THE Otago Daily Times. " Inveniam viam out faciam." FRIDAY, MARCH 14th, 1862.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 102, 14 March 1862, Page 4

THE Otago Daily Times.

" Inveniam viam out faciam."

FRIDAY, MARCH 14th, 1862.

The " Peeress," one day later from Melbourne ' than the " Lady Bird," brings a vague .report '. of the death of His Royal Highness Prince , Albert. We published the report in the form >of an Extraordinary, but carefully abstained ' from investing it with a greater amount of truth i than it appeared to be entitled to. We mi- . nutely stated the manner in which it was ', received, and left it to the judgment of our 1 readers to form their own estimate of its truthfulness. We mention this particularly, be ' cause a showy kind of publication was circu- . lated in the course of the afternoon, with an ) ostentations black border, and purporting to 1 contain not only positive intelligence of the fact, but winding up with a little clap-trap j concerning the value of the " distinguished . man," and the heavy sorrow that has " befallen i our beloved Queen." However edifying such : a eulogy and such a dirge may be when the 1 news is ascertained to have some foundation 'on which to rest, they are, to say the least, premature now. Looking at the frank and candid statement of the Captain, concerning the source from which the information he brought was derived, and of the circumstances following his acquirement .of the same, we consider that it is to be re--1 garded with grave doubt. The information • was signalled to him from Port Phillip Heads t on the afternoon of the 27th of February, but on the morning of the 28th February he sent ,on shore at Queenscliffe, and " was unable to derive any corroborative information of the important intelligence he had received by " signal." Now Queenscliffe is a place at which a great many influential Melbourne men reside; indeed, Sir Henry Barldy and ; family have only just left it, and it seems highly improbable that so important an event would not be well known there, instead of the Captain being unable to obtain any information of it. To say the least, the report , should be received with the utmost caution, ■ resting as it does on :i very slender basis. A mistake in reading (he signals would alone upset it. It may be said that whether the , rumour prove true or false, is not of so much importance as the removal ( of. the Prince is not likely to produce much effect oa public affairs. To a certain extent this is the case, the Prince Consort has always been jealously prevented from taking any part in public matters. He is merely known as an amiable gentleman of cultivated understanding. His name was sometimes before the public as one who exerted himself in assisting to lessen the social troubles ol the working classes, he was also known as a supporter and encourager of Art. The idea of the Exhibition of 1851 is attributed to him. Hut publicly he was a nonentity; indeed, the slightest approach towards investing him with political power brought down a perfect storm of disapproval. Socially, he maj- be much missed, the followers of art may deplore in him '|an enlightened encourager, the domestic ihappiness of the Sovereign must be largely jaffected, but in a public point of view his loss >!will be only temporarily felt. He will have ;'no nook in the history of the times. Future 'historians will refer to him as an admirable Prince who proved himself equal to the duties ,of his station, but one of those very duties >jwas non-interference with political life. ■j It is necessary to say so much to guard our 'jreaders against mixing up in their minds matI ters of public and private interest. The death of the Queen's husband will be felt as a private misfortune by her subjects, to whom she has endeared herself. For himself also he will be mourned by the more limited circle which had cognisance of his merits and his worth. But in a public point of view there is matter of more account hanging suspended over our readers with the greatest possible uncertainty. Fate seems determined to concentrate events of the most absorbing interest within the limits of the period which a strange fatality has rendered a more than usually lengthened blank to the Australian and New Zealand colonists. Just when the mail proves itself defective, everything of importance seems to be crowded together. The uncertain issue of the war between the Northern and Southern States, the grave reasons to fear the commencenient of war between England and America, and the vague possibilityof serious complications having arisen in India, all are hanging in the balance, and now we, of Otago, are tormented with a shadowy rumor that may or may not be well founded, of an event which, if true, will cause considerable and general regret —the death of the husband of the Queen, and the father of the Prince of Wales. Wb republish in another column three articles, relating to Otago, from different journals. The one from the Sydney Herald exhibits the common-place ideas of people at a distance concerning what seems to them the not very extraordinary progress of a place that circumstances have developed into the capital of a gold producing country. Haif-sneeringly, halfpatronisingly, Otago is patted on the back, and told if it be not ambitious it may hope for all manner of good things; last, but not. least of which is the recognition of its neighbors. The first article from the Lyttelton Times is only remarkablejfrom the singular incorrectness of iacts and deductions which characterises it

