THE Otago Daily Times. "Inveniam viam out Faciam." DUNEDIN, MONDAY, JUNE. 12.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 1085, 12 June 1865, Page 4

THE Otago Daily Times. "Inveniam viam out Faciam." DUNEDIN, MONDAY, JUNE. 12.

The history of the loss of the City of Dunedin is likely to remain one of those dark mysteries that enshroud the fate of vessels the doom of which can be surmised only from circumstantial evidence. There is a human certainty that she has been wrecked ; there is scarcely a human hope

that a record has been left behind from which to gather, the particulars of the circumstances of her loss. The supposition that she struck upon one of the many rocks that render the navigation of Cook's Straits perilous, is so reasonable that exception cannot bo taken to it. But there is very much reason to doubt whether she we/it down, as at first surmised, in deep water.

Had she done so it is scarcely poss-ible to account for the speedy appearance of some of her i.iterior fittings. Hud she sunk in deep water the process of breaking

up would have been a long one. The evidence goes to show that she did break up. She was built in three compartments:

injury to only one of which would not have sunk her. It is more than

likely that instead of going down immediately she wa3 dashed to pieces on the rocks. It would be cruel to'linger over the details of such a picture. There are few who have read or heard of the disaster, but whose' minds have been impressed with its frightful nature. One person, it is true, has been heartless enough to deem it a fitting subject for a hoax, but the indignation he has aroused amply vindicates the community generally from any participation in his insensibility. The loss of the City of Duuedin has created a gloom and depression scarcely second to those which fol- j lowed that of the Pride of the Yarra. Again the whole community finds itself brought face to face with death —again the dread tale is told of the uncertainty of human life. Long immunity from accident, has caused the passage between Wellington and Nelson io be regarded as perfectly free from risk—the tragedy of the City of Dunedin, like that of the Pride of the Yarra, ha3 been enacted in the face of an apparently absolute, freedom from danger.*l

But there are different degrees of suffering. The whole community, as we have said, has felt the loss very deeply. But there are those amongst it, upon whom the

WEST TAIEBI,

disaster falls whu crushing weight. There ore icores of pm.' in3 livinS ain°ng«t aswhpjhav'e lost near and ear relat»veß in the City of Dnnedin,- and iO the personal grief of many is added the bitffc.'" nes3 °f poverty and destitution. There . are families bereft of their supporters and protectors—the rocks that broke up the fated ship, broke Tip many a happy home. It remains to be seen whether the feeling evinced by the community generally is more than evanescent. It remains to be proved whether the sufFerere by the wreck will not, at any rale be relieved from the added miseries of poverty and want. Already we are glad to say, with out any suggestion, a movement has spontaneously begun. The loss of the vessel has no sooner been placed beyond the possibility of doubt, than, a feeling of sympathy for " those who are left to mourn," has begun to show itself. On Saturday, an influentially signed memorial was presented to his Honor the Superintendent, requesting him to call a public meeting, to take the subject into consideration. Some time during the week a meeting is to be convened—as soon in short a3 the proper arrangements for it can be effected. It would be an insult to the good feelings of our readers to do more than proclaim the fact. To pray for their sympathy would be to suppose that they will have some hesitation in according it. We imagine nothing of the kind. We cannot for a moment doubt, that the sorrow they have felt for the disaster that has overtaken the City of Duneclio, will be readily converted into nn anxiety to do the utmost in their power to relieve the necessities of those whom it has left destitute. i 1 i i 1 ] i

As one of the great powers of Europe, occupying a central situation on that eon-

inent, and exerting important influence

in its territorial arrangements, it seems strange that so little is known of Austria and Au-trian po'itics. According to Alison, " from its geographical position, its " military strength and resources, and tbe

stability of its policy and government "

it was at the commencement of the French Revolutionary war of 1792, the most formidable continental rival of Erance, and throughout that long and deadly struggle,

the part taken in it by the Austrian Empire tended materially to its eventful issue. More circumscribed now than at that time, and with only a narrow sea-hoard, it is not brought prominently into notice as a commercial country, and since the peace of

