THE Otago Daily Times. SATURDAY, APRIL 20, 1872.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 3184, 20 April 1872, Page 2

THE Otago Daily Times. SATURDAY, APRIL 20, 1872.

The near approach of the session of the Provincial Council leads to the reflection that it is very awkward that these meetings cannot conveniently be held just after, instead of just before, those of the General Assembly. As matters now stand we doubt whether the inconvenience of a session in the early summer would after all be found as great as those which attach to the arrangement at present in vogue. To many of those who have to be present at the Council itis no doubt a considerable advantage that the sessions are held at this season of .the year. But for the public business no Avorse time could be chosen. The Colony is on the tiptoe of expectation, looking for proposals of Constitutional change, so long threatened, and for which the time appears to be almost, if not altogether, ripe. The inevitable result of a long series of events must now be very nigh ;at hand. Even if the exigencies of the Ministerial position did not render it certain that the next display of the Treasurer's fireworks must be a grand piece, possibly all but revolutionary in its character, embodying, or at least foreshadoAving, great changes in the position, powers, and resources of Provincial Governments, it would still be certain that the working of thelmmigration and Public Works Act of 1870, must again oblige the Assembly to trench upon that field of work and that revenue which have hitherto belonged to ProAdncial Councils. Under such circumstances the Council, entering upon this session Avithout any intimation of the course the Assembly will be asked to pursue, will find itself in a somewhat embaiiassing position. The Provincial Treasurer can only estimate revenue by the aid of old lights. The Council must be asked to arrange its >york, and distribute its pecuniary favours, as if no changes were hoped for or dreaded. , KnoAving this, it would perhaps be Arise if the Government curtailed the work of the session to the utmost, and arranged for a supplementary meeting of the Council at a later date, when it could see what is before it with greater clearness, and not go to work in the dark. Inconvenient as the time was, the last two special sessions ofthe Council were as well attended as those held at the ordinary date. The law does not admit of any long postponement at the present time, but nothing hinders that—a moderate appropriation being granted— the real work of the session should be left until after the meeting of Assembly is over.

If in regard to all that is most im- i portant the Council must on the present ] occasion go to Avork in the dark, there are still some matters of purely! domestic concern which have to be discussed, ahd upon which the ears of those who will be compelled to listen to the forthcoming debates will be] sorely exercised. Foremost amongst' these will.be the late sale of land to Mr Clarke. It Avill be a long time before we hear the last of that transaction. Although this sale was made in pursuance of a deliberate resolution of the Council, in regard to which it Avas forewarned, not only of the general consequences of such an act, but ac--tually of the particular transaction which it was being invited to condone blindfold, the sale itself will remain upon the annals of Otago as the greatest act of ' oppression^ hitherto ventured upon by any Government. In old days, before the present Constitution was granted to the Colony, the people of Otago had reason to cry out against the oppressive character of the distant Government to which they were then subject. For a small community they made then no inconsiderable noise on the subject, nor were they appeased until the management of their affairs was placed in the hands of their own representatives, and mainly in those of a Legislature and Government in their o-vm midst. But the arbitrary things done in those old days, and the evils which then flowed from the errors of the mild despotism to which we Avere then subject, were trifles compared with Avhat we haA^e now been subjected to by men who have taught us to believe that they are the people's darlings. The sale to MiClarke is an act of tyranny oppressive to all sections of the community. The pastoral tenants who live on the spot, and who have staked their all upon the

success of undertakings Avhich yield us a large proportion of those exports out of Avhich our income as a community is derived, stand by and see tliis thing done for a man who cares little more than a snap of the finger for the country or its future, Avho does hot arid never Avill take upon himself the duties and responsibilities Avhich belong to members of the commonAvealth, and Avhose only recommendation to special consideration at the hands of the Government is the possession of almobt boundless wealth. Well do they know that if they should , ask permission to acquire the freehold of an acre beyond Avhat their contracts with the Government entitle them to, they would be met by the sternest and most supercilious refusal. The resident capitalist, who, without caring to undertake the risks and trouble Avhich attend sheep-farming, is ready arid Avaiting for peririission to purchase an estate of freehold which would satisfy him as a safe investment forjhis money, sees this stranger < preferred before him.' The ' intending settler, Avho looked upon ■•■ this particular area as that which would best suit him as a. spot on which to expend his little means and large energies, and rear a family that "will help to fill the land Avith the .. cheerful noise Of labour when he is gone, sees it closed I agaihsthim and handed oyer to another, I who "will draw "an income from it in I the easiest manner devisable, and spend lor invest that income in another country. Another, who is amassing little by little the means to settle in some other part bf the country, looks on Avith dismay, and dreads lest the locality he has chosen, or any locality that may' be - open to Mm when he is ready to fixhimself and his family on the soil, amy by a similar act of tyranny be utterly closed to him. There is not a man in the community who; has reason to be satisfied with this sale; there are a few who do not feel it to be . what we have called it — a most tyrannous and injurious proceeding. This for the act itself: some of its'details are specially obnoxious to those Avho are more immediately Subjected to its injurious consequences. Qf these we say nothing— but taking the thing itsolf in its riakednisss, Awthout reference to any special features which, render it odious to particular individuals, we know nothing that has occurred in the history -of Otago which more justly calls for infective from those who love to, indulge in invective, for declamation from those to whom to declaim, against the acts and character of their !fellow:ineri is the pleasantest occupation of life, for stern condemnation and earnest expostulation from those who, when they speak, weigh their words beforehand.

