THE Otago Daily Times. "Inveniam viam aut faciam." DUNEDINL, SATURDAY, SEPT. 30.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 1169, 30 September 1865, Page 4

THE Otago Daily Times. "Inveniam viam aut faciam." DUNEDINL, SATURDAY, SEPT. 30.

The speeches of the supporters of Mr Russell's motion for Separation show on how many different grounds that measure may be advocated. We do not say that as a rule they were set forth so powerfully as they might have been; nor are the reasons the Eame in Auckland that may fairly be urged in Otago for the political severance ofthe Northern from the Middle Island. But taken as a whole, they prove that the advisablity of adopting the measure is slowly making' its way, and commending itself lo the judgment of thinking men, and that time alone is required to give it practical effect. It is readily to he imagined that old eeltiers, who have been accustomed to indulge in bright visions of the future of New Zealand, who took part in forming its constitution, and who have accustomed themselves to imagine that one day it will become the Britain of the South, will be loth to admit that their plans have failed. Perhaps few visionaries are bo difficult to convince of error as those who have formed for themselves some pet political theory, although every day may bring forth facts tending to dispel the illtt

aura. If ever they become converts to sound doctrine snd practice, it ia by alow degreei. One by one they are compelled to relinquish dogma* which they have cherished as soundest truth, and have held to be distinguished policy. But as a rialei they hold fast by their errors, and at the last are quietly set aside by the overwhelming advance of public opinion. Such, most probably, will be the fate of those who cling with such pertinacity to the maintainauce of the union of the two islands. Strangers, viewing the question apart from the associations connected with !it in the minds ot tuo.e who are accustomed to consider the union sacred, can but wonder why, w.th such diverse interests, the two islamis were ever united. Tney can see nothing to create a commontie, excepting that the colonists of both are JBriii-h subjects. Their material, social, and political intere.ts differ. The measures that commend themselves for the salety aud advancement of the North are auveise tv the progress and welfare of the South. They have not eveu tne plea of mutu_l commercial interests to biud them to each other, and in that respect are sunder.d more widely thau Euglaud irom France or from the United Stales.

Mere territorial cont-guity can never of itsell form a bond of union. JL'here must be something deeper aud more euduring underlying the surface of society in order to create a common tie. Amongst the nations of Europe, there are the i.onds of consanguinity and interest. Sprung from one tribe, having like manner-, cu>tom^, and modes of thought; surrounded by nations differing from them ia every one ol these particulars; each country has appropriated to itself territory marked out by definite natural boundaries. The city haß grown up and lormed a market for the country. The seaport ha. become the means of communication between the dwellers in the land aud the nation, without. In common they have lormed their institutions—in common they have advanced through time and change. The ties of family, the a.-oci ttions of home the love of Irk-nds, the love of country, early education, the poses-ion of p;o perty, and the prospect of advancement, form powerful inducements to abide by common laws and to endure sacrifices in common. But most of these motives are wanting in New Zealand. The settlers have been induced to leave their native land through a variety of cause. Those in the North I_:an_, in hope of improving their condition, have placed themselves among uncivilised tnnes of men from whose barbarity they are in continual danger. For protection against their inroads, a large military force must constantly be maintained. Uuable themselves to maintain the burden, and unwilling to make the sacrifice of defending themselves, they appeal lo the South to assist them, and by the fiat of the Government, the richer Provinces of the Middle Island are compelled to pay the heavier portion of the expense. Had it been a sudden outbreak, that required repression, and which when crushed would not have been likely again to have recrred. the chivalrous generosity of Britons would have led the colonists ofthe Middle Island to have contributed their lull quota of the cost, cheerfully and without a murmur. But when im-urrection-Jbecomes chronic; when Avar is brought to a conclusion in one place only to break out with renewed fury in another; it is time to inquire what is to be gained by continuing a connection in which all the advantage is on one side, and all the sacrifice on the other. It may be very reasonably asked by the Middle Island, what return is to be made to it for the heavy outlay already incurred ? It may be an acci lent inseparable from a war expenditure that Auckland and Wellington have become enriched and populated by the trade and industry generated by it. And if the well-being of the settlers on the Middle Island wire in any degree advanced by it, there might be some pretext for throwing upon them so heavy a share of the cost of the war. But, so far from this being the ca*e, it is the very reverse. The public revenue that would have been spent in the formation of roads aud bridges, and the construction of public works, tending to open up the resources of the various Provinces is absorbed in maintaining troops, transporting them from point to point where their services are needed, and in providing the munitions of war. The war loan necessary for the protection of the North Island, proves the greatest obstacle to obtaining assistance from capitalists for the Middle Island Provinces for investment in reproductive work?. The excessive duties on imports operate as a fetter upon industry, increase the cost of living, and deter immigration. Viewed in any aspect, there is no equivalent given to the Middle Island for the unreasonable burdens laid upon it. There is not even that prudential difference made in the application of measures suited to the circumstances of the two islands that would only have been just and equitable. Thus it is said, iv order to obtain some revenue from the Maori Race, upon goods imported for consumption, the clumsy expedient of a measurement duty was adopted, by which low-priced rugs and coarse clothing are taxed enormously compared with a bitter class of goods. But that which was professedly intended as a special measure to meet special circumstances, is made a general one, and falls as heavily upon the miner and the artisan as upon the Maori. For the safety and protection of life and properly in the Northern Island, the Militia Bill may he a safe and necessary precaution ; but the peace and quietude of tl c

