THE Otago Daily Times " Inveniam viam oul faciam." DUNEDIN, TUKSOAY, NOVEMBER 22.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 912, 22 November 1864, Page 4

THE Otago Daily Times " Inveniam viam oul faciam." DUNEDIN, TUKSOAY, NOVEMBER 22.

The plan of attack on the British Colonies in the South, contemplated by Russia, in the event of England taking up arms on behalf of the unfortunate Poles, ha 3 already been noticed in our columns. Although it is consolatory now to know that the British Government never intended going to war with Russia on the Polish question, the knowledge of what the Russian Government intended to attempt, nevertheless conveys a warning which ought not to be disregarded. It is one of the conditions of connection with the Imperial Country that if her quarrels may not in a complete sense be ours, we are nevertheless exposed to their consequences. England might go to war with some great naval power, on grounds exciting little sympathy at the Antipodes, further than that occasioned by the ties of brotherhood and nationality, and although the patriotic sentiment which is more or less diffused amongst all communities of Englishmen in all parts of the world, would assuredly arouse a feeling of common hostility to the enemies of England, it is not to be concealed that the Colonies are liable to be placed in cirenmstances of danger which may be considered by some as hardly commensurate with the advantages of Imperial connection. So long as the colonies constitute an integral portion of the Empire, they will share its dangers in case of war, and the recent revelation of Russian designs comes at an opportune moment, and may be of service in leading to a proper estimate of the mutual obligations of the colonies and the mother country. Just now it is made the groundwork of the opposition of the English people to' the war in this colony, that whilst the English taxpayer has to suffer the consequences of Imperial interference in the affairs of New Zealand, England has in reality no direct interest in the quarrel between the colonists and the natives. There is a good deal of plausibility in this line of objection. Of course, in the direct objects of the war, the people of England have little interest. There is no national glory to be obtained in the conquest of a race of savages, and the acquisition of their territory is a question of no moment whatever. Beyond the ties of relationship and nationality there is little to bind the people of England to the colony. In fact their sympathies at present are enlisted on the ENTIRE CARGO OF THE

side of the Maoris, who through the misrepressntations and ignorant statements in Parliament and elsewhere are regarded as the oppressed, and the colonists as the oppressors. But we would ask the question ; supposing England had gone to war with Russia about Poland, or with Germany about Denmark, what direct interest would the colonists of Australia or New Zealand have had in the matter'? What could the colonists gain by either circumstance ?— Nothing. But it has been shown to what direct loss and danger they would have been liable. The indirect effects of a state of war would also have been shared in. The inevitable commercial disturbance of the Home country, would have carried its effects to the uttermost limit of the commercial circle High prices, crippled credit, and the thousand other effects of war would have extended to the Colonies. True, they would escape the increased direct taxation of the home country, but even this would be indirectly felt if the war lasted for any length of time. On the other hand the Colonies would be exposed to dangers, from which the people of England would be almost entirely exempt.

The Colonies form the weakest link i n the Imperial chain, and as has been shown with regard to Russia, would be liable to be assailed, simply on account of their connection with the Mother Country. A superficial reasoner would deduce from this fact the conclusion that it would be to the interest of the Colonies to become entirely independent; that they would then no' longer be liable to the consequences of England's quarrels. But the question resolves itself entirely into one of comparison. The light in which the Colonists should regard their relations with the Mother Country is this—Do we lose or gain by the connection ? Are the Australian Colonies, for instance, in a position to throw off the Imperial protection ? Supposing Australia to be an independent nation—that is to say, dependent entirely upon itself for protection against outside enemies: is it or any other British Colony able to defend itself? What security but that of intimate connection with England could it hold out against foreign aggression ? It might shake off political connection with England, but it could not abolish its commercial relations, nor dissolve the ties of blood. In a thousand ways, beyond that of political union, the Colonists are bound to the Mooher Country, and unless some serious cause of quarrel between them should arise, even complete political independence would not destroy -the sympathy that exists. And in that sympathy would be an element of danger. For instance, supposing the Australian Colonies to be independent, could they maintain a position of neutrality in the event of England going to war with some powerful naval power—say America, France, or Russia. What Australian port would be closed to British cruisers ? Assuredly none. Then again, we must not lose sight of the commercial aspect of the question. Nine-tenths of the trade of the Australian Colonies is with Great Britain; and in the event of war, that commerce would be exposed to depredations against which the colonists could not in any degree guard. They might protect their own ports and hatbors, and by great efforts provide otherwise for their defence, but beyond this they would be powerless. Taking a comparative practical view of the question, it is clearly to the interest of the Colonies to maintain their connection with the Mother Country. The time will no doubt come when • the Colonies, grown iuto rich, populous, and self-dependent nations, will be justified in claiming a dissolution of partnership with England, but until that day arrives they must be content to suffer the probable dangers whilst they enjoy the great benefits ot Imperial connection.