throughout. In. the subsequent article, the Lytielion Times appears partly to have discovered its error, but instead of openly confessing as much, it pretends to believe that the error does not lie with itself, but that there is a change of. opinion in' the subject of its article.

The Lyttelton paper it is which labors untier a thorough misapprehension of the views of the people of Otago. Neither at the fu>t or second meeting of the Chamber of Commerce was the remotest desire entertained to monopolise a service for the Province of Otago (o the exclusion of the other Provinces. All that the Chamber of Commerce asked, or desired, at either of the meetings referred to, was that of which the Lyttelton paper says, •'no one can doubt for a moment that the Chamber of Commerce was perfectly right in pressing for the privilege of preserving for the Provincial authorities the controlling power of the mail service with Melbourne." Simply and solelj' the controlling power was what it asked for, and that it obtained, despite the '" bouncing" tone employed by the Lyttelton Times, about the Postmaster-General not giving up " the privileges of his department at the demand of any single Province," and that " the Dunedin Chamber of Commerce should have thought of this before beginning to talk so loudly about independent action." It must lie rather mortifying to the Chairman, Mr. Cargill, to find that in an article which is a tissue of I misrepresentation throughout, he only should be praised. The context alone converts such praise into censure, ani» the more aptly is this illustrated when.rin the subsequent article, the same authority declares that "no one can doubt for a moment that the Chamber of Commerce was perfectly right in pressing for the privilege of preserving for the Provincial authorities the controlling power of the Mail service," or, in other words, was perfectly right in resisting the policy of which Mr, Cargill alone constituted himself the advocate. Mr. Cargill should profit by this incident, to refrain in future from raising for the mere sake of argument, points of dispute which even would-be opponents are compelled to declare unmaintainable.

We are not disposed to be hard on our contemporary, theplacingin contrast its two articles is sufficient punishment, and for the future it should remember not to allow the prejudices of partizanship to lead it into raising feelings of bitterness between places that it justly says should be friendly. Granted that it considered itself bound to champion Mr. Ward on his mission, the tone of its first article was most injudicious, in laying claim to authority on behalf of Mr. Ward which he did not possess. It would have been better to have allowed Mr. Ward to light his own battle. He may well say, " gave me from my friends;" for, whereas his yielding to the wishes of Otago might have worn the appearance of a graceful concession, the flourish of trumpets with which his champion inaugurated his mission has proclaimed the concession a defeat. The Provinces of Otago and Canterbury have much in common; by their joint action, together with that of the other Provinces of the Middle Island, that separation from the northern island can be brought about which, 'we believe, is beginning to be felt a paramount necessity. In stirring up ill-feeling between the two places, theLyttelton paper acts both an ungenerous and an impolitic part.