Middle Island are quite secured without its arbitrary provisions. In no way are the requirements of the two islands alike. War is chronic in the North—peace, undisturbed peace, .is characteristic of the South. Every victory adds to the territorial area of the Northern settlements, and this tends to enrich them. Every victory only draws from the South a heavier contribution than before without giving back an equivalent—not even empty glory. Instances might be multiplied indefinitely demonstrating the diversity of interest and the inapplicability of the policy suited to the North to the circumstances and condition ofthe South, but they must be co evident to an} one who j observes passing eveots, that to mention them is needless. In fact, so many are the proofs of the desirability of separate Governments for the two island-*-, that it is matter for surprise that any t-hould be found to advocate the continuance of their union.

The experiment of a dramatic seat-on at the Theatre Royal is, we believe, about to be tried. Mr George Donne has become the lessee; and some improvements in the interior of the Theatre, as well as the formation of a large vestibule, in connection with the pit, &(*,, are spoken of as to be effected prior to the Mason being commenced, which will be in as short a time as is consistent with making the necessary engagements.

The annual meeting of the Chamber of Commerce, convened for to-day, has been pos'p mcd till Tuesday next.

The Drapers' Early-Closing Association continues its agitation with a considerable amount of success and we take pleasure in directing the attention of the public to the claims for support wbich the Association has upon them. During the winter months the dn-pery establishments in town agreed to thut at six o'clock every evening, Saturdays excepted. That arrangement was carried out, and was found to work satisfactorily, for while it conferred great privileges upon the employees, the employers found that hy a combined system of closing they were no losers, but in many respects reaped great advantage. We understand that the period for whicii the masters agreed to close at six o'clock expired yesterday ; but the members ofthe Associ.tion have not been idle. They have obtained the promise of the owners of the principal drapery establishments in town, with two exceptions, to continue the six o'clock hour of closing throughout the summer months, on condition that all establishments close at the same hour. It is to be hoped thut the employers who still hold out against tho proposed arrangement for the summer months wil see it to be consistent with their duty not to stand in the way ofthe carrying out of an arrangement which has already proved itself to be beneficial alike to the employers and the employed.

The " Bruce Hi raid" informs us that "On Mo: day evening last, a numerou-ly attended public meeting was held in the Court House, Clutha Ferry, to takcinto consideration thea Ivisability of taking steps to have the Molyneux bridged at the Ferry, and also to consider other subjects affecting the interests of the district. Alexander M'Neil, Esq , occupied the Chair, and after some discu-sion a numerous and ii.fim-ntial committee was appointed to draw up, and get signatures to a memorial, praying the Government to at once commence the bridge across tho river, and also to proceed with the construction of the main road from Stony Creek to 3? o-otunoa. The School Committee then gave in their report, announcing that the Government had given a prantin aid of the School, and that John M'Neil, Esq., had given a quarter of an acre of land as a site for the School-house. The Church Committee reported that Ihe designs for the church had been prepared, and tenders for the erection of the bui ding culled for. After some conversation as to the probability of the p.s. Tuapeka returning to the river trade in a week or so, the meeting concluded with the usual vote of thanks to the chairman."