The duty of England is no less clear, and in spite of the cry which has been raised by Goldwin Smith and others of the same school, we may rest assured that duty will be discharged. England, whilst she would not deny the desire of any Colony seeking its independence, will not cast off her children. The bond of union is a mutual one. We might say that had we been independent of England, we should not have been exposed to attack from England's enemies. On the other hand, the "people in England may say— but for this connection we should not have had to send you troops, or to tax ourselves for the purpose of assisting you to conquer the Maoris. Depend upon it the question of union with England is not to be lightly disposed of, and the man}' signal services the Mother Country bus rendered v", should more than reconcile us as well to the possibility of sharing her dangers, as to the control she sometimes assumes over our actions. The question of throwing off the colonies has been well discussed at home, and writers of great ability have argued for and against it. But the balance of opinion, as well as of sentiment, is on the side of union, and there is no fear that the people of England will seek to dissolve the bond. But we must not forget that if we enjoy the advantages of Imperial connection, it demands from us certain duties and obligations. One of these is that we should not be guilty of childish dependence. How absurd for Colonies who have done little or nothing in the way of self-defence to cry i j ADELA- from MAURITIUS,

out for independence. It is a duty we owe alike to ourselves as to the Mother Country, to provide, so far as we are able, for our own defence. If we share common dangers it is only right that we should share in the efforts to meet them.

Mr Warden Beetham, in his official report from Wakatipu, of the 12th November, remarks :—" Though the weather has been somewhat boisterous during the week, we have not been visited with anything beyond a mere freshet in the river, not sufficient to stop operations in its bed. Arthur's Point is looking quite busy again. Nicholas and party, who took tip an extended claim and took ground which had been to all intents and purposes abandoned, are doing well. The extended ground in the old river bed is also turning out first rate, fully bearing out my previously formed conclusion that it was a matter of impossibility for its former owners to work it properly under the diffi culties they had to encounter at that time. The ground under application for lease, at the head of the Gorge, has been temporarily swamped under very unfortunate circumstances. Barber and party had cleared a considerable area by head water, and were ready to realize their dirt, when a slip of some three or four hundred tons, caused by infiltration from the head race, has rendered it necessary to clear again. They speak well of their prospects, and, I think, with reason. Other claims on the Point are taking out gold in large quantities.

We aie permitted to state that by the last mail from England, which arrived here on the 17th inst, the Provincial Government have received overtures for the formation in England of a company for the construction of the Railway from Dunedin to Port Chalmers. Part of the information required by the projectors of the company was forwarded by the Superintendent by the mail which left here on the 18th inst,and the remainder, including plans of the line, &c, will follow by the December mail. There is a strong probability that the company will be formed, and the works commenced within a few months. It is also satisfactory to learn, that a plan is being matured by the Government for the construction of the Dunedin and Clutha Rail-

There was a full muster of the North Dunedin Rifle Company, on Friday evening last, at their drill shed, Water of Leith. Mr M'Kellar haying been duly elected chairman, he intimated the objects of the meeting— •namely, the election of office-bearers, and passing of bye-laws. Mr Vincent Pyke was unanimously elected captain ; Mr Ilarroway, lieutenant ; and Mr M'Kellar, ensign, Three sergeants were then appoiuted, the successful candidates being Messrs Richardson, Young, and Lindsay. The election of corporals was postponed to a future meeting. Mr Stott and Mr Cuthbertson were then elected, the former secretary, and the latter treasurer. A committee was appointed to select the most suitable uniform, to report at next meeting. A very useful code of rules and regulations were then passed, and the meeting closed with a vote of thanks to the chairman.

