THE Otago Daily Times. SATURDAY, JULY 3, 1875.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 4173, 3 July 1875, Page 2

THE Otago Daily Times. SATURDAY, JULY 3, 1875.

" Bye-laws " have not become a " byeword v in Dunedin, at least, if we may judge from passing events. The contest between the weather and the City authorities? is being fairly battled out, and is likely to terminate in favour of the latter, if they go on as they hive begun. To those desirous of knowing what is expected of them, we commend a little book intituled, " Bye-Laws and Regulations of the Council of the City of Dunedin." The price of it cannot be much, and the information, both as to quantity and arrangement, is all that can be desired, the index alone- taking up ten pages of close printing. While we rejoice in the awakened activity of the City authorities, we are somewhat anxious that it be wisely regulated. As an instance, we would allude to the pavement cleansing mania — a most pleasing form of epidemic ; but, we doubt not that the Bye-Law could be enforced without a volume of water from a hose administering1 a gratuitous shower-bath, or a ruthless sweeper converting your glossy boots into damp and unpresentable things. If our readers will only possess themselves of this cheerful little volume we speak of, they will find that " any owner or tenant of any land or prt mises in front of which the footpath has been asphalted, or otherwise puved, who omits daily to clean, bffore 8 o'clock a.m., and to keep clean, so much of the foot path as is opposite to or in front of any such premises, is liable on conviction to a penalty not exceeding five pounds." Very wisely, some seven or eight years ago, did the City Council enact that the name of each street "should be painted or affixed at its corner" in legible characters, not exceeding three inchea in length, and proportionately broad; but the stranger from beyond the seas, or the occasional visitor, is quite at a loss how to find his way about, and when he does, by almost superhuman efforts, find where he desired to be, he has to knock his way from house to house to . find out where his friend resides. This is not as it should be Dