THE Otago Daily Times. THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 1875.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 4021, 7 January 1875, Page 2

THE Otago Daily Times.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 1875.

Because everybody says so, we will suppose it must be true that the interior districts of the Province were never so dull since the magic influence of the gold discoveries suddenly awakened them to a new life of energy and activity. However, just for argument sake, we do allow thafc the interior is dull j but because we cannot burn our candle at both ends ifc is no reason thafc we should blame "Dame Fortune" because she vetos our desires for fasfc living. The energies of a gold-producing country are exercised in art adversie degree to one, where ifcs progress depends upon the steady plodding of an agricultural or pastoral population. In each of these instances a commencement is made from opposite directions; one begins from the seaboard, and works its way gradually into the interior, subduing the natural obstacles as ifc proceeds, while its onward progress is regulated soh-ly by the support a and encouragement it receives from the startingplace, together with the facilities wiih which its wants can be supplied. In the next case circumstances differ widely, as without anj preparations for supply whatever, and trusting to chance for everything, a goldfields population suddenly operates from the interior, and the resources of the seaboard are strained to their utmost tension, and much beyond that, to supply the sudden demand made upon them. . This is and must be accomplished even at any cost, because the new article of export is gold, and the yellow metal has established its own value, and everybody recognises the standard. It is thus money to hand on the spot, as with the exception of rates of exchange and insurance, to which may be added a small charge for freight, and which is easily calculated, the formalities of trade necessary to convert other merchantable articles into a circulating medium are dispensed with, and we have at once an equivalent for the current coin of the realm. Gold, the fascinating and enticing material, is to be had in exchange for everything; and what will people nofc do, or whither will they not go, for gold ? The strain upon the basis of supply in this case is met, let its individual capabilities be ever so much short of what is demanded. Strangers from a distance rush in and lend their help ; all that possibly can come and join in the scramble for the gold and silver thafc strews the new "Tom Tiddler's ground." The impetus thus given to trade is immense, the agricultural produce of the country, which, un-

der other circumstances, was an-1 exportable article, is insufficient for' local wants, and to make up the deficiency supplies are imported from abroad. Prices, as a matter of course, rise, and instead of the farmer finding his produce worth so much less on the ground than at the place of export, it has increased in value "what it would i have cost him to convey it there,' hitherto his only market; and the nearer he is to the goldfields the greater is the price obtainable for his articles. The wool-grower is the only person not eorrespondinglyadyantaged—the article he produces being to a great extent unconvertable on the spot. Still, in the matter of meat supply, the price of his fat stock, has been largely increased, and he finds an almost unsatisfied mai'ket.

The first excitement of gold-miniDg over, the desire to occupy land, and provide on the spot for the wants of the new-found population, becomes a very general one; and this is easily and quickly accomplished, because the goldfields have provided the means. The original occupier is enabled to extend his operations, and increase his holdings ; while the new-comer is also in possession of ample means to commencj the new work of settlement. This gives an additional impetus to trade, for besides supplies for the miners, a deal of the accumulated gold is let loose to provide material for the agricultural population starting into existence or extending their usefulness. The tide of prosperity becomes of course unexampled, a brisk demand exists for everything, while labour of all kinds is even more scarce and dear than when gold-mining formed almost the universal attraction. But things cannot always remain at high pressure, and the excited state of trade gradually cools down, as the place becomes enabled to provide for its own wants, when it follows that imports correspondingly decrease. The prices for farm produce gradually regulate themselves, until at last a standard is reached—until again the growers on the seaboard find the coast towns their only markets, the mining districts being in a position to supply themselves. Everything has thus once more reverted to its old position, only with this difference, that the wants and consuming powers of the country have been vastly increased; its population has become richer ; and it demands to be supplied not only more abundantly, but with the means of pursuing a more luxurious and pleasurable existence, which, had it kept plodding along in the old old style, a lifetime would have scarcely been sufficient to secure. All this comes of gold mining; but, because that interest fails to produce so much of late in Otago, it in nowise implies that the auriferous resources of the Province have become seriously lessened, all that is wrong is that newfound events have burst suddenly upon us, and put trade a little out of joint. The circumstances of gold discoveries have been similar, whether in California, Australia, or New Zealand. In neither case was the country prepared for such a rush of population, or was it in a position to supply immediately and upon the spot the demands contingent upon this new industry. But, because this has been to a very large extent met, and things have settled down into something like a definec^shape, supply and demand having T)een pretty equally provided for, it does not follow that the trade of the interior shows signs of decay. Certain excrescenceshave, of course, been rub tied off, but tbese could only have existed under a great state of excitement—the substance remains intact—and if a little latent, it is only because we cannot devote our strength and our energies to the accomplishment of two things at the same time. We cannot simultaneously apply ourselves to the task of making railways, and develop sufficiently the mineral resources of the Province. The prosecution of either demands a particular class of trained labour, and, we may add, skilled and intelligent likewise, while we are compelled, to a very large extent, to educate it for its work. As a proof that the country, or rather the goldfields, '•till remain capable of producing abundantly, the gold escorts show but little falling off, especially considering the greatly reduced number of the mining population, while the amounts expended in celebrating the Christmas festivites point to anything but a state of poverty. The whole sum total of the complaints may be summed up- in this much—that country storekeepers cannot be expected to dispose of so many goods when their customers are away, nor can the publican drive such a brisk trade when the majority of his patrons have turned " Good Templars."

