The Oamaru Mail WITH WHICH IS INCORPORATED THE NEW ZEALAND AGRICULTURIST. FRIDAY, AUGUST 15, 1879

Oamaru Mail, Volume IV, Issue 1036, 15 August 1879, Page 2

The Oamaru Mail WITH WHICH IS INCORPORATED THE NEW ZEALAND AGRICULTURIST. FRIDAY, AUGUST 15, 1879

Mr. Bryant, a gentleman who has a large I interest in Poverty Bay, is now on a visit to this district for the purpose of opening up business relations. He has kindly shown us a sample of petroleum from the springs of i his district, and has given us some particulars concerning these things and the action that is being taken to introduce their product into the market that will, wc have no doubt, prove interesting to our readers. Petroleum —similar to that of America, and coming from a similar source beneath a layer of shale—was discovered nine years ago at Poverty Bay. Since that time at intervals attempts, more or less successful, have been made to utilise it. It was not until lately, however, that 'anything satisfactory in this direction was accomplished, several thousands of pounds having been wasted in obsolete American machinery before the initiators of the oil industry succeeded in getting on the right track. Now the old and rusty, but newly-painted American machinery that gave every indication of baring been discarded in America and sent oat to confound the greenhorns of New Zealand, been replaced by the moet ap-

proved machinery that has yet been invented for the purpose of working oil springs; and a manager, who hailed from the same place as the machine, and who partook somewhat of the character of the machine, inasmuch 33 he always was a painted sham, has been given his walking ticket, and a really good man from the United States supplies his : place. The present manager has an interest j in the oil enterprise, in conjunction with a j number of energetic residents in the district, j In fact, the money to develop these springs , has had to be imported from America, where j the jKiopte seem to have a peculiar knack of appreciating a good thing. Feelings of jealousy would have kept this industry in | the background till this day had it not been for the enterprise of America, for jealousy is rife in this Colony. The oil, we learn, is exceedingly pure, and can be burned in its natural state with safety, although, in consequence of the presence of tar, it i 3 too smokcy for household use. It is also inexhaustible. There is little doubt but that the promoters will reap a rich reward ere long. Whilst the Timarn Herald and other Opposition papers are ridiculing Sir George Grey and asacrverating that there is anxiety on the part of some of the Grey party to disclaim connection with their leader, the lie is being given to such views in various ways. Those papers are, in fact, in the habit of concocting rumors within the narrow precincts of their own offices, attributing sayings and doings to the members of the Liberal party of which they do not even dream. It is evidence that if the members of the Liberal party disclaim all connection with Sir G. Grey, the Opposition do not. TV e now hear of a suggestion coming from the Opposition that Sir George Grey should stand for the representation of Christchurch, in company with Messrs, Richardson and Stevens, the two present members. The suggestion is clever enough ; but those who have made it, and Messrs. Stevens and Richardson have either been acting a false part in the House, or they are gentlemen of accommodating principles and forgiving dispositions. To attempt to run Sir George Grey with these men would be as foolish as harnessing a fast trotter in company with two bullocks, expecting it to drag them after it. Mr. TYachsmuth has arrived in Oamaru to make arrangements for the appearance of the "Pinafore" Company, which has created such a furore in Dunedin. The company will appear on Tuesday and Wednesday next, at the Volunteer Hall, and will produce " K.M.S. Pinafore" and "The Sorcerer." We have not been at any of ; erformances of the company oursel»es, but all who have are greatly pleased with the entertainment they provide. We understand that suitable scenery and effects will accompany the performances, the former being the work of Mr. Briggs, the well-known scenic artist. The troupe consists of thirty members, several of which are reputed to class with the best exponents of opera bouSe that have ever visited the Colony. Riccardi is said to possess a remarkably fine voice, and, having heard Miss Leaf, we can assure those who patronise the company a great treat. "We are glad to sec that the County ! Council entertain favorably the application of the Awamoka settlers for a footbridge over the river at that place. This is one of the moat important works that we know of, : and should be performed, especially as it | would only entail a trifling outlay. The I bridge at Black Point, which has been menI turned in counection with that Awamoko, ! appears to be an urgent work. I Last night ths Artillery, I Battery, under ' Sergt.-Maior Creagh, had a very instructive [ drill, which wa3 well attended. The annual general meeting of the First Oamarn Permanent Building Society will be | held at eight o'clock this evening in the j Mechanics' Institute.

A requisition is being signed to Mr. W. J. Steward asking him to conic forward as a candidate at the coming election.