THE Otago Daily Times. "Inveniam viam aut faciam." DUNEDIN, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 363, 18 February 1863, Page 4

THE Otago Daily Times. "Inveniam viam aut faciam." DUNEDIN, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18.

We have already said that under the exist in i: form of government of New Zealand, it is almost impossible for the Legislature ta' pay that attention to domestic affairs that they require. The Native question has been made so much the absorbing topic that, but little time or inclination is left at the fag end of a sss-ion to deal wiih the dry and comparaiively uninteresting details of domestic legislation. So long as the necessity for legislative interference in respect to Native Government exists, so long <wil: Native affairs occupy the largest portion of the' time and attention of the Legislature. The hopes of rising colonial statesmen are r.iised not so much to the initiation and triumphant achievcinf nt of some measure bearing upon the social, religious, political, or commercial interests of the colonists, as to the prospect of becoming celebrated as the elaborators of some enthusiastic scheme or other for Native Government. Nor can this be wondered at. The amount of latitude an;) responsibility that the Parliament of Sew Zealand enjoys in respect to the government of the Natives, throws a fictitious tinge of imperialism over the legislature, and the native question becomes invested with all the gravity and importance of the foreign policy of an independent State. The most talented men in the Assembly vie with each other in the amount of care and attention paid to the question on which they are so ready to stake their reputation for statesmanlike ability. Micisters go out and come in on distinct and different lines of native policy, and the chief business of the session, and the most exciting and interesting debates, have all the same subject—Native Government. The amount of time and of individual attention paid to the purely domestic business of a session is lamentably small. Bills are hurriedly passed through committee in;,the simplest formal manner, and the discussion of measures of a commercial or general character is generally conducted by half a dozen members in, a state of semi-somnolency. ,

But setting aside the unfair ..predominance given to native over honn _fidi colonial affairs, as being inseparable from the duties of a government having the management of some fifty or sixty thousand Natives, occupying a great part o! the whole area of the North Island, it must b-di-tinctly and determinedly set fortb that the colonists of the Middle Island, can no longer submit to continue under a form of Government which places their interests in a secon lary position. It n:ay sound very well to t.ilk about Separation, being, as the Auckland press callit, an -'unpatriotic proceeding," butwehave never yet been able to see exactly how patriotism has anything to do .with the matte* What, beyond the ties of nationality and;conar ; mon interest, characterises the batons: of the co'onists of the middle Is'and to those oi the North ? The desired Separation of the island, is not the act of a young depea-len-cy towards a parent state. Th • North Island lias in no -manner stood in loco / arentis to the Middle Island. Not a shilling of the revenue of any of (he North Island Provinces has been expended on the Middle Island, and in no way whatever does the latter owe gratitude to the former. Tne peculiar colonisation of New Zealand leaves no room for the c'ahns of one part of the colony over the other. Tha different Provinces, excepting those formed under the New Provinces Act, are not offshoots from each other, or from one parent settlement, butseparate and distinct settlements, colonised direct from the mother country. There is not the shadow cf a vested interest involved, and it is not unpatriotic, but it is perfectly, reasonable and justifiable, for the people of the Middle Island to take advantage of any special favorable circumstances, and to refuse any longi-r to share in the difficulties and cost of governing a race from which they have nothing to fear or gain. In doing this, in saying, as one would do in paying the bill of an extortionate dealer, "Here t ike your money, but it shall be the last transaction between us," what pos-ible injustice would the people of the. Middle Island be guilty of to those of the North ? Clearly none, and al! hough the Middle Island might afford to he generous, and say here take.your so many: thousands as our share of the expenses already

ncurredyand a few; extra thousands by way of. agiftJ beyond that there..is;no conceivable reaßoii for it to g0... . . • ■ Separation miy bs delayed for a lime, but it is sure to be accomplished. Events are :daily tending towards it. If the Middle Island advance during another twelve months as it lias the past year, the growth of its interests will render it impossible to conduct the business of the country under the present system. What if Nelson and Canterbury become second Otagos ? It is not improbable ; results may spring from the recent gold discoveries in those Provinces, as great as what have arisen' from Gabriel Read's discoveries in 1861. A few months, nay, a'few weeks, might alter the condition of the whole Middle I -Lmrl, and the country become from Nelson to Sou'hland roused by an influx of enterprising and energetic colonists, to a condition ot the greatest pro parity and astivity. Separation is only a question of time, and if it were only more generally considered as unavoidable it might be effected more satisfactorily now, than at a time when forced on by sheer necessity, wh«t nsight have been a;i , nmka,ble separation would become a forcible disruption.

This evening will be the night of geueral entry for this K'.ices at the forthcoming Champion Meeting. By the rules, as advertised, sealed entries VIUI entrance money enclosed, and with the name, age. and pedigree of the ho/ac, the name of the owner, and colors of the rider, must bo sent in addressed to the Stewards, at the Provincial Hotel, before 8 o'clock, this evening.