This state of affairs does not in the least affect the earnings of the producing classes on the goldfields ; no cause for complaint reaches us from them, either on that account or that the gold supposed to be contained in the ground has suffered any serious diminution. Ifc is merely a question of time for gold mining to start again with increased vigour. What with the extra means that will be at the disposal of the miners from their earnings on the railway works, or their savings by the " Good Templar" movement, a season of more genuine prosperity is promised than has ever been enjnyed before.

Dr Peters, the leader of the United States Transit of Venus expedition, and Lieutenant Bass, his assistant, arrived in town last night. They have taken up their quarters at the new Club House, Fern Hill.

At the Supreme Court, yesterday, George Jones was acquitted on a charge of arson at Tokomairiro; Charles Fowler, for stealing two diamond studs, the property of Dr Carr, was sentenced to imprisonment for two years. John M'Cormiek, stealing a cash-box s from Watson's restaurant, two years. Cornelius Carey, stealing a watch, nine months. John Fraser, forgery, two years. John Levi Gold berg, stealing nuggets, eighteen months' im! prisonment.

A special and full meeting of the City Council was held in the Chambers last evening, to take is.to consideration the correspondence which has pasted between Sievwright and Stout, Corporation solicitors, and Smith and Anderson, solicitors for the tenants, relative to the widening of Princes street south. Several resolutions were carried, which will be found in our report. A notice in the Provincial Gazette states that the High School will be re-opened on the 2nd of February. Mr D. Petrie, M.A,, will conduct the classical department until the arrival of the Rector, in March next. The school will be thoroughly re-organised, and divided into a lower and upper depait-

ment. The upper department will have a classical and a modern side. Boys not under nine years, or thereabouts, will be admitted into the lower school without examination as to scholarship. Candidates for admission to the upper school must pass an examination in reading, writing from dictation, English grammar, arithmetic, geography, and the rudiments of Latin. Boys who do not wish to take Latin must pass either in elementary mathematics or in French.

The following are the dates fixed for the Sittings of District Courts on the Otago Goldfields-.—Naseby February 10th, Clyde February ISth, Queenstown February 22nd, Lawrence March 9th.

We have to acknowledge the receipt of " Mackay's Otago Goldfields Almanac for 1875." This is the best almanac that has been issued for the present year, and fully bears up its former reputation.

The main sewer from Rattray street, which empties itself in the bay, is being carried across the beach as far as the crossjetty. The latter portion of the extension is being constructed of concrete, with a foundation of broken metal; but it is doubtful whether this is substantial enough for a permanent support.

The inquest upon the body of the unfortunate man Aldridge, who died so sud. denly at the Lower Harbour on Tuesday, has been postponed until to-day, why, we have not been able to ascertain. No good that we are aware of can come of the delay, for the sooner in all decency the mortal remains of poor humanity are disposed of at this season of the year the better. The body was subjected to a post mortem examination yesterday by Dr Drysdale, and the result will be made known at the inquest. The latter commences at noon.