An advertisement requests gentlemen desirous of forming a Dramatic Club to meet this evening at the Octagon Hotel.

The Melbourne " Age " of the 14th says- " We understand that notices, bt aring date the 7th inst., have been issued to a large number of the pastoral tenants of the Crown, signifying the intention of tho Government at once to increase the annual rental of their runs. The circulars have principally been forwarded to those squatters whose runs were estimated at an absurdly low value by the arbitrators appointed under the Land Act of 1862. In some instances it is proposed to increase the amount _aid by over two hundred per cent."

Writing from Upper Shotover on the 23r_ September, Mr Warden Simpson remarks: — '• For the last two days, the sluicers have had a plentiful supply of water, and all expect that the next washing up will show a very mu-li increased yield of gold. The last week's floods have suspended all river workings, which workings, fortunately, were not numerous in this district, and the miner-* engiged on them have set into more permanent and certain mmm on the river terraces. On the reefs, the snow is now fast disappearing, and prospecting i 3 already carried on with much greater facility."

The "Waikouaiti Herald," of Wednesday, says:—" A meeting of the subscribers to the Public Library was held, pursuant to advertisement, in the Athenieum Building, on the evening of Wednesday last, the 20th instant, for the purpose of electing a member of Committee in the room of Mr Hull, removed from the district, and also to take into consideration several other matters affecting the Institution. There was a fair attendance of members; and the Rev. Mr Dasent presided. Mr H. F. Pizey, of the Bank of New Zealand, was unanimously elected to fill the vacated membership of Committee. It was also agreed to rent the present building and premises from the assignees to the estate of Mr G. Mitchell, at five shillings a week. The finances of the Institution were brought i under discussion, which ended with a promise I from each member to use his influence in canvassing for support, and otherwise furtheriag 1 ths interest* of the Inititutioa to the best of

hia power. It was also decided that the Library should, for the present, be open once a week for the exchange of bocks, viz : Wednesday evenings, "from the hour* ot seven to nine o'clock, several members volun-j teering to act as Librarian dming those hours, aud to attend in rotation. Several new membtra were enrolled in the course of the evening, and, we are happy to state, tbe funds of the Institution agreeably augmented. We congratulate the members on the addition of really handsome and substantially bound bouks, which has been made to their stock, and wbich comprises some useful and excellent works ; ye hope that, as they are now available to members of tbe Institution, it may be the means of inducing a lnrge number of the resident, of the district to become subscribers."

"The Irish Heiress" was repeated at the Princess-Theatre last evening, to only a moderate house. It was followeJ by the inimiiably absurd farce of " A Regular Fix," in which Mr J. L. Hall sustained his part with great drollery. There is a capit.il programme for this evening. "The Colleen Bawn," which was excellently put uj.oa the stage, when recently pro.'ueed, is to be repeated ; and the drama is to be followed by two short and very amusing tarces—" Mr and Mr. Wnite," and " Crasher and Slasher."

Apropos of tbe high price of meat in Victoria, the " Age" has the followicg remarks : —" Tenpence per pound for beef ! Such, it is said, will be the price charged in this week's butchers' bills, and ninepeuce was actually paid last week. Surely this is a bitter com mentary upon that spe.dt-n.rift squatting system which gives boundless territories to a few individuals, to the practical exclusion of the small grazier or farmer. It is not so many years siuce the emigrants' guide books held out, as ono grand Australian inducement to the Anglo-Saxon appetites, ' beef and mutton at a penny to twopence per pound.' Yet, belore the borders of our vast pastoral continent are sparsely fringed with population, we have come to a famine pass in supply and consequent price. It is true that we have had to encounter an extraordinarily dry winter, and that the scarcity of grass and water has exercised a fata' influence upon the supply of live stock in our markets. For the accident of seasons it would be unjust to hold either a system or its upholders resp->n>ible, but it is a matter of paramount importance to ascertain whether there is no possible remedy ior so unsatisfactory a possibility. It is undoubted that the misfortune of this year may occur again, and indeed there appears to be soma ground for believing that winter droughts are p riodic in their occurrence. The Den'lquin * Chronicle'states : These seasons of winterly drought appear to recur, from what we can learn from those who have witnessed them before, at intervals of seven years or so. Similar ones were noticed in 1844, 1851, and 1858. In the winter of the first named y_ar the Edward River, between the township and Upper Deniliquin Station, was dry, and drays safely crossed. This circumstance is well remembered, as one of our oldest settlers in crossing had _ome wheat upset, which was afterwards picked up from off ttio bed of the river