Strong feeling has carried our remarks on the subject of this sale to greater length than, was intended, and the consideration of other matters which must necessarily occupy the attention of the Council must be deferred to another issue.

We have been reminded that the programme of races to be held in Canterbury, on the 24th' prox., has already been issued,' and that not a few of the sporting community in this Province are anxious to know what arrangements, if any, have been made in connection with the forthcoming Tradesmen's Races, usually held on the same day, at the Forbury Park. In order to ensure a successful meeting, those immediately concerned will, no doubt, see the utility of completing their arrangements as soon as possible. ''■■

The funeral of one of the marines of H.M.S. Rosario took place yesterday at noon. The- cortege was composed of some of the comrades of the deceased, a few of the Bailors, and a number of the Dunedin Naval Brigade. The Battalion Band preceded the hearse, and played the Dead March ih Saul at intervals along the route. On arriving at the Anglican cemetery^, the coffin was borne by the marines to the grave, where the Rev. E. H. Granger performed the burial service. On the way back a large crowd followed the band, and a man foolishly drove his cart among the'crowd, one of the wheels upsetting a Uttle fellow and cutting his face severely.

We have seen some water-colour drawings executed by Mr Percival, jun., George street. Two pf them represent ferns, viz., the Polypodkim Billardieri, and the Polypodium rupestre. The third is a -view taken from the hill on the eastern side of Pelichet Bay, looking across the harbour towards the Ocean Beach; Mr Percival has succeeded in depicting very naturally the forms and tints of the ferns and other vegetation, and in the view named has been, equally, successful in the representation of sky and sea. His drawings are worthy of inspection by admirers of art.

a The Dunedin Choral Society met for rehearsal last night,/, and seem progressing favourably with the music appointed for the next concert, which will be held on Tuesday, the 30th inst. Selections from Haydn's " Creation," comprising most of the charming solos, terzettos, and choruses, will form the first part of the programme, and these will be followed by secular pieces. A-prac-tice of those members who intend to take part in this concert (and all should be present) will be held on Monday evening. ,

Mr George Reichardt has just given the musical public the second of his souvenirs of " Pipele," the most charming of comic operas, and one that has done more to enhance the fame of Ferrari than any of his other works. Those Avho: recollect the performance of this opera in Dunedin will not need to be told of the many charming airs Avith which it abounds. Some of these are eminently suited for dance music, and are arranged and adapted Avith a considerable degree of skill by Mr Reichardt. Though the Galop is lively and pretty, we prefer the Pipele Valse, and believe it will become the most popular. Both pieces have been issued from the lithographic press of Mills, Dick, Lister, and Co., and are published by Mr George R. West.

Yesterday afternoon, as the p.s. Golden Age was proceeding from the Port Chalmers Jetty to H.M.S. Rosario, one of the seamen belonging to the latter vessel, and who -was on hoard the Age, fell overboard. He was some distance astern before the accident was communicated to Capt. Fergußon, who Avith great promptitude, gave orders to reverse

engines ; but a Avaterman's boat which was passing at the time, pulled vigorously to the sailor, and rescued him, before assistance could be given from the steamer.

The official declaration of the poll for the Port Chalmers election took place at noon yesterday, by Mr Reid, the Eeturning Officer. The numbers Avere the same as those published in our issue of yesterday.

Robert Patei-son, the man referred to by our Blueskin correspondent as having been injured by a dray passing over his leg, is now in the Hospital. The foot of the injured leg has mortified, and amputation of the leg is considered to be necessary.

The Wanganui Chronicle, speaking of the lock-up at Turakina, near Wanganui, says:

—" The want of a second cell at this lock-up was forcibly impressed on our minds on Thursday morning, when we saw a lunatic handcuffed Avith his hands behind him, and secured to a ring in the manger of a horsebox in the stable of Glesson's Ben Neyis Hotel. It was impossible to put the man in the cell belonging to the lock-up, as it was occupied by the body of themanßogers who hung himself on Wednesday morning."

Our telegrams lately have from day to day chronicled the movements of the Governor in his overland journey from Napier to Tauranga. The Wellington Independent furnishes the folio-wing particulars regarding the manner in which Sir George Bowen was received by the natives':—" His Excellency the Governor has had a most satisfactory reception by the natives of the Taupo district. ~His Excellency arrived at Taupo on the Bth. instant, and proceeded to Tokano arid Rotoaira on the 9th, and was yesterday to proceed by way of Rotorua to Tauranga, from which place he will go by steamer to Auckland. Despatches received from the Governor state that he has had several satisfactory meetings with, the chiefs and natives, including several who were not long ago in rebellion. They all say they are eager for peace, and to be employed in road making. His Excellency had a satisfactory interview with the Ngatiraukawas at Taupo, and his visit has, so far, been pleasant and likely to add to the improved feeling existing apiongst the natives of that, part of the country. It was not considered advisable that the Governor should go to Tokangamutu to meet the Waikato Kingites, dome question of Maori etiquette having cropped up. There is ; no doubt, however, that His Excellency could have proceeded mthout any obstruction from Taupo to Cambridge, and thence to Auckland."

While, a few miners have left Otago for the South African diamond fields, we learn from a West Coast paper that several miners from those fields have come, to New Zealand, to try their luck at,the Inangahua reefs. ■

The Wellington Independent furnishes the following information regarding the doings of Dr Featherston :t— " Communications have been received by the Government from the Agent-General, the only item of general interest being that he is satisfied that from about May or June next a steady stream of immigration on, the scale contemplated by the Government would flow. He had issued a set of uniform regulations to supersede the contradictory ProArincial rules pre--viously in existence, and from a perusal of them we think they are likely to har. monise very well Aeith those recently, issued by. the, Government here. Some slight modifications will no doubt be necessary to adjust them finally, but apparently they need very trifling amendments. Dr Featherston was intending'to visit Chrisiiania,.for the purpose of arranging, if possible, for the shipment direct to this Colony of the Scandinavian emigrants, some difficulty haAring arisen through the conflicting conditions of the Norwegian- and;the British regulations on the subject of emigration ships. The Agent-General was expecting to be able to procure shipping to come direct from Scandinavian ports, thus saving expense, and being much more convenient for the emigrants themselves."

In Lillywhite'a Cricketers' Annual for 1872, Mr W. G. -Grace contributes an elabo rate essay on batting, the chief value of which is compressed ih its opening sentence, ■viz.:—" That one hour of practical tuition ■will be of more use than A'plumes of theoretical instruction."

The members of the Coloured Opera Troupe leave toAvn to-day for Tokomairiro, where they intend to give one of their favourite concerts to-night. We believe that they will perform in Mr Philps's new hall j and judging from the programme, the Tokomairiro public \rill Avithont doubt receive a treat.

A concert by amateurs belonging to H.M.S. Rosarip's creAV was given in Crickmore's Royal Assembly Rooms, Port Chalmers, on Thursday evening, on behalf of the Mechanics' Institute. MrDench (the Mayor) presided. The room was crowded to excess, and many were unable to obtain admission. Thefirstpartof the entertainment consisted of feats of legerdemain by Sergt. Weston, which were really good, and even worthy of an Anderson, especially the washerwoman's scene, in which Mr Crickmore took a prominent part, causing roars of laughter. After an interval of ten minutes several songs were sung, and the Tambo-lic and Banjo Minstrels, as they are styled ~in the programme, then made their appearance. '«Knocking at the Door " was siing by one of their number, Tambourine, in good style, but the rush of negroes on the stage whichfollowed quite upset Tambourine's equanimity, andbroughtthe house down, several seats through the applause coming to grief. The minstrels consisted of the whole company. Their make-up was excellent. The entertainment concluded at about 10.30 p.m. with the National Anthem; The proceeds accruing in aid of the Institute amounted to ■within a few pence of £22. Previous to the audience leaving, Mr Derich, as President of the Institute, thanked the performers for their kindness in assisting that institution.

It will be seen from our advertising columns that La Petite Amy has kindly consented to give one of her pleasing entertainments in aid of the funds of the Saturday Half-Holiday Association, this evening, at the Masonic Hall. Several amateurs have also promised to add to the attractions by giving songs and recitations. We have no doubt but the public will show their appreciation of the efforts of the Association to provide popular amusements for the Saturday nights by filling the house in every part.

" The Merchant of Venice" was repeated last evening, and passed off in better style than on the first occasion. Mr Tavares Avas much more satisfactory in many of the scenes, and although there was considerable room for improvement in the subordinate parts, they also were sustained fairly. "The Fire Eater" was repeated as the afterpiece. Mr Tavares takes a benefit this evening, when hia engagement will terminate. He

will appear as Hamlet, and we sincerely trust that the public Avill do justice to their OAvn reputation for good taste by shoAving that they can appreciate legitimate drama, and the efforts of an accomplished tragedian.

The Naval Brigade Avill muster at their guns, on the reclaimed land, at 2 o'clock this afternoon, to compete for the General Government prizes. The danger flag will be used at the firing point.