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Otago Daily Times, Issue 30, 19 December 1861, Page 3

Sir. E,. Murchison, at the British Association, meeting, said that by the labours of Mr. E. Hunt, in sedulously collecting data from all quarters, we now became aware of the fact that we are consuming and exporting about 80,000,000 tons of coals annually, (a prodigious recent increase, and daily augmenting). Of iron ore we raise and smelt upwards of 8,000,000 tons, producing 3,826,000 tons of pig-iron. Of copper ore we raise from our own mines 236,698 tons, which yield 15,968 tons of metallic copper ; and from our native metallic minerals we obtain of tin 6695 tons ; of lead, 63,515 tons ; and of zinc, 4357 tons. The total annual value of our minerals and coals is estimated at £16,993,473, and that of the metals (produce of the minerals) and coals at £37,121,318.

Thistses,—A grevious plague of vegetation, the spread of the thistle plant over the uncultllands of this Colony is attracting much anxious attention. A country editor referring to this nuisance in his neighbourhood, describes atiiistle plant "as big as a cart." The editorial fancy was certainly not fertile in similics. No doubt this wonderful statement will attract a grest deal of surprise, and possibly a great number of Scotchmen. — Victor lav. Paper.