In the live stock circulars of last week we find statements that the Monday's cattlo supply (IGO head) was tiie smallest ever brought forward in the Flemington yards, and that good beef touches T. 3 per 1001b. A lot of cattle ' from the far north, much wasted by long travel,' sold subsequently at L2 5a per 1001b. The quotations for best pens of fat bullocks, very prime, are LlB to L2O 15s ; and fat cows have actually been sold as high as L 25. A lot of imported cattle from Newcastle, per Warrior, realised Ll2 7s 6d per head. We confess to considerable surprise that Queensland has not ere now been resorted to lor supplies of beef. The vojageisnot a more formidable one than that from Victoria to Otago, and cargo after cargo has been safely cariied hence to Dunedin. Refer ring to a late Rockhampton stock report, we find prices quoted which compare starilingly with those current in Melbourne. One firm reports, " Fat cattle are not so plentiful, in consi quence of boiling down to the southward having been so extensively carried on. Good bullocks have sold at L 3 ss.' Another firm thus writes:—'Fat Cattle:—My sales since last report have been three small drafts at 65s per head, terms equal to cash.' Whilst the Melbourne beef market is being starved from short supply, nnd consumers are paying by retail at the rate of L3O to L4O per head, they are boilint. down fat cattle for tallow in Queensland, or se'ling them at a shipping port at L3 5< each. What has become of our much boasted Victorian enterprise?"

The following is extracted from the official report of Mr John S. Anderson, officer in charge at tho Nevis, under date 23rd September:—"The weather here during the last few days has much improved, and thereby has afforded increased facilities for mining operations, which are now being carried on by the majority of the miners with a satisfactory amount of success. An agency office for the Bank of New Zealand is n.-.w in course of erection in this township, which will prove a great convenience to the storekeepers, miners, and others."

The Oimam correspondent of the "Waikouaiti Herald " states that a large extent of new ground had been put under crop, and that the last long-looked for shower has made the landscape quite green in that neighbourhood.

Tho following amusing criticism on road making, as practised at Oamaru, appears in the '• Oamaru Times-." —"Before.the late rains, as many doubtless observed, the road leading to the landing-place here was labored at for a long time by two most persevering men. To the uninitiated in the mysteries of road-making,, the road was then a capital one —a little higher on the crown than on the edges, that water might not accumulate on any part of it—and very compact and serviceab.e in every respect. Tbe work to be undertaken at the time we speak of was to strip off the metal, and reduce the height of the road by the removal of about 6ix inches of tho under la,v er, after wbich the metal was replaced aa formerly. The surface of the roadway -was then brought to a dead level, and it ia report ed that, in official eye*, a great Improvement had been wrought upon it.