A meeting of gentlemen interested in tho formation or a Garrick Club, initiated on the 10th inst., was held last evening, iv the Provincial Hotel. Present, Messrs. Thomas Hope Buirdj A. dimming, Jno. C. Stott, J. W. Standwell, P. B. Farjcon, Alfred A. Barnett, W. H. Munf'onl, Win. Lloyd, and Alfred liiman. On tlie motion of Mr. Farjeon, seconded by Mr. Standwell, the chair w.is voted to Mr. Baird, who expressed his gratification at the honor conferred upon him. At the same time he folt a little disappointed at the smallness of the meeting, but he trusted that paucity in numbers would not interfere with the object in view. He had every confidence in ultimate success, and was certain that all the members would work together liarmomouslv. On the motion of Mr. Lloyd, seconded by Mr. Mumford, the minutes of the meeting held on the 10th inst. were read and confirmed. Mr. Farjeon proposed, and Mr. Standwcll seconded, that the affairs of the Lninedin Qarrick Club be governed by a committee consisting of a president vice-president, treasurer, secretary, and a committee of five members. It was agreed that officebearers should bo members of the managing committee cx-officio. The chairman said it was astonishtng to ses so little sympathy manifested by the public in a movement of this kind. Mr. Stott suggested that the Superintendent should be solicited to become president of the club. Mr. Farjeon hereupon remarked that it would bo painful to receive a refusal, and His Honor's time might be too much occupied. Mr. Stand well proposed that the Superintendent be tiskcd to patronize the Club ; and that a leading merchant of thp city be appointed to tlie office of president. Mr. Barnett" was .of opinion that the president should be an officer, not only in title, but in activity ; he would recommend that the higher officials under Government be solicited to patronize, with the view of elevating the status of the Club ; and he would advise that the secretary be instructed to correspond with the Superintendent on the subject. After some discussion, Mr. Farjeon proposed Thomas Hope Baird, Esq., to be President of the Club. Mr. Standwell had much pleasure in seconding the motion. Mr. Baird then returnnd thanks for the dignity conferred upon him. Mr. Stott proposed, and Mr. Gumming seconded, "That Mr. M'Landress should be Vice-president. Mr. Farjeon wished to know if that gentleman had expressed any disposition or desire to join the club. He had not the remotest objection to Mr M'l/andress, still lje thought it would be trusting too much to elect any party befqrc he had been consulted. Mr. Mumford proposed, and Mr. Standwell seconded, " That Mr. Farjeon should be Vice-president." Mr. Stott expressed an opinion that Mr. Farjeon would net better in the capacity of Treasurer ; and it was on that very account he had not proposed Mr. Fayeoii to be Vice-president. Mr. Farjeon preferred resigning the honor to Mr. M'Landress, or some merchant of the city. Mr. Farjeon then proposed that the consideration of the appointment should be deferred to next meeting. He begged that his name might bewithdrawn. Withdrawn accordingly. Mr. Lloyd now proposed, and Mr. Stott seconded, Mr. Farjeon as Treasurer. Air. Farjeon remarked that whatever might be thought of his capabilities in a general sense, he claimed credit to himself for being a good hand at taking money (laughter.) Mr. Farjeon was appointed Treasurer. Mr. Standwell now proposed, and Mr. Lloyd seconded, Ms. Mumford us Secretary _ Carried unanimously. Mr. Mumford nominated, and KTr. Stott seconded Mr. Standwell as stage manager. Mr. Standwell said he would do his best, both before and behind the curtain, to promote the interests of the club. Mr. Farjeon proposed that the undermentioned gentlemen should constitute the managing committee :—Messrs. Slioll, Lloyd, Cummings, Barnett, and Stott. Mr. Barnett wished some other name might ba substituted for his own. With general' consent, Mr. . CflT-er's name was substituted. A collection of find* was

