanwhile it would provide for a very considerable reduction of the cost and difncultv now attendant upon the landing and shipping of our produce. As to the larger scheme, engineers differ as natm-ally as doctors do in difficult cases, ay, and even simple ones, too, and we must confess we should like to see a fund raised to pay the expense attending the bringing of an engineer from some other Colony to give an unbiased and unprejudiced opinion upon the various schemes mooted, and to furnish an estimate of the cost of each, so that the public might have reliable data to guide them in forming a judgment. We do not think any difficulty would be expeiienced in a matter of such vital interest in raising the necessary sum, and would suggest the advisability of a public meeting being held to decide upon what action it is best to take. One thing is certain that the prosperity almost the existence — of the town hangs upon the harbor question, and if the Oamaru people do not wish to be entirely wiped out, it is high time that they were up and doing.

The " Tasmanian Times" calculates that the value of the clip for this year in that Colony will, in consequence of fluke in the flocks and the decline in the price of vrool, shov.' a falling off of L100.000.

We notice that the Garrick Club announce a perform ance for the 11th instant, the night before the Agricul tural Show. The usual monthly meeting of the Oamaru Land ant Building Investment Society will be held thia eveninj at the North'ern Hotel, at 7 o'clock. The nuber of entries of exhibits for the approaching Agricultural and Pastoral Show received is as follow* : - Sheep, 95 pens ; cattle, 18 ; pigs, 8. We notice that an enterprising tradesman of thii town is importing bread from Dunedin, and retailing th< 4 lb. loaf here at 9d. This is likely, we should think to result in a speedy reduction in the price of this im portant article of consumption. We understand that a committee has been formed ai Kakauui, consisting of Captain Matheson, Captain G, Campbell, Messrs Thomas Pollard, Arthur Shield, W, Cruickshank, and John H. M'Lean, for the purpose oi holding a regatta in the harbor, on Saturday, the 2nc of January, 1869. Tilting and other sports will also be held in connection with the above. A meeting of the Municipal Council took place or Friday evening at the Council Chambers. The minute! of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. Or the motion of Cr. Shrimski, seconded by Cr. France, i1 was lesolved "'That the reduction of Wansbeck-streel to its permanent level, between Tees and Tyne streets, be completed by day labor, as per plan of the Svuv veyor. It was also resolved, on the motion of Cr. Shrhnski - " That the footways in ltchen, Tees and Tyne streets already formed be blinded and rolled.' 1 On the motion of Cr. Bee — " That the Surveyor'! Report with reference to the Oamaiu Reserve- be re^ ferred to a Select Committee of the Public Workt Committee, to consist of Crs. Aitken, Ashcroft, Page and Luke." It was resolved "That no obstacle will be put in the way of the erection of a few hurdles by Mi Julius to keep his sheep in prior to the Show, but the Council declines to grant the use of the Pound." Tli€ Standing Ordeis having been suspended. Cr. Bee moved " That the Surveyor be instructed to prepare plans and estimates for the carrying off of storm-water in the creek between Chelmer and ltchen streets." His Worship the Mayor was requested to notify by advertisement that Monday, 9th of November will be kept as a public holiday, in honor of the Prince of Wales. Certain accounts were passed for payment, and the Council adjourned." Staff-Sergeant Stevens who had been for about ten days previous in Oamaru, for the purpose of putting the "Volunteer Company through their preliminary musketry drill, was, on leaving by the Wallace on Saturday morning, presented by Color-Sergeant Livingston, in the name of the non-commissioned officers, with the Runv of L5, in testimony of their appreciation of his diligent efforts. At a meeting of the Acclimatisation Society held in Dunedin on the 29th October, the Chairman suggested the advisability of the Manager proceeding through the noith of the Province, as far as the Waitaki, with the view of selecting suitable streams in which to place the young trout. Mr Shennon spoke of a stream which ran through the property of Mr Fulton, at the West Taieri, as being adapted for the purpose. The Chairman remarked that there was a suitable stream on the property of Mr F. C. JFulton, near Oamaru. Mr Carrick advocated the selection of Silverstream. It was ultimately decided that a sub-committee should be appointed to enquire and report as to the best situations for, and persons williug and competent to undertake the charge of, the trout ova, on their being distributed throughout the Province. We learn from the " Timaru Herald" of the 31st ult., that the Timaru Agricultural and Pastoral Show, " taken as a whole, was a most marked success, and in comparing it with that of last year, showed a steady increase, both in quality and number of exhibits, in the different classes of