The first picnic of the teachers attending St. Paul's Sunday School took place at Sfc. Leonards yesterday, when aboufc forty persons were present. They started by the 10 am. train. The day was beautifully fine, And the customary games, including cricket and football, were indulged in with great spirit. A violinist supplied music for dancing on the lawn, and several excellent songs were fairly rendered. Many of the excursionists were very successful in securing some choice specimens of fern. The start for town was made at 7.30, and the teachers and friends separated highly pleased with the day's outing. Mr Savage catered in firstclass style.

We have received from the Rev. Father O'Malley, S.J., of Melbourne, a pamphlet entitled "Secular Education and Christian Civilisation." The writer strongly opposes the secular system of education being forced upon tbose who consider it oppressive.

Mr W. H. Saunders, the well-known pianist and harpist, has lately completed the arrangement of " God Save the Queen" as an unaccompanied vocal quartette. The arrangement is a most pleasing one, and will shortly be published. The first copy will be presented to the Dunedin Choral Society.

The Directors of the Caledonian Society met at Wain's Hotel, last evening, when prize-takers at the recent games were paid. The sports, advertised to take place on Saturday at the Caledonian grounds, promise to be very successful, and a considerable addition to the funds of the Benevolent Institution may consequently be anticipated. A greal many entries have been made for the various events, aboufc thirty competitors being anxious to pay their fees before eight o'clock last night. The members of the Artillery Band have kindly volunteered their services for the occasion.

As can be seen by a reference to the report, published elsewhere, of a special meeting of the Port Chalmers Town Council, a case of typhus fever has occurred at Port Chalmers —the firsfc recognised case—according to the statement of a gentleman who is, without question, an authority on sanitary matters. The victim was a man named Kolls, a labourer on the Railway Pier. He had for some time been suffering from delicate health, and was therefore the more susceptible to the influence of a vitiated atmosphere, which, as aptly remarked, although in other words, by Dr Drysdale, was one of the best friends of that dread scourge— typhus. Dr Drysdale is to be commended for having so unflinchingly done his duty in a very delicate afiair by complying with the terms of the Public Health Act of 1872 ; and now that he lias sounded the note of warning, and has also expressed a professional opinion as to the origin of the disease that struck Rolls down, it is to be hoped thafc the Local Board of Health afc the Port will exercise redoubled vigilance in the abatement of everyt ing appertaining to a nuisance. We are no alarmists, but the case before us is exceedingly suggestive of the peril in which many parts of Dunedin, and if many parts all parts, stand from the same cause—bad drainage, and its attendant miasmata. Let the Central Board and the City Council look to it, for if, and we see no reason to doubfc the opinion of Dr Drysdale, typhus fever has really appeared, it is high time that tbe Dunedin people took serious steps to set their houses aud back slums in order.

The annual statutory meetings of the owners and occupiers of land and householders in each educational district for the election of new school committees and for the other purposes specified by the Ordinance, will be held throughout the Province on Monday, the llth inst. The householders in localities in which schools have been established or authorised, are advised by Gazette proclamation to meet on the 12th inst.

It is notified in yesterday's Provincial Gazette that His Honour the Superintendent has appointed Mr Wm. Arthur, C.E., to be principal engineer for the Province of Otago in the room of Mr D. L. Simpson, resigned.

It may be interesting to Good Templars to know that Brother Hastings, Past Bight Worthy Grand Good Templar, arrived at Auckland from America, per steamer Macgregor. It is his intention to open a Grand Lodge in the northern city, and afterwards he purposes visiting Dunedin, to generally investigate the condition of Gpod Templarism at this end of the Island.