then made, when each gentleman contributed a guinea. A lpr.g debate ensued as to what, play should be studied by the members, and it was eventually arranged that the treasurer procure)"* books from Melbourne, per-return of the "Al-; a dinga." On the motion of Mr.Lloyd, seconded bv|^ Mr. Stott, it wa< resolved that all new members jhi should be elected by ballot. In reply to Mr. Farjeon, it was stated that a simple majority * should exclude a candidate. Several gentlemen w were put in nomination for membership ; amongst -E others were—Mr. 11. G. Nathan, proposed by Mr. ' Farjeon and seconded by Mr. Standwell ; Mr. rt Bates, of Stamford & Co., proposed by Mr. Stott v> and seconded by Mr. dimming ; M*. M'Landress, £ proposed by Mr. Farjeon and seconded by Mr. (l Camming ; Messrs. George Perkins, and Benjn- si mm Taggart, were nominated by Mr. Lloyd and J^ seconded by Mr. Stott. Mr. Lloyd expressed his a private opinion, that on the first night of perform- si ance, the Garriek Club of Dimedin shoiild play, '' ''Raising the wind"—(laughter). Mr. Farjeon „ intimated that he would be happy to give his v services in writing an appropriate prologue. On j| the motion of Mr. Barnctt, a unanimous and cor- . dial vote of thanks was awarded to Mr. Baird, for C presiding on this occasion, and the meeting jj adjourned until eight o'clock, on Monday evening t next, the 17th current, at the Provincial Hotel. Yesterday afternoon the undermentioned five t prisoners, brought down from the Tuapeka, were f received into H. M. gaol:—Bicha d Burgess, F alias Richard Hill, committed to take his trial for f having, on the 9th March, at Tuapeka, threatened i to kill police-sergeant Joseph Trimbel, with a V loaded revolver ; Thomas Kelly, <riias Thomas^ Hannon, also committed as an accomplice in the,;: above felonious attempt. There is an additional <- information against this man, for having, on the } 25th February, at Wetherstone's Gully, stolen a a double-barrelled gun, the property of one James Stewart. Arthur Symons stands committed, on a warrant, charging him with having, on the 7th March, assaulted Thomas Edwards, at the Shamrock Hotel, Wetherstone's Gully, for the purpose of perpetrating an unnatural offence. John Davis and John Russell, are committed for robbery- in company, at Wetherstone's Gully, on the Bth March, in having unlawfully assanlted one William Lucy, by putting him in bodily fear and danger of his life, while robbing him of a number of bank notes, valncd at £27 sterling. A larga number of persons accompanied the conveyances to the gate of the gaol, the public curiosity being excited to obtain a glimpse of such notorious characters. It appears that the escort cart accidentally upset on the journey, and a rumor had got wind to the effect that the prisoners were seriously injured. Such, however, is not the case. Davis, Kusscll, and Burgess, pretended to be very weak, and were carried inside the gaol; but as coon as Dr Burns made his appearance to examine them, thiir demeanor rapidly changed. The only effects visible from the aocir d ent on the roticl are confined to a'plentiful bospattering of Otago clay over the faces of the men, who are not injured nt nil, beyond a slight shaking. They partook of a hearty supper last r night before being locked up. - As an explanation of the smnllness of the escort n from the Waipori we may mention that most of the gold from that locality is brought into Dunedin by private hand. Large numbers of small parcels are constantly being offered for sale, and '" it has come to our knowledge that within the last li day or two one parcel of over 200 pz \yas sqld in ] town and another of 53 ax. ; We understand that Dr llulniG prepared the l' plan for a new hospital (estimate 47000) some ' seven montli3 ago, and that active operations are " arrested because it is not* yet decided what site c to select for the new building. The best situation - for the Dunedin hospital, according to Dr - Hulme; is upon a space of ground adjacent to the j old cemetery. ;. We desire to direct the attentioriof the public to the B fact that in consequence of the military now commencing rifle practice, it will be necessary to exercise caution in visitiug the Ocean Beach. When " the firing is going qii, red danger flags will be t hoisted on the sand hills, on each sidis of tlip rifle - range, which extends from Hill Side to the sand ,] hills. When the Hags are exhibited, it v/ill be dangerous to go along the Ocean Beach behind them. Boards arc also being erected to caution • people not to approach the rifle range. ' . It may be interesting to the shipping agents of c Dunedin to learn that the local authorities intt nd t to exercise more strictness with regard to the pro- - duction of certificates from passenger vessels ~ before clearing anyvessei as a passenger ship. Great inconvenience is occasioned at the Custom-house, almost daily, by parties, at the time of clearing a vessel out, applying to pass c entries for gold, to be shipped by the same !