stock, agricultural and other prodnce. In the sheep classes especially, was thw the case, as there were about thirty pens more shown than in 1867, the total number being, including extra sheep, no less than 114 pens. The show in the merino classes was such as has rarely been, if ever, surpassed in New Zealand." The Silver Cup, value L50, for the largest prize taker in the merino class, was awarded to Messrs Studholme, who had a very close oonte&t with Messrs Elworthy, who tied them with an equal number of points. The cup for long-woolled sheep was won by -Messrs G. G. Russell. Messrs Studholme also carried off the prize (a gold medal) for the best ram in the yard. The first prize for the best draught entire horse was awarded to Messrs G. G. Russell and Co.'s Ivanhoe. The following statement for the quarter ended 30th September, 1868, is published by the Provincial Treasurer in Wednesday's Gazette :— Revenue— Customs, Land, and Gold Duty, and Goldfields Revenue, L19.996 8s. 7d. ; Crown Lands, L25.995 : Harbor and Jetty Dues, L1848 3s. 6d. ; Sheep Assessment and Dog Tax, L471 lls. lOd. ; Licenses, L386 2s. ; Rents, L129 11s. 8d. ; Immigration Repayments, L770 14s. Id. ; School Books and Pees, L308 lls. Id. ; Hospital and Lunatic Asylum Repayments, L287 14s. ; Maintenance of Debtors and Prison Labor, L236 17s. 8d. ; Tolls on Roads, L2366 19s. 2d. ; Lithographic Maps, L27 16s. 5d. ; Incidental Receipts, L339 9s. 4d. ; Telegiaphic Messages, L226 9s. 3d. ; Education Reserves, L107 7s. 7d. ; Tonnage Dues, Lll 8s. 3d. Total, L53,48O 4s. 4d. Expenditure — Superintendent and Executive, L115H 17s. 4d. ; Provincial Council, L542 7s. ; Provincial Solicitor, L77 18s. Id. ; Police, L4413 19s. lid. ; Escort, L839 12s. 9d; Harbor, L1200 0s. 4d. ; Gaols, L2263 6s. 4d. ; District do, L675 15s 9d. ; Treasury, L339 18s lid. ; Collection of Jetty Dues, L228 15s. 8d. ; Sheep Inspector, L867 7s. lid. ; Immigration, L204 6s. 7d. ; Education, L3314 4s. 6d. ; Hospital, L162O 8s. lid. ; JLunatic Asylum, L1139 7s. 4d. j Miscellaneous, L6212 5s. 3d. ; Loans, L32.781 18s, lOcl. ; Steam, LllfiO ; Grants-in-aid, L9678 0s. 3d. ; Crown Lands, L788 lls. Id. ; Survey, L5591 10s. 7d. ; Roads Office, L933 10s. 6d. ; Telegraph, L393 10s. 3d. ; Road Boards, L435 lla. 5d. ; Goldfields, L1560 18s. 8d. ; Roads, L21.982 4s. 5d. ; Works, L6514 9s. ; Bridges, L2250 18s. Id. ; Jetties, L167 18s. lid. Total, L40.619 2s. lid. A contemporary states that Mr Forsyth's flax manufactory at Tokoinairiro, is producing matting of excellent quality, theiinOr kinds of mats being dyed by means of Judson's Simple Dyes. The number of orders received is so great that the factory will be occupied' for some months to come in completing them. The following regulations for the Hundred of Otepopo, for the year 1868, are published in the " Provincial Gazette: — "I. License-holders shall be allowed to depasture one head of great cattle for every twenty-five acres of land occupied or owned by them within the Hundred. II. License-holders shall be allowed to depastuie, fiee of assessment, one head of great cattle for every seven acres of unfenced purchased land belonging to or leased by them within the Hundred. III. No small cattle shall be allowed to depasture at large within the Hundred, without the consent of the Wardens. IV. The assessment for great cattle shall be three shillings per head, and for small cattle, seven pence per head." The annual Licensing Meeting will be held at the various Resident Magistrates' Courts throughout the Province, on Tuesday, December 1st. Applications must be lodged with the Clerks of Courts at least 14 day before the meeting. The Melbourne preserved meat bids fair to come into very extensive demand. It appears' to keep sweet for a long time and to be unaffected by hot climates. A telegram in a lecent "Sydney Morning Herald," states: — " The captain of the Annie Size writes a good account of the Melbourne preserved meat, which had been fortyfive days out, and was then in a hot latitude. Mounted-Sergeant Christopher John Naden has been appointed Deputy-Registrar of brands for Otag».

It has often struck us as somewhat remarkable that hitherto no effort has baen made to introduce the Hereford breed of cattle ; what pure-bred catLle are to be found iu the Colony (and they are comparatively few) being Durhams. We believe it is in the Home country pretty generally admitted that there is no breedof cattle which makes meat faster than the Hereford,' and it is, therefore, with considerable satisfaction that we* read that " the Deputy-Superintendent of Auckland has just received a Hereford bull from the royal farm at Windsor." We learn .from a contemporary that : — " It is intended, during the next session of the Canterbury Provincial Council, to bring in a bill for vesting the Municipal Reserves in that Province in the Municipalities absolutely." It is to be hoped that the matter will not end as it did in the case of Oama.ru this session, with intention only. Sugar-growing is becoming an important industry in Queensland, a quantity of Colonial sugar being recently reported as ready for export.