There was a Aill house at tlie Princess Theatre List evening, for the benefit of Mr AY. Kyan. The comedy of" John Bull" upon the whole went heavily. Tho "local conundrum competition1' followed ; and, as is almost invariably the case in such competitions, the matter was managed in sin eminently unsatisfactory way. A few gentlemen iiad been requested to go through the mass of horrid rubbish composed of 130 so-called conundrums, many of tluun being no more conundrums than they were essays on the Plurality of Worlds Some;hing like a selection was made of those which might enter into competition for the prize of the best—a watch and chain; while others were unduly honored by being classed as competitors for the prize for the worst—a ruby ring. The selection was not adhered to in the reading ; but such as were read we will give. If they represent the wit or wordtorturing ingenuity of Dunedin, both are poor

indeed : —

Why is Rattray-stveet like the Clutha River 1 Because it has a ba.uk on each side. Why is Farley's Arcade like n footless stocking 1 Because you cm penetrate through it. Why does a certain store in High-street contain !pss than any other stcre in Dunediu 1 Because little (Little) is in it. Why ar,; the passenuers by the Sarah AT. the poorest, of i heir class that, ever arrived in Dunedin 'I Because they only brought one halfpenny (Alpenny) aumnust them. Why is the present Supennteiuler.t the most eligible man for the office ? Keuause he's the Cheese. Why is the Royal Georsre Ho.el like a tailor 1 Because it is all shroU and patohe*. Why is the Victorian Hotel like the ocean 1 Because ir. is suhjeet to swells. Why ar.': the Town Board of Dunedin like the cabbage blight,1? Because they k" about ruining and destroying people's property, and there's no cure Why is a Castle like llr* Royal George Hotel 1 Beciuse they are both defended by Towers. Why is Mr Ryan the iro-t wonderful man in existence 1 Because he makes a watch half fill a house, and through a small ring draws the other ' \Yliy are Burns's poems like Mr Shiels 1 Because they're Scotch.. . What is the most proper name fora scotch hotel in DuueiJin? The "Old Identity;" because it's put up for lang syne (Lang's s;gn), VVljv are the shareholders of the steam sinsi Victory, like roast tin keys 1 Because they were first drawn, then stuff*!, and afterwards done brown. Why h Cobb's coach like a tea-pGt ! Because it can't climb up a tree. . What actor in Otasjo most resembles Judge Hams 1 Harriet Gordon's husband, j because he isJ.P. and Why is the reader like a newly-footed pair of boots ? Solfd (sod) niain. ~„,,.,. Why is S. Jones of the Provincial Hotel, like Pharc all's daughter 1 Because he takes a little profit (prophet) out of the water- . ■ Wey -liouM the Superintendent and the Provincial Secretary entertain a brotherly affection for each other? "Because one is KicharJsou (Richards son) and the other is son ot Di-k. Why is Sliatlrac.'i Jones's moustaebs like a celebrated prize-fighter? Because it is hair on Jones (tfaron Jones). Why is t c proprietor of the Crown Hotel like Mr Holt in undress, after playing Othello ? Because hu's l lafk mid white (White). Why is the Princes* Theatre like a menagerie ? Because you can witness a living woif (Wolfe) every night. Why is the most aristocratic society to be met with on the jetty 1 Because if you vi^t a pier(peer), you can be introduced to Ludy Bnrkly, who will coavey you to see a bay (Bey) or a port (Porte). What tSsh reminds you of a sovereign on an hotel counter? A barracoota (bar a couler.) What, wit in the city is likely to win the prize for the worst conundrum % John SwitZDr (John's wit, sir).

Having got so far, Mr Ryan appealed to the audience which was the oest and which the worst conundrum. There were shouts of " Read 'em all," but Mr Ryan looking sadly at a portmanteau containing the mass of rejected ones, pleaded tbet to read all would occupy until the next morning was far advanced. There ..were then shouts and applause for the " hair on Jone«," and .the " Wolf" as the best; and the former seemed to have the greater numbar of admirers. There was tolerable unanimity that the old hash about Cobb's coach and a tea pot was the worst contribution. An individual near the orchestra clamored for Mr Evan* to read his conundrum ; and on Mr Ryan again pointing to the portmanteau, the individual flung up a copy of his precious effort of genius. Mr Ryan read it, as fol-

lows'; —

Whit is the hardest operation that Dr Nelson can perform ? Take the jvw out of a woman.