Mr Warden Lowther Broad, writing from the Arrow, under date Nov. 12th, states :— " Since the date of my last report, I am informed that Lington and party, and Hill and party, have bottomed their claims on the river, and are obtaining good payable gold. Both parties have been over a year on the ground, preparing the necessary machinery, &c. I was really struck, on a recent visit to Bracken's Gully, with the extent of the work which has been carried on in Carroll and party's claims. The ground 13 worked by tunnelling, and the walls of the drives are built of stones—timber being unobtainable. This part of the district is increasing in attraction, and there can be little doubt but that the many made hills and terraces are all of them'auriferous and payably so.

Mr Arthur D. Harvey, officer in charge at West Taieri, Hindon, reports, on 12th Nov. : —" There is nothing very particular to report this week beyond mentioning the fact that a few parties in Victoria Gully are still doing very well. One party of four men sold a beautiful sample of gold this evening weighing seventeen ounces and nine pennyweights; the product of a fortnight's labor, and other claims are yielding well in this locality.

Mr Warden Simpson, in his official report of the 12th November, from Mount Benger, says : '• The weather during the week lias been exceedingly variable. lieavy rains and strong -winds prevailing, with snow on the ranges. Mining operations throughout the district progress satisfactorily. Several of the large head water races recently applied for are drawing near completion. That of Ayling and Co., from the Deep Creek to the 14-Mile Beach, will be completed and in full operation next week, as also that of Cox and Co. from a tributary of the same creek to the 17-Mile Beach. Some of the smaller races in the same part of the district are completed and in operation, and the parties seem satisfied with their work. On the Upper Fomahaka, whore I had occasion to be this week, the population is stiH on the increase. There arc now about 200 miners on that river, including the Upper and Lower. Several large companies have been formed, and some heavy work undertaken. In a few weeks there will be four or five wheels at work on the Upper Ponmhaka. Those parties who have already got in working order arc doing well, but considerable labor and expense are necessary .at the outset, as the ground is deep and the creek very liable to floods. Two or three extended claims have been applied for this week at the Upper Fomahaka.

The following description of the Council Chamber at Christchureh is extracted from the "Lyttelton Times:"—"This building is making great progress, so much so that some idea of its size and proportions can now be formed. It is an elegant building, the. great variety of stone employed in its construction adding greatly to the effect. Some of the corbels and capitals are very chastely foliated OX SISTING OF

and carved. The fireplaces are very handsome but of rather quaint design. The turned porphyry pilasters being semi-detached from the wii dow-sills and doorway, give an air of lightness and relief to the more massive portions of the building. There is a rather uncourteous proverb about expressing an opinion on halt-finished work, but one cannot help regretting that the chamber had not been at once made a little larger. In the English Palace of the Legislature, the architect assumed that all the members of Parliament would not meet at once ; possibly the same conclusion was arrived at in the present instance. The principal doorway is nearly completed, and the design is a very ornamental and graceful one."

Mr Warden Wood, writing from Nokomai on the sth November, observes :—" A good many men have come in this week from Invercargill, the railway works having been suspended. Some of the miners up the creek are gettinp good returns from their claims, but the ground is patchy. Water is very scarce.