1815 has been heard of principally on account of the Hungarian war, the short contest with France termninafed at Solferino, and the discreditable" partnership with Prussia in the onslaught upon Denmark. The central position of Austria, notwithstanding the influence

it confers upon its Government in Continental affairs, is to some extent a" source of weakness. Containing within its boundaries a number of distinct and adverse nationalities, it is necessary at all times to be prepared to crush internal disturbance, and being surrounded by, and immediately contiguous to the most powerful military States in Eurpe, each with a standing army equal to itsown> it has been thought necessary to maintain a force in a state of high efficiency, wholly disproportioncd to its population. The natural effect has followed. The national expenses so far exceed the national revenue., that to all appearance the Empire is drifting into a state of hopeless bankruptcy.

Although from the time of the Empress Maria Theresa, ihe Austrian Government has been a reforming power, its attention has been principally directed to the introduction of measures, bearing immediately upon the domestic habits of the people. The principal ncls of that sovereign were directed to the amcliora'ion of the poorer populations. In 17GG she abolished torture in her hereditary estates in Hungary and Bohemia, and the following year the rural and personal services of the peasants claimed by their feudal lords ; nnd some years prior to that period schools were established under the direction and supervision of the State, which have been gradually extended throughout the whole of the Austrian dominions. The same spirit! of reform has characterised the policy of the House of Hapsburg since her time, but has not always been conducted with equal prudence- But while thus adopting measures having an important bearing upon the everyday life of the inhabitants of the country, sometimes to such an extent as materially to interfere with personal liberty, but always . with that officious anxiety paternal governments evince to lead their subjects to a stereotyped happiness, there has been no power in Europe by which restrictions on commercial intercourse have been more rigorously enforced. If protective duties could have enriched a country, Austria would have been boundlessly rich; if they could have fostered manufactures, Austria would have been one of" the chief manufacturing countries in the world; if they could have increased the national revenue, the Austrian exchequer would have been filled to repletion. But not only have none of these results followed, but the reverse has taken place. Whenever any extraordinary drain upon the exchequer has been required to meet an emergency, loans have had to be resorted to.

No country in Europe contains such

BY ORDER OF

vast, and various mineral resources as Austria. Excluding platinum, perhaps every known metal has been found within its area/? The gold-mines of Transylvania are supposed to be the richest in Europe, and gold is found in Hungary and various other parts of the Empire. Silver is obtainable in quantity in the mountain ranges o f .Hungary and in Transylvania, while rich copper and lead mines are worked in Hungary, Styria, Illyria, Galicia, the Tyrol, Daln.'itia, and Istria. Iron abounds in almost exu'austless quantities; tin is found in Bohemia, while quicksilver ant zinc are found in vaiious parts of the Ear pire. Immense forests of valuable titnbcr exist in the interior, and in almosi every district coal is found. Combined with all these mineral riches is a fertile soil eight-tenths of which arc capable of being brought into profitable cultivation. Grain, wine of the finest flavor, wool, silk, and fruit?, are among the productions ot the country. An empire of such boundless resources, possesses ample means for prosecuting profitable commerce, both internal nnd foreign, nor are there any natural obstacles to prevent its development. So far from this being the case, there is a vast river and lake system which, with the help of a few canals, forms a cheap and ready mode of internal communication and the introduction of railways has added to these facilities But Austria, with all these advantages, has become poorer instead of richer. Protective duties have excluded foreign products and closed the world's markets against its own. Heavy taxation has proved the means of impoverishing the people without filling the exchequer ; and while Britain and France, through the effect of free trade, ire progressing in revenue, material wealth and influence, Austria is verging towards insolvency. To avert this, overtures have been made to enter into a commercial treaty with Great Britain, on tcrm3 of mutual benefit. What England has to DfFer in return for any commercial advantages conferred by Austria, it is hard to ?ay. Years ago, for the sake of the comfort and advantage of it3 own population, :lifferential duties were abolished in Britain. However liberal, therefore, the proposals oi Austria may be, it is difficult to conceive that England can offer any thing in return. Mr Hutt, an old and consistent advocate of free trade, has been sent to ncgociatc a Treaty. Apparently all he can say is—" follow our example, " and j-rosperity will follow." He can point to France and every country, ancient and modern, in which a liberal commercial policy lias been adopted, and prove that in its wake have been industry, wealth, and civilization

On Friday evening, a complimentary dinner was given to Mr Macandrcw, M.P.C., at Dodson'H Provincial Hotel, Port Chalmers, , as a recognition of service.! rendered to the i Port in hi* capacity as its representative in the Provincial Council. Both the exterior und interior of the hotel were handsomely j decorated for the occuiion, rmd a dinner was laid, which, by its abundance and rjclincb?, and bv the quality of its accompaniments, did the greatest credit to Mr Dobson.the spread being considered by competent judges to be one of the best that has been seen in the Province. Upwards of seventy gentlemen were present, including members of the Port Chalmers constituency and others, and several visitors from Duniidin, betides Messrs Hcynol-is, Hughes, and Walker, who were also gucsfs on the occasion. Sir Munsford piesided, and Messrs Alexander Maekinnon and Mr 11. iii'Dcroiid officiated as vice-chairmen. Mr Taylor, who 'was expected to officiate, being unable to be present. After dinner, there was a long scries of toasts proposed, lengthy speeches made, numerous songs sung, and a variety of musical pieces well performed by the Port Chalmers Naval Brigade Band, who voluntarily give their services, and who became Mr Dodson'a guests for the evening. Besides the usual loyal toasts, the programme include') the Army, Navy, and Volunteers, which was responded to by Lieutenant Kobcrteon, of the N.ival Brigade ; the Superintendent and Executive, proposed by Mr M'DcrmiJ, responded to by Mr Keynolds ; the Provincial Council, proposed by I)r j Niven, acknowledged by Mr Walker ; the Toast of the Evening, from the chair ; Shippingand Commercial Interests, with the names of Captain Maekinnon and Mr Innes, by Mr Reynolds ; the Pastoral and Agricultural Interests, with Mr Kennedy's name, by Mr Sibbald. ; the Mining and Industrial Interests, by Mr Walker, acknowledged by Mr Hughes and Mr M'Dermid ; Prosperity to Port Chalmers, by Mr Macandrew, responded to by Mr Ritchie ; the Press and the Learned Professions, by Messrs Mallach and Brownhill respectively ; the Chair and Vicechair by Messrs Ro'fe and Mathieson ; and' "The Ladies" v.ere entrusted to Dr O'Donoghue and Dr Drys'lale. In the remarks accompanying the different toasts considerable reference was made to local requirements ; warm expression was given to the sense in which Mr Macandrevr'g services as local representative were held ; and, by the many happy speeches made, the party was kept in high spirits, and the greatest hilarity prevailed, until the meeting was brought to a satisfactory termination at an advanced

hour. A correspondent writes to us respecting the " disgraceful condition of the so-called foot-« path and road in Stuart, street, from the Octagon to the Court House." He says that the street ia literally "ancle deep with slush ', and mud, .and almost impassable for ladies | and children. The Commissioners, 1 think ia this case, mako the poor excuse that has been made ia other instances, viz., the ex-

THE MORTGAGEE,

ce p(f Ow 'able weather we have lately had ; for it is noU, ri°us tnat even io the height of summer tlio ~at'l and roadway in question, after the slljj.l)test shower, becomes a complete qUng>Ki!re-" To the fore" going complaint ma>' be addcd the statement, that there is flv present a most dangerous trap for persons pftv"sinß trough Stuart street at night. Some tfak' af ter tho late flood, a portion of the embank mCOV on^ne southerly side of the street wns cut away, for the purpose of draining off the water wind) had accumulated between that embankment end Moray place. As the footpath was necessarily encroached upon for this purpose, a slight railing1 was fixed, for the safely of passers-by; but the thing has been left utterly neglected, and the bank lias crumbled away so far, tliat the hole has extended outside the fence, which is now a positive source of danger, since anyone who .keeps beside it must either tumble or slip down Sft or I Oft into a muddy drain, even if j a broken limb does not result from contact ! with stonework which in the olden days was ' erected, apparently to conduct water from the surface to the drain. I The Supreme Court resumes its sittings at ten o'clock this forenoon. It is understood Hint the argument on a motion for arrest of judgment in the case of John Riordan, will first be heard, and that the trial of Ford «nd Anderson /or murder will then be proceeded with. ■ I Mr Charles Dillon is to be congratulated on his successful assumption of the character of Tiraon,. in Shakspere's play of " Timon of j Athens." The piece was repeated at the Princess Theatre on Saturday evening;; and j Mr Dillon's performance was, as might be j expected where so important a character has I been newly attempted, better than on either j of the previous representations. E*peci:*Uy was there an improvement in the vehement j speech to the false friends, whom, when so I proved, Timon has once more invited as to a banquet. The intensity of the scorn and passion was gradually heightened—in fact, the delivery, like the language delivered, was an overpowering climax ; and the success of the actor was marked by hearty app'ause from the audie:ce. The great scene between Timon and Apumantus (Air George Fawcett); I was also more carefully finished in those minor details which are the light and shade, so to speak, of such a dialogue ; and the scene I with Flavius (Mrs Dillon), in the same act, J was throughout full of gentle feeling and of beauty. Timon will, wo doubt not, be regarded as one of Dillon's most truly artistic performances, wherever ho may in future be enabled to play the part. The after-piece J was " Don Cassar de Bazan." This evening "Uelphegor" and "The Bonnie Fishwife" will be given. The " Lyttelton Times" of S.itnrday furnishes the name of an additional passenger from that port by the ill-fated steamship City of Dunedin :—"Wd regret to have to' add the name o£ Mr Francis John Morris, of Leithfield, to the list of j assengors by this vessel. Mr Morris had lately accepted an appointment in the Provincial Government service at Ilokitika, to which he was being dispatched with haste. He succeeded in getting on boai d the steamer after her clearance

had been effected, and thus his name did not appear among the list of passengers from Lyticlton. Mr Morris was engaged Inst year, with Mr Kochfort, in the survey of the West Coast."

The weather has again undergone a change, much to the diecomlorfc of the inhabitants of ,ihe town and its sul/urbs. Saturday was gloriously fine, and the streets were unusually crowded throughout the day. During the night, however, ruin fell, and yesterday was cold and showery. The weather became more lowering as the day advanced, and after sunset it was very dark, cold, and stormy—rain, sleet, and snow fulling freely.

Our correspondent at Tokomairiro informs us that an important meeting of the license holders of the Waihola Hundred bad been held, in consequence of soveral complaints baring been made of sheep being depastured over the Hundred. The Wardens were prosent, and wished to be guttled in their future arrangements by the wishes of the* license holders, who, after some discussion, passed a resolution that no sheep should bo allowed to feed on the Hundred. It was further resolved that the Wardens should estimate the carrying capacity of the Hundred, and fix the amount of stock to be run by each license holder, in proportion to his acreage. The recent resolution of the Provincial Council, in reference to the removal of cattle from districts where disease prevails, into and through clean districts was disapproved of; and a Committee was appointed to draw up a petition on the subject and to call a public meeting in Tokomairiro, in reference to pleuro-pneumonia. At the eame meeting,, it was resolved to take the new land resold (ions into consideration.

With reference to the telegraph to the West Coast, the " Lytttlton Times," of the 10th, says : —" An advertisement from, the Public Works office calls for tenders for the supply of poles for the electric telegraph.from the town of Selwyn to Arthur Pass on. the Otira road to the West Coast. The tenders are to be sent in by the Ist July. Before that time, we hope, a shorter line to Hokitika will be selected for the telegraph route,.. The Government, we believe, will not ettempi to erect too permanent or expensive a. line, but will consider- present efficiency and promptitude of erection as the first desiderata. We nre glad to learn also, whichever line bs adopted, that the link between the Waimea Porks and Hokitika is to be gone on with at once. As tirnbir i3 abundant on tho ground, and the wire and instruments can soon be procured, tlu's piece of the line will probably bo open

first of all."

/We extract the following account of a -whirlwind from the " TaranaM Ilerald," of 20th May:—" We have been favored with the following interesting account' from Mr I?. Bayley of a whirlwind which occurred at Wairau, a little seuth. of Oakura, on Tuesday

UNDER DIRECTION

aft moon :—Returning from the survey at Hauranga, in consequence of the heavy rain, which had set in, we arrived at the Waimola stream at about a quarter to four, at which, lime it was thundering nnd lightning heavily. The tide was nearly low, but we suddenly noticed a lirge wave come rushing in, which ran completelyup to the high water mark, making us run for the bank. We proceeded along the beach until we had got about 200 yards on this side of Wairau stream, when the wind suddenly rose in violence, and looking towards the sea wo saw the water all ic commotion—to all appearance a whirlwinJ, smd coming towards us. The Maoris commenced shouting, and we nil ran for the high sand bank thinking to escape" it, but before wo had got five yards it was on us in all its fury. Moat of us were thrown down and rolled over and over. I wan blown hcod over heels, a»?d in my progress the too of one of my boots' canio in contact with a Maori's head, cutting1 it severely. I recollect nothing more till I wvs brought up violently against the sandbank, having been blown about thirty yards. T. Skinner, who w;is with us, was lifted completely on to the top of ,tho bink—abont 12 feet high. The accuracy.of this account is vouched for by Mr N. Carrington, who with Mr G. Northcrofff was some little distance behind—near enough to see all that was going on, but not" near enough to take part in the performance." A meeting of non-commissioned officers of the different Volunteer Corps in Dunedin was held on Saturday evening,, at M'Cubbin's Hotel. Eleven now-commissioned officers were present; and Corporal Tush was called to the chair. Sergeant M'Cubbin stated that he had, in conjunction with Sergeant Devore, convened this meeting for the purpose of en Jeavoring to obtain immediate payment o£ the Government grant of 50sper man, and to consider other matters nfltcting'the interests of Volunteers generally. After some discussion it was unanimously resolved: "That r this meeting form itself into a committee totake steps to obtain immediate payment of Die Government grant of 50s, seeing that officers of companies are manifesting great apathy in the matter, an \ in the meantime companies are gradually but surely dwindlingaway, nnd which this meeting belkves is partly to he attributed to this cause." On. the motion of Sergeant Currie, seconded by Corporal Tuliy, it was resolved : " That -this meeting hears with regret that it is the intention of the Government to reduce the number of sUifF sergeants, and are of opinion that such a course wcul.l be fatal to thcsucucss of the Volunteer movement, seeing that the time of the non-commissioned officers' is fully occupied by attending the usual drills and parades, without having the extra duties of staff sergeants thrust upon them." It was moved by Sergeant M'Cubbin,seconded by Petty Officer Fisher, and carrie 1 unanimously :.—" That this meeting ia of opinion, that the unanimous feeling of the Volunteers is that the Government do not foster the movement in such a. manner as to insure its success, the men being called upon (in addition to their loss of time) to pay fnr too much for subscription.", uniform.", and other expenses." Messrs Fish, Tully, Walts, Currif, Devoro and M'Cubbin were appointed a Sub-

Committee for the purpose of embodying tie resolutions ii» tho form of n memorial, and transmitting them to the Mkj'oi- commanding-. It wns suggested that a. sum should he raised, by voluntary subscriptions of Gd per month.

for the purpose of forming a fund to be shot for in various prizes at tho beginning of the year; and also thus the now commanding officers should associate themselves for the purpose of eonsMering and promoting matters affecting the interests of Volunteers in the Province. It was considered advisable, however, that both these matters should stand over for consideration at a future meeting. A vote of th'iiiks to the Chairman was agretd

to ; and tho meeting was adjourned until S<turd:ty evening next. In reference to a case heard before Mr Justiee Johnston, the report of which will bs found in another column, the " Lyttclton Tines " says, " Klsewhere will be found a report of the examination of Mr C, Elliott tho respected proprietor of the 'Nelson Examiner,' who has been compelled to call his creditors together, owing to the hairy fall which hna taken place in the price of stock. The case is clik-fly of interest from the light it throws upon sheep ngrecmenls—a form o£ investment which, has been in considerable ;demand in tills province. Mr Justiee Johnston seems very clear in his opinion that where ehcep placed on terms are not branded as the property of the perton so placing: them, they must go to the creditors in the event of the holder becoming: insolvent." "We take the following account of a fatal accident in the Rakata from the. "Lyttelioa Times" of Saturday :—" In addition to the numerous accidents we have lately had to record as having happened in our southern ■

rivers, we ragret that we should now have 40. mention one, that, while proving a narrow .«, escape to severu.l, has cnused the death 0f.,.',-: two most promising young men. Several'' rumors have been circulated ; but from the report of Mr Charles Flowers and another gentleman,.we believe that we have ascertained the correct particulars. It seems that Mr Walter. Wilson, son of J. Cr.icroft Wilson,, Esq.., C.8t,.0f Cashmere, was on his way eouth: to bring tip stock from his father's nm on the Rangitata, accompanied by Mr M'Donald,. junr., manager of Mr Wilson's station on the Selwyn-; and that, in. company .with sevcraL . other gentlemen, he remained ai the ho'.el on. this side of the Rakaia over Thursday night. About nine yesterday morning, Mr Flowers, sent acrosi the river tluee horses belonging to the party, an4 as soon aa they were safely across, be came

back to act as pilot for the horsemen

The river had been muddy during Thursday, but yesterday it was low ngain and clear.. Five essayed to cross t namely, Mr Flowers, pilot; Messrs W. Wilson, M'Doaald,, Caton, and J. Kett. All went ■well for a *horfc distance, when Mr Wilson's Horse, a well-bredL

OF IHE

thing, commenced to rear and plunge, whereby Mr Wilson was thrown, Innding, however, on his feet, and apparently up to Ihe waist in thecurrent. Hishorseplunged violently, and In his strngglisg became entangled with the horse Kett waa riding, which also fell, si'id got away from its jider. Kett was at once in the current, when Charley .Flowers (as he 5a generally known) swam in on hoKcback, and -pulled him out by the hair of his head. A moment before this occurred, young M'Donald was observed to jump off his horse, whether to under assistance to Mr Wilson, or for other reasons, itis impossible to ascertain, fr.r at the moment he jumped, he rank, and was never Eecn sifter.,, AI can while, Mr'Wilson, who, when thrown from his horse, must have been washed from his feet, started to swim, and most manfully he ia reported to have struggled against the awful current.", M'f Flowers followed on the wellknown, iivtr'horse Roan y, who carried him down thc-stream with, -a-grand stride in elosa pursuit of the now struggling young mat) j when almost within two lengths of him, Wilson cried out to Flowers to"' Come on,' to which Flowers cheeringly replied, ' Hold on, old boy, you.are nil right.' At this moment the boat was launched, and came down within a short distance of the poor drowning lad; but wheo within almost a boat hook's length of him young'Witeon. sank to rheuo mere. Flowers followed, tho stream down T fur three miles, but was unable to sea any trace of either of- the bod its. Ho picked up- tha hats of tho two youths, together with one Wellington boot. Finding further' endeavors would be useless, Mr Flowers started towards town, and met Mr Alfred Cox, a passenger by the down Timaru, mail, who returned on horse back with -him, and broke the melancholy tidings to -Mr CracroXt Wilson at Cashmere, about five o'clock yesterd.vy afternoon. At a late hoxir font evening, Mr Wilson, accompanied by His eldest ion, started off to the Rakaii, to render his assistance in every possible search to discover his son's remains and those of his companion."

Haughton. Bradahavv. Campbell, Clyde. 1G Queenstown... 17 32 2 Waitahuna ... C 4 0 Waipori 18. 1 1 Mount Benger. .. IS 2 Arrow 62 Alexandra 32 18 Hamilton 7 8 Mount Ma .. 1 Maori Point... 10 19 5 Hindon 2 1 8 Cromwell 9 6 Dunstan Creek 2 • 4 '.) Nokomai .. 0 Cimlrona 2.3 Nevis Hyde ... 21 Bhckstone Hill ... 11 Lawrence 40 . :i 04 227 149 130 ' II. W. ■RomxsoN, Returning Officer.