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Oamaru Mail, Volume I, Issue 328, 12 May 1877, Page 2

We have to apologise to our readers for the lateness of the publication of The Mail 1 ist evening. The delay was caused by the occurrence of an a- cident just as *ve were going to press, and which necessitated the ' re-setting " of a large quantity • f type for the i>sue. The barque William Gifford, which was . rdered to proceed to Dunedin yesterday in consequence of the injuries received by her du.ing the occurrence of the tidal wave, was seen from the flagstaff this afternoon, about 17 nii.es down the coast. She was making for Poit Chalmers, where she will most probably arrive early this evening. The boat with the Harbour Master (Captain Sewell), wiio went out for the purpose of going on bjard the William Gifford, was also seen about 14 miles away, so that the boatmen a long pull before them ere they reach the port again. By telegraph we learn that the phenomenon of a tidal wave, which was experienced here yesterday, was noticed at every port on t.ie east coast of both islands, from Auckland to Port Chalmers, and even extended as far south as the Bluff. At Poverty Bay the water rose as high as eight feet. No serious damage is recorded irom any part of the Colony. We notice that the phenomenon has also been experienced at Sydney and .Newcastle. The leases of Corporation sections No. 1 and No. 5, block XCV., were sold to-day by Messrs. Fleming and Hedley. The leases were for 21 years, and in both cases were sold at the upset price, viz. : Section 1, 355, per foot; section 5, 3Js. per foot. We would direct attention to a mail notice in another column, announcing that in future mails will be despatched daily to Weston and Teancraki, closing at 2.30 p.m. The Calcined Corkonians, having finally ; arranged a programme for their first entertainment, held a short rehearsal last evening at the Masonic Hall, which passed off satisfactorily. After the rehearsal, a meeting was held for the purpose of considering the request made by the Committee of the Mechanics' Institute that the Corkonians should assist in an enteitainment to be given i i aid of the Institute on the evening of the Queen's Birthday. After consideration, it wa3 decided that the company should offer to give the whole performance. This step was taken as some difficulty was foreseen in regard to the carrying out of the piogramme as proposed by the Committee, who suggested that the Corkonians should give the first part of the entertainment, the latter portion to consist of the trial scene from "Pickwick," to be played by the dramatic amateurs. The difficulty which the Calcined Corkonians feared mij.ht prevent the carrying out of this progiamme was, that seeing that a large number of the " nigger " troupe would also be engaged in the dramatic portion of the entertainment, it wo Id be impossible to change from black faces to white in time to ei.a le the programme to be carried out in a manner satisfactory to the audience. They, therefore, ;ame to the conclusion to offer their services :or the entire performance. Another relearsal of the Corkonians will be held on Monday evening, when everything will be Infinitely arranged, should the Conun ttee < >f the Mechanics' Institute agree to accept < ,he offer of the Club. i

There was a blank sheet at the Resident Magistrate's Court this morning. By advertisement it will be sepn that the Rev. A. B. Todd, having completed his eighth year of ministry in Oamaru, will preach an anniversary sermon to-morrow morning in St. Paul's Church.

Messrs. Fleming and Hedley held a sale of property to-day, on behalf of the executors in the estate of the late John Martin. There was a large attendance of buyers, and the bidding was very spirited The following are the prices realised :—Section 1, block IX., Oamaru Town, fronting Thames-street, L 290 ; the leasehold of Corporation section 21, block XX. (annual rental, L 5 10s.), brought a premium of L 25 ; freehold of one acre, being part of section 109, block 111., Papakaio district, with a four-roomed cottage, L 250.

There was a large muster of the different companies at the monthly inspection parade last evening in the Drill Shed, the Artillery Company especially showing up strongly on this occasion. After the Companies had gone through a variety of movements in the shed, they marched out to the inspiriting strains of the Caledonian Band, which accompanied them. On reaching Tynestreet a halt was made, and the major commanding gave orders to execute several movements, which were very indifferently done. After reforming, and on reaching the Drill Shed, the Major informed the Coin panies that very probably they would be required in a week or so to go through a stricter course of drill than at present.

The men engaged at present under Mr. Jones, the Government Engineer, surveying the site of the harbour at Taranaki, state that the only inconvenience they experience in their work is inhaling the strong sickening odour that arises from the constant anc copious flow of petroleum around where they are engaged at Mihotahi. That petroleum springs exist there (says the Herald), has long been known, and some day, no doubt, an attempt will be again made t<< discover if the oil is in sufficient quantity to be profitable to work. The following passng2, which occurs at the conclusion of lectures on the "History of the Turks," by Dr. Newman, published in 1854, has a remarkable significance just now:—"Many things are possible. One thing is inconceivable : that they (the Turks) should, as a nation, accept of civilisation ; and in default of it, that they should be able to stand their ground against the encroachments of Uussia, the interested and contemptuous patronage of Europe, and the hatred of their subject population."

"Snyder" says in the Poverty Bay Standard: —" It is not very often I venture prophecy, I will do so this once. A gold fever is raging on the Thames. Moanatairi shares, which six w««»ks ago could not find buyers at a few shillings, are now quoted at £2l. My prophecy is, that within the next twelve months more people will have been ruined by trading in these shares than will have made anything out of them. Information to this effect will be gratefully received and promptly acknowledged. Two men died raving mad, one committed suicide, Haley tried to perpetrate murder ; more than a hundred men went '• broke," and no end of misery was caused by the celebrated claim. Walter Williamson, the greatest prospector on the Thames goldfleM, died miserable, and was buried by subscription. Bryan, who discovered the rich auriferous cement at Charleston, on the West Coast, is now a cripple begging for a meal. The Frenchman who opened up Fox's, gambled LSOO away in one night, and was found drowned the next day. Jack Doble, who struck a new and immensely rich patch of gold at the Dunstan, died of consumption in an hospital, not leaving a shilling to his wife and six children. It is true, then, that gold is the root of all evil? The two or three half-dozen men who became rich through mine speculations, wha become of them ? And tj what account did they turn the r money, and how many sleepless nights and f jverish dnys did the unwholesome excitement cause them ?"