Miss Joey Gougenheim's first appearance in Dunedin, which she made last evening at the Princess Theatre, was evidently only a re-appearance before a large number of old friends in a new place. Throughout Victoria she made herself a petted favorite, who did not need petting to do her best to please, nor the consideration that comes from favoritism arising out of respect for the lady apart from the merits of the actress. In the other Australian Colonies, we believe, Miss Gougenheim was not less successful in winningl and holding fiiends in both characters ; so when she entered on the stage last evening, the applause was of that hearty sort which marks the welcome of a some-time absent favorite— one with whom familiarity as an actress has bred but esteem, and who is looked to confidently for affording frequent and genial pleasure. " Court and Stage, or the King's Rival," by Tom Taylor and Charles Reade, which was played last evening, has for its object, the placing of the character of Nell Gwynne in as favorable a light as possible, consistent with history. Mistress Gwynne is made, perhaps, to appear vastly better than the popular notion of her would be likely to admit, at first, that she was; but.there is no reason to doubt that she was as merry and frank during the heyday of her Court career, as she was pretty and unsophisticated as the little Hereford lass ; and that, even in the Court of Charles the Second, she had a good heart and an open hand for really charitable deeds, as well as a captivating person and a bold, saucy tongue. In this play, Nell is made the instrument of helping Frances Stuart to check the king's libertine advances, of doing what is possible to soften the callous heart of Charles towards his much-suffering wife, Catherine of Braganza, of dragging the Duke of Richmond out of the despair of the drunkenness into which he had fallen because of his unworthy doubts of Frances's purity and faithfulness, of accomplishing the reconciliation and the secret marriage of the lovers, and ot going far towards completely tricking Charl. s out of the revenge upon Richmond , to which he was prompted alike because the Duke was a traitor in heart as well as « favored rival in fact, an 3of forcing the monarch to do a gracious act, which he excuses to himself by a jest about the impossibility of displeasing woman. All this is very naturally wrought out ; the temptation of making Nell " preach " morality being avoided, but enough being given her to show that she can feel the degradation of being such a creature as she was supposed to be ; the idea of her real goodness being cleverely toned up by making her suffer poignantly merely because she knows what it will be said she has been. There is nothing really to offend the most straight-laced purist; and if the dramatists . have made poor Nelly better than some of that class would allow that she could have been, it may be accepted without question that she was not nearly as black as the purists have delighted to paint her. Miss Joey Gougenheim played Nell charmingly, and looked the part likewise. Her clear ringing laugh was infectious ; her manner of saying the bluntest or the kindest things was alike characteristic of one who knew naught of conventionality ; and altogether she was one worthy of fooling to his own good a better man than the weak reveller Charles. Miss Dolly Green was well suited for the part of Frances Stuart ; and she played especially well after she has been forced to listen to Nelly while her true woman's wit has been witlessly reading the riddle which has distracted and all but ruined Richmond. Miss C. Matthews had very little to dons Catherine. We fancy that Charles the Second was by no means the " merry monarch" that he has been described ; but if he was as far removed from that temperament as Mr Lionel Harding represented him, he must have been a. very sorry companion for fair ladies with light hearts and lighter morals. Mr Ryan would have been a good Richmond, but for his determinedly exaggerated emphasis. Mr Carey was Major Wildman, a " fifth monarchy man," who gets Richmond into the plot for dethroning the king-, and then gets mad himself—through excitement or the plngue, the point not being very clear ; and the part, by no means an easy one, was played in a way that was most creditable. Glorious old Pepys is degraded into a stupid sort of fellow, who is liked and used by Nell, but who is a nuisance to everybody else through his running about with his. diary in his hand. Not such a man, we are sure,, was the writer of that quaintly curious diary which has shown the world more ot the real life of the period over which it extends,, than many big books of heavy history. That Mr Slreeton did not make much of the character is not to be laid to his fault. The garden scene was very capitally got up ; ami sonic of the other scenes were good. Miss Goujicnheim was three times called before tlie cue tain ; and Mr Carey was also called. The piece was, as a whole, heartily enjoyed by a tolerably good house, and is well worth seeing. The announced farce was " The Three Cuckoos." I 5752 BAGS SUGAR

By an advertisement in another column ifc will be seen that Mr Thomas Birch, who has for some time repressed the City in the Provincial Council, has resigned his seat.

A very fine sample of wool has been forwarded from Tokomairiro for the Exhibition. Ie is twelve inches long in the staple, and has been handed to Mr Hirsch, of this city, to be dyed.