PORT MOERAKI.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 912, 22 November 1864, Page 5

PORT MOERAKI.

(from a correspondent.)

18th November, 1364,

The usual business season is fast approaching, and, if the weather continue favorable for a fortnight, we expect to be all bustle with the wool drays and shipping. Messrs Dalgety, Rattray and Co., of Dunedin, have anticipated the wants of our district by opening a store, where all the essentials of bush life can be procured : also an abundant variety of luxuries to meet the most fastidious taste. We have also much pleasure in observing by advertisement, they have chartered the A 1 British ship CornmotHre, Captain Ool"ille, commander, to load with wool >:t this port j and we expect to sea our bay quite lively by a second vessel they intend to lay on this wool season. The good roads to Moeraki, from Shig River and Waitaki districts, and the favorable accommodation fur shipping the woo! in perfect condition, are facilities unequalled by any other port in Ocago; and we fully expect next wool season to sac our bay quite gay with bunting. There is an excelleut hotel to let, worth the at-t'-ntion of an aetiva host. The fishing season has been very successful. Our boats have ample ti» supply the district, and send even to Oamarsi. Our enterprising townsman, Mr Leggat, is curing fish; an inspection of his drying and smoMnc process will repay a visit.

Hampdbn.—This thiiving township is unusuallj alive, anticipating the wants of the woo) season, and showing signs of life. There is a much wanted improvement to be commenced early, levelling the main road through the townstiip. On Monday last the Rev. 0. Connor, at the request of the Committee of the Presbyterian Church, re delivered a very pooular and interesting lecture in the School-room, Hampden, on " The earth's crust." The Chairman, Mr Familton, complimented the reverend lecturer on the elaborate and intelligent manner in which ho had elucidated his subject, aud expressed a hope the lecture would have the tffect of exciting an iuterest in the community for scientific inquiry, and that a course of lectures might be got up. Mr C mnor expressed his willingness to assist when called upon, which called forth hearty applause. A meeting was subsequently held at the Hampden Hotel, t<> consider the best cour.-e to carry out the suggestion. Mr Familton, Chairman. It was propo-ed, and carried unanimously, that an effirt should be made to establish a Mechanic's Institute. Among six gentltmen present, an amount equalling L4O was promised, the Chairman vo'unteerins; to open a course of lectures by one - " The Pa3t'>rnl and Agricultural .Prospects of Moeraki " Several other subjects were selected. Last night Mr Hervey, the new landlord of the Clyde hote1, Hampden, gave an opening ball to a select company. The entertainment did great credit t> the worthy host. The hotel has heen enlarged and comfortably fitted up. and travellers will find every attention and comfort.