A late train, the first experiment of the j the kind made by the management since the I railway between Dunedin and Port Chalft mers was opened, will be run to-night, leavI ing Dunedin at a quarter past eleven o'clock, and the Port, on its return to Dunedm about midnight. The tram has been put on by the manager, Mr Conyers, at the earnest request of a great many of the Port residents, who have some time been agitatino- in a quiet way for a late train once a week be tween the city aud the port. We have always favoured the proposition, and have strenuously advocated the running of a' late train once a week, nothing doubting that if a late weekly train can be made to pay between Lyttelton and Christchurch, it would prove a source of much greater profit between two such centres of population as Dunedin and Port Chalmers. The Port people have long asked for it, and now that the experiment is about to be made, it rests entirely with them to stamp it either with success or failure. If a success, the railway management will in all probability be induced to make permanent provision for a weekly train. That indeed would be a convenience, and a boon not only to the Port folks, but to many in Dunedin, who may often desire to spend au evening with friends at the shipping centre. We can perceive how much good is

likely to arise out of the project, for nothing so much tends to promote sociability and good fellowship than foregathering after the business cares of the day-are cast on one side. Then again our Port friends will be brought into closer intercourse with the world in general, for after all Dunedin is a little world that attracts at times whatever is novel and specially worth seeing or hearing. We notice that the Opera Company has taken cognisance of the late train, and has promised to serve up a tasty dish of amusement for the delectation of visitors from the Port. We sincerely hope that the latter will be numerous, and we promise them a hearty reception at Dunedm—after dark.

At a Committee meeting of the Dunedin Canary and Poultry Association held last evening, at the BuU and Mouth Hotel, the arbitrators' report was read, wherein they (the arbitrators) decided that Mr P. Pell was entitled to the first prize in class 17, at the late exhibition. It was proposed and carried unanimously—"That this Committee have much pleasure in giving publicity to the above decision."

Another exemplification of tlie danger accruing upon rapid and careless driving round the corners of streets was afforded at Port Chalmers yesterday morning. A baker's cart, we withhold the name this time, believing that the driver, who is a remarkably steady, and as a rule, careful young man, will pay heed to the lesson he has received, was coming down Grey streefc, and on reaching Mr Forsyth's butcher's shop, turned the corner into George street at a sharp trot. At that moment a little girl, under two years of age; the cliild of Mr Beck, bootmaker, was standing in the street a few yards from the kerbing, and before she was seen by the driver of the cart, horse, cart, and all passed over her. Opinions are divided as to whether the wheel passed over the little creature—one person who witnessed the accident, averring that it did, whilst others say that the wheel escaped her. And such we think must have been the case, because when the child was examined no bruise or mark of any kind, excepting an abrasion on the forehead, and a slightly cut lip, was found upon her. At the same time she had a narrow escape, and | the driver of the cart may be thankful that i nothing more serious resulted.

Premises have been erected in George street, between Frederick street and Albany street, in which a sash and door factory is to be carried on by a firm.

The annual show of the Blueskin Agricultural and Pastoral Association will take place to-morrow. • From what we can learn (says the Waikouaiti and Shag Valley Herald) the forthcoming show promises to surpass any of its predecessors in the number of entries and quality of the stock exhibited. The value of the prizes offered in many classes compares most favourably with previous years, and evidences by its increase in the value of the prize money a greater interest being taken in the Show.

With reference to an accident to Mr M'Leod, near Tuapeka, some particulars of which appeared in our last issue (says the Bruce Herald) we regret now to learn that fatal consequences ensued. The following account is furnished by a contemporary: — "Mr M'Leod left Cromwell in Cobb's coach, to. come to Dunedin for the purpose of seeing the Caledonian sports, and on reaching Moa Plat he engaged a gig, intending to drive in himself. He was afterwards picked up by two men, near the Junction Hotel, Tuapeka, in a state of insensibility, apparently having been thrown out of the gig. He was removed to the local Hospital, where he died; and at an inquest the following day, held before E. H. Carew, Esq., a verdict of ' Accidentally killed' was returned."

The New Zealand Times states that 38 cases of specimens from the Colonial Museum are being forwarded to the British Museum per the Adamant. The specimens are all duplicates ofjthe^chief articles of interact _a_ the Museum, and, of course, will be highly prized in England. It is expected that a handsome addition will be made to the Colonial Museum in return for this magnificent present from the Colony, and as Dr Hector will, of course, visit the British Museum during his twelve months' leave of absence, the specimens from New Zealand will be classified and arranged to the best advantage. Dr Hector leaves in the next ship, the Howrah.

