THE CLUTHA DISTRICT.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 705, 22 March 1864, Page 5

THE CLUTHA DISTRICT.

(To the Editor of the Daily Times.)

Sir —Your reader* see daily something emanating from the pen of some person or another in all the important, towns and districts in Otago, or I mi^bt fay, in New Zealand. Tokomairiro, Tuapeka, DuDstan, and Manuherikia have all their special correspondents, but the C'utlia (the garden of Otago) has not one to say a word in its favor. This should not bs. In this district, Sir, lies a great deal of the future wealth of New Zealand : its agricultural and depasturing qualifications atd not surpassed in any other part of these Provinces. 'Tis true we have not the mud of Tokomairiro, neither have we the gold of the Dunstan, but on the banks of the Molyneux (or Clutha. as some call it) there is a vast amount of gold which only wants some steady experienced diggers (not new churns) to uproot it from its bed. On the other hand, look at the position of the township at Clutha ferry, situate on the main South road. This was only known a few years ago as a crossing place, with one house —a hotel; now not a day passes but the eye and ear have ample evidence of the prosperity of the place, the constant ring of the hammer, and the active step of the joiner as he hurries to and fro, shows that he cannot remain idle even if he were willing. The latest, and I think nicest addition to our buildings, is the new Court-house, as complete a structure as there is in Otago ; so comfortable is it that even the prisoner ia the dock is in no danger of catching

cold in his cranium when his hat is removed ; the suggestions of our highly esteemed B.M. (J. P. Alaitland, E<q.,) have, I believe, eflected the improvements. It is well finished, and does great credit to the contractor, Mr Jas. Knox, of Dunedin. As I write, the melodious " boo-oo" (intended for a whistle) of thesteamer, falls on my ear. The stern-wheel steamer Tuapcka is as pretty a specimen of naval architecture as can be seen; there may be larger and swifter too, but none can glide more gracefully along at the rate of about eighteen or twenty miles an hour, and pres nt a more perfect picture ; but there is that infernal boo-co again, so I'll say no more about }i6r« Bye-the-by, I was nearly forgetting to mention that we shall erjoy banking1 facilitiesin two days more. The want of a liranch Bank has been felt very much by the settlers of this and the surrounding districts. The Waiwera, Pomahaka, Papjtunoa, Warepa, Puarua, and South Molyneux, are all inhabited by safe and wealthy settlers, who felt very much the inconvenience of having to do their business in town or at nearest Tokomairiro ; indeed, I wonder very much during the time you Dunedin folks were complaining of dull times that some of the banking community did not see an openin f here, now it serves them right to lose the chance ; the Bank of Otago has secured the most suitable and central premises that could be wished for, and we have only now to wish them success. Before co^cludinar this tiresome epistle, I m«y tell you that we have had some weather here lately both rou?h and smooth. In the beginning of la:t week it was very unpleasant, the storm roe to a perfect hurricane; fortunately it did not do much damage here, hut at the South Molyneux township th"y were not so lucky. Two schooners, the Pioneer and Gannet, had a rough time of it. On coming into port, the Pioneer got on the Spit, but by the able assistance of Capt. Murray of the Tuapeka, Patterson of the Gannet, and a number of othe" captains, making in all seven, she was rescued from her perilous

position. ' T I will now conclude. On some future occasion I may tell you of the Dos Tax, Cricket Club, and court cases; but for the present I am tired of this, and no doubt you are, tco. 1 am, &c, An Obsbrvkr. Clutha Ferry, 14th March, 1864.