Great were the applause and laughter on hearing this piece of vulgarity ; and as there was a clamor that it was " the best," Mr Ryan handed the watch and chain to the author, who is named John Harris. The person to whom was awarded the credit of perpetrating the worst conundrum, did not present himself, and the ring remained unpresented. "The Unfinished Gentleman" a roaring farce, was well played as the concluding piece. In another column ■will be found a second letter from our spucial correspondent accompanying Dr Hector's exploring expedition. It will be seen that the expedition is now fairly under weigh. The letter contains no particularly stirring incident or very important news, but our reporter has followed his instructions in writing by every available opportunity. It may probably be a considerable time before we get another letter.

A notice has been issued by the Postmaster that Mails' for Cardrona Creek, and Wanaka Lake, will, on and after Monday, the 23rd inst. be despatched regularly, leaving Dunedin, every Monday, Thursday, and Saturday, at; 4 p.m. The Post Office at Waipori has been closed, and letters for that district may be sent to the Post Office at the Waipori Junction.

In another column, we publish the revised, pror spectus of the Dunedin Water Works Company. The capital is fixed.at L 40.000, in 8,000 sharesof L 5 each, with power to further increase the capital if necessary. A deposit of 10s per share; is to be paid on application, and a further 10s on allotment of shares. Subsequent calls are to be made at the rate of Ll per share, at intervals of at least two months. It is stated that the engineering difficulties are of so inconsiderable a character that the works can be completed in 12 months. The supply calculated as available from the springs to be conserved is stated to be equal to 70,000 gallons per diem, a quantity sufficient for the requirements of 23,000 people at the rate of 30 gallons each per day. The water has beeu analysed and pronounced to ba " soft and comparatively pure." The works arc to be proceeded with as soon as two thirds of the capitat,is subscribed, but if this amount is not subscribed by the Ist of June the deposits will be returned to the subscribers, less the deduction for the preliminary expense. Now that this undertaking is placed before the public in a definite form, it is to be hoped that the shares will be taken up ami the works proceeded with. Applications for shares must be made before the 20th March, on which day the list will be closed. It is announced that the Wcsleyan Church will be re-opened on Sunday next, and that a tea meeting wiil be held in the church on the following Tuesday.

A special meeting for the transfer of Publicans' Licenses will be held at the Court House, on Tuesday, the 3rd March, at 12 o'clock.

The Town Board, at their meeting, yesterday, decided to accept, subject to the approval of the Government, tho tender of Mr James Deinpsey tor the " permanent formation, kerbing, pitching, and metalling" of the Princes-street Cutting, the amount of his tvtider being L 1.155 15s 3d. There were nine tenders (as will ba seen from the report at the meeting), and one by Misß. Woollcy was forLl,ol6 8s 9/1, that being the lowest amount, while the highest tender, that of Mr John Barnes, was for 1.3,509 Us 6d. The following are the details of Mr Dempsey's tender:—s,2oo cubic yards cutting, at 2s 3d, L 585 ; 1,085 lineal feel keibing, at 3s 61, LlB3 17s Cl; 271 superficial yards pitching, at 7s, L 94 17s ; 121 do endwise cubes, 8s 6d, Lsl 8s 61; 575 cubic yards 2£ inch metal, spread, Bs, L 230 ; CIJ superficial yards freestone flagging, to bo lifted and re-laid, a« Is 6d, L 4 12s 3d. The last item has reference to the nagging iv front of Belgrave House and the adjoining shops, where the ground is to be lowered about Sin. The crown of the rise in the Cutting will be left on the level of the door-step of-the Criterion Hotel, the greatest depth of soil to be removed being 7ft. The gradient will be 2ft 9in rise in GGft. It is intended to re-metal to the corner of Kattray-strect, and all the work is to be completed in two months A great grievance, truly,will have been remedied when Mr Dempsey's men give the finishing touch to their job.

An account which we publish elsewhere of the proceedings at the Arrow Police Court, on the 9th instant, discloses a state of things which fully justifies the remarks that have been made on the prevalence of rowdyism on the new diggings.

The Debating Club held its weekly meeting on Monday evening. Mr ~\Y. D. Stewart opened the discussion on the question, " Ought a Prisoner to be allowed to give evidence in bis own cause,". and took the affirmative view of the question. He contended that by the existing law any innocent person who was unfortunate enough" to be suspected, and the:really guilty, were on the same footing, no matter however anxious the former might be to give his statement upon oath, and subject himself to cross examination. That as the principle was carried out in civil, it ought in justice to be carried out in criminal causes, and it would be a boon which every one innocently accused would feel thankful for. A number of members spoke on the negative side of the question. The opaner having replied, tho chairman put the question, when it was carried in the affirmative by a considerable majority. Mr Jago will, afc the next meeting, open the debate on the question " Is a well armed and properly disciplined Volunteer Force the best means of defenda country." ,

We would direct the attention of ratepayers in Dunedin to a notice which appears elsewhere, that the reduced rate must be paid Within fourteen day's of the sth inst. To-morrow, thereforefore, will be the last day.

The contractor, under the Gas Company, is opening a trench for the piping along the westerly side of the Princes street cutting, where the ground has been excavated, the width of the footpath, to the new level.

Many of the occupiers of cottages in the neighborhood of George street and Great King street wouJd evidently be glad of some rain. Their water butts must be exhansted, as well as other sources of supply } for yesterday,, women and children were to be seen going long distances with buckets and cans, and even patiently waiting while small vessels were filled by lading at pools close beside the road in George street north.

The following simple and touching lines from the Glasgow Citizen, have been forwarded to us by a correspondent. They arc particularly appropriate here now that the Relief Fund Committee has started afresh in the endeavor to raise a. subscription in Otago proportioned to the wealth of the Province :— . HANDS AND HEA.RT3. KORTn. There arc hand' by hundred thousands In the crowded North, . Empty, idle, yet for laHour, Not for alms, stretchol forth. Hanls nil thin and white and bloodless, Free from stain or soil— j Hands struck helpless, yet so willing If they couid to toil! Hands that failing fitting labour Unnnot long forbear, Or to clench in desperation, Or to fold in prayer. . „ . Whirr of working wheels 13 silent, Chimneys smoke no more: Famine and her sister Fever Ivnosk at every door. SOOTH. Here are hearts by hundred thousands Fa11 of ruth and pain, Till those hands struck sudden lme Are at work again. Humble hearts whose mite is ready Hungrier mouths to feed: Haughty hearts, brought low by thinking Of their brothers' need.

Hearts that only seek for channels Wherein best may go, _ All these streams of human kindness Charged to overflow. Then to work through clay and gravel, Dull rock, thirsty sand. From these brimming hearts make passage To those failing hands.

In the General Government Gazette of February 7th, appears a notification that the Hon. Henry John Tancred, M.L.C;, has tendered bis resignation of bis seat in the .Executive Council, and that the Governor lias been pleased to accept the same. ' ■

:-* * i ;*, ~< )..■;.. "— t ~ .•',.. '. ' —<;v *...i.■..----..We would; commend the following, paragraph from the Express to the attention oftliosowlio have hitherto, turned n.. deaf ear to our preachings and warnings onthe ..subject of town drainage. " A remarkable instance of the influence of town drainage on the publio'health is shown in a report which has just been issued by the Sanitary Committee of the Halifax Corporation. Great sewerage works have been constructed since 1851 and between that period and the prosent the death rate has decreased from 25.39 per 1,000 to 21.48 per 1,000. This is in the town of Halifax itself; in the union the mortality has only decreased one' and a'quarter per cent —a fact which shows more.clearly the bencfi ial operation of the sanitary improvements in Halifax." The telegraph system is being rapidly extended in Australia. We take the following from the Melbourne Age of February 7: —"An extension ot the telegraphic system is about to be carried northwards in Queensland. At present the main interior telegraphic communication with Brisbane terminates at Toowoomba, but during the course of last session a sum of L' 2,500 was voted for the further extension of the line to Dulby some fifty miles in advance. Tho Government entertain^ the project of n further extension of tho wires from Dalby to llockhampion, with a subsidiary branch diverging from the trunk line to Mary borough. This additional extension computed, inclusive of the Maryborough .branch, at 450 miles, will necessitate an expenditure loosely estimated at L 2",000, or LGO per mile, a rate somewhat in advance of that estimated for the Toowoomba and Dalby extension, and due to the I broken character of a portion of the route to be traversed. A coast line was first suggested, but there are objections irom tho broken nature of the country and the prejudicial effect of continuous moisture up m tlie telegraphic wires. Tho route which will in all probability be ultimately selected will follow the general course of the main northern Dawson road from Brisbane, passing through Banana and Rauncs, and .from, thence to Rockhampton. The Maryborough branch will leave the trunk line in the vicinity of Dykehead.'j

The Southern Cross (Auckland) of February 6:h says:—"The steamer Tasruanian Maid, Captain Jackson, made her berth at the wharf last evening from Coromandcl, bringing %rith her a number of p.issengors. Amongst the passengers was Mr Hartley j sa well known as the discoverer of the Otago diggings called by his name. This gentleman came to Auckland from Sydney, on his way to Ofcago, to visit the Corominjel qiurtz reefs, anJ he has expressed himself very well satisfied with what he has seen. Por the extent of the work already done he says he has never seen anything better in quartz countries. Tho difficulties in the way of prospecting are considerable however, owing to the country being heavily timbered and the depth of the alluvial deposits. This opinion, by an experienced miner like Mr Hartley, is of importance, as it confirms the reports we have so frequently published regarding the character of the Coromandel diggings.'"