Carters on the road;:whose opinions en the he travelled back to Oamaru, where be subject were Ztaken, certainly difl/red very informed Sergeant Ballen of what had oexoaterially from that just referred to, .but they curred, thus paving the way for tbe pursuie must have been quite in error. The roaA we and arrest of his quasi friends, They were think we are correct in stating, was may.be- taken on to Timaiu by Sergeaut Ryan and, matically level and'perfect in all respects, the tbe robbery having been committed on the effect being considerably heightened during Otago side of the Waitaki, we may. expect tier the recent heavy rainfalls, when its surface h.ive them sent here for trial. We obserto glistened like a lake by moonlight, aud chil- by our Timaru correspondent's letter that dren enjoyed the peculiar privilege of practis- they were to be brought before the Resident ing the science of navigation by sailing little Magistrate there on Tuesday last. We may paper boats in the wheel-ruts by day. Fine mention that Burke was so tipsy when, weather again came, however, last week, and telling his tale of distress to Serg<rant Bullen it was thought necessary to work futther hcie, and-so cloudy in his recollection- that improvements, so the indefatigable puir went be could give no other information than that to work again, and succeeded in depositing on he had been robbed. The Sergeant had theretop cf the metal a finely picturesque layer of fore no cluo whatever to aid him in his: cream-colored clay, in lumps, in size resem- search. Burke, it appears, however, hod k> bling that of the ordinary road metal. We far recovered himself when ho reached, are not informed whether said clay is con- Brown's Ferry, that he was able to identify sidered a species of metal likely to be very l j, e prisoners as the men who had been lii* serviceable or durable; but we can answer for f fc H o w travellers, and had plit-d him with it that the effect on a bright sunshiny day is brandy ; and the bill of exchange biing found very good inde:d, and we entertain no manner j n their possession placed tho matter beyond, of doubt that, when the next shower fa1 Is, we question." shall be able to boast of as nice and sloppy a The f ; ilow ; ng intelligence respecting the roadway as any one afflicted with corn, or Volunteer movement ia extracted from the tight boots need wtsh to enjoy. The inhabi- ~ Q im „ ru Times „ of Timrß(] : _«. Mf w tants should really record in some way or m „, ,„„ .„„„;„„j „ i„,. . f ~ . „ ' , , _ . J Black has received a letter from Major Carother their high sense of the efficient manner ... ■.. „„. •„. „,.. r . a . n \ T , ~, , ~ .- gill on the subjict of the Oamaru RtfleVolunin which road-making operations are con- teei . Corps , trom which ie apnears thattheser . ducted in this quarter." vi( ,. 9 of the Comp my have -^ accepted % Mr Warden Stratford, writing from Crom- his ExceUency the Governor. This should, well on the 23rd September, remnrks :— have been communica-ed to them by the Ad"A great gloom has been thrown over the j uta nt some time ago. However, we havenov mining community at the Kawarau Gorge, the fact before ug lhat the Corapany is rECOg _ by the death of John Eades, who was killed nised> so al i that requ i.es to be done is to make by a land slip on Tuesday last. His body, it a reality by me _ t ing together and comwhen extricated, was found to be completely mendng drilL Dli v books> we understand^ crushed. Eades has been ia the district rn av be had from the Major's d-partroent at 3iT nearly three years, and was universally re- eacb< M „j or CargUl i ike wisa states that he spected. His sou was drowned last year in i WB n0 r * n i. s _ n gtore at p._ S eiit, but he exthe Clutha, while rafting some timber down pec *s them shortly, and before .quail drill will from Lake Wanaka. His Honor the Super- be got through. We hope that steps will be intendent visited Quartz R.ef Point on Thurs- taken at once to have tho Company turning day, and expressed himself highly plena; d out to drill without delay." with the works cf the Nil Desperandum Com- Al i uding to tlie proposed jetty at Oamaru, pany. He informed them that they should the "Oamaru Times" remaiks:—" Tracings have every encouragement to prosecute their and specifications of the works to be executed work. The Diedging Company arc working in thr . conßlrU ction of a road and the erectionthe beaches on the Kawarau with success; and of a p ii e j.. tty at caiman-, have been lying at the Sluioing Companies have set into work our o fH ce f or inspection during the week, again for the summer months." The time for smding in tenders expired on

Mr Warden Lowther Broad, on the 16th of September, reported from Wakatipu : —,: As I anticipated, there has been a very heavy

flood in the Shotover River. The water was backed up over the Big Beach, but did no injury to tbe dam, whid?# the shareholders are now satisfied will stand any flood that can happen. Some injury **Vas done to claims on die river, by the washing away of wheel*, &c." On the 23rd instaut, the same gentle-

man wrote :—" Payable gold has been struck in the tail race by the Big Beach Company,

but the recent flood did considerable damage in the way, obstructing the completion of the tail race. The melting of the snow fills the water races, and the sluicers are consequently busy at work."

We clip the following from the "Bruce Herald":—"For some time past the want of

greater facilities for converting grain into flour has been much felt in this dis.rict. The two mills already working have proved insufficient to supply the demand, and we understand that it is in contemplation to get up a joint atocfccompnnjr to .root oxtrnaivp. Steam machinery. Several of the largest producers in the neighborhood have taken the matter up warmly, and the affair is likely to be carried to a successful Issue.

The " Oamaru Times " says, " We are glad to observe that a movement has at length been set on foot, having for its object the establishment of a branch Savings Bank in Oamaru. A pretty numerously signed requisition was presented to T. W. Parker, E.g., our worthy Resident Magistrate, on Tuesday morning, requesting him to call a public meeting of the inhabitants for the purpose of considering the matter, and in compliance therewith, the evening of Monday next, the 2nd October, at 7 o'clock, has been appointed as the day and hour of meeting. The meeting will be held in the Court House. We trust there will be a large attendance, as the subject to be ventilated and considered is one of the utmost importance to us as a community. We feel confident that there will be the greatest unanimity of opinion amongst all present.".

Mr Warden Robinson, writing from the Dunstan, under date September 23rd, says :— " The rivers may now be said to have nearly risen to their ordinary summer level, and' the working of the low beaches is therefore suspended. The change in the weather bas caused all the races to be running full, and a plentiful supply,of water is thus afEorded for sluicing operations. Many of the sluicing parties are now doing extremely well. The Great Ovens Race, now nearly completed, will give a much-needed additional supply for sluicing between Clyde and Alexandra, where the river banks will, ia almost every place, give the " color," and in very many places a cspilial sluicing prospect. The great 20fc water wheel of the Albiou Company is now erected on "ffi'eir claim, near the junction of the Frazer River, and will shortly be.got to work. I understand that the owners of the two adjacent claims are about to have similar wheels made by Mr Atkins of Clyde, who constructed tho Albion wheel. The dredges in the Molyneux continue to yield handsome returns to their owners, and doubtless their success will lead to tho building of others."

We learn from the "Oamaru Times" that "a highway robbery took place at the latter end of last week, on the road between Oamaru and tha Waitaki. A maß, named Maurice Burke, on. his way to the diggings, fell in with two men named William Williams and <*Jam.s Crawford. Bnrke had been drinking, and while in that state, as many diggers generally do, he exhibited his wealth in the shape of a Bill of Exchange for LlO, two oae pound notes, and some silver. His fellow travellers immediately set their hearts en the transference of the money to their own pockets, and in order to tf.e'.t their purpose the more easily they plied b im well with more liquor, till at last he <b.zed over, and he j became their easy prey. Williams and Crawford then bent their.- steps towards the Waitaki, on the Canterbury side of which river they were arrested by Sergeant Ryan. The biU of cxp'nange was found in their poMeuion. Ou Burke regaining bis «n»e#,

Monday, the 25th instant. Several of onr local contractors bave forwardeil tenders for the works, and it is thought probable that as

many of the Dunedin contractu!s will have entered into competition. Tenders are called for in three forms:—(l) for a wooden jetty; (2) for a wooden jVtty, the piles of manuka; and (3) for an iron jetty. As a description of the jetty appeared in our columns some time since, it will be unnecessary here t«

repeat it. Suffice it to sa , the jetty will extend 247 feet into the Buy, and the crosshead

at tlie end will measure 84 feet in length, and be ol double the width of the jetty approacli. The road to the jetty will oe cut out of the hill overlooking the B iy, aud provided with proper catch-water drains, culvert.-*, &c. It Is*

the opinion of contractors generally, that if the works be executed according to the spscf—

fications, there need be little cause for doubting the stability of the structure. Tbe plans have been inspected with much interest by a large number of the inhabitants, who have invariubly expressed their sutisfac ho at the completeness of the works as sp citied. It is 'Ci-iungim i.«-ob»uio that they may be executed for a sum approximating in amount t« *£._£ voted by the Provincial Council for the parpose."