The Tuapeka Times states that a special meeting of the Committee of Management of the Local Hospital was held on Monday night. The object of the meeting was to consider a letter received from the Resident Surgeon concerning certain insubordinate conduct on the part of the wardsman towards the Surgeon and the cook. The Secretary stated that he had given Mr M'Gannon notice of the meeting, and the charges made against him, but he did not appear. . In addition to the letter containing the charges, Dr Stewart made a full statement of the nature of the charges, after which the Committee considered they were quite justified in dismissing the wardsman, and as the matron had absented herself from the Hospital since Friday last without permission, they also dismissed her. It was then decided to call for applicants for the situation of wardsman and matron in the local journal, and in the Danedin papers. A special meeting is to be held on the 29th inst., to determine fche applications.

As showing the difference which the opening of the railway for traffic to Tokomairiro will cause (says the Bruce Herald), we may mention that, in the carriage of such timber as blue gum for instance, the difference will be represented by the sums Is 7d and 15s.

The following is from the Wellington Post: —" With respect to members of the General Assembly acting as coroners in virtue of their having been gazetted Justices of the Peace, the question has (says the New Zealand Herald) been mooted whether accepting the coroner's fee of £2 2s brings them under the Disqualification Act. To set the matter at rest, Mr G. M. O'fiorke sometime back addressed a communication to the At-torney-General, when the following answer was received :— ' I think that Justices acting as Coroners, and taking the fee allowed by law, are not disqualified. No profit is attached to the office of Justice of the Peace, and they are not appointed Coroners by the Governor, but by law, without appointment, act as Coroners.' Therefore, members of the Assembly, being Justices of the Peace and acting as Coroners, may accept the fee without any qualms of conscience or risk of being unseated."

Mr Ulrich, Consulting Mining Geologist of Victoria (says the Tuapeka Times) who has heen commissioned by the Provincial Government of Otago to report upon the quartz reefs of the Province, and the means used for extracting and saving the gold from the reefs, made a tour of inspection of the Tuapeka and Waipori districts last week. Mr Ulrich thinks well of the appearance of Otago as a natural field for gold. He was surprised with the sameness of rocks met on every hand. While in Victoria every goldfield is surrounded by granite mountains, here nothing but a kind of schist rock can be seen. The Blue Spur was something altogether new to him, and he thought it very strange if that bed of gold-bearing cement was the only one in the country. *- He had not the slightest doubt but that there were deep leads in Wetherstones and Waipori Flats. Whether these might prove payable, of course he could not say, but there was eveiy probability that they would. Mr Ulrieh strongly condemns the aarrow ripples used

in the Blue Spur Batteries, and upholds the system of drop wells used at Clunes, as being by far the best for saving the gold. The Waipoii Quartz Reef received a large share of Mr Ulrich's attention. He was highly pleased with it, and stated that he had not seen in Victoria or elsewhere a better defined lode. He has great hopes of the future of Waipori as a quartz country. With regard to the Gabriel's reef he had not much chance of judging of it. But it was an everyday occurrence to lose the reef in the way it had been lost and to find it again at a lower leveL We think the Government have acted very wisely and for the benefit of the Province, by getting a gentleman so practical and of such undoubted experience to report upon the mines of the Province, more especially the quartz mines, and we shall look forward with great interest to read his report to the Government, which report we believe will lead to some practical results.

"Genevieve," largely curtailed, was presented at the Princes Theatre last evening by the Opera Company. Miss May was unable to appear, and the part of Drogan, in so far as speaking went, was filled by a substitute. The " Cup of Tea" by Mr Hallam, and the "Gens d'Armes duet" by Messrs Templeton and Vernon, were encored. The pantomime followed. There was a numerous audience in the lower part of the house. To-night, the "Grand Duchess of Gerolstein" will be reproduced.

A meeting of members of the Church of England resident in the parish of All Saints will be held in the schoolhouse adjoining the church this evening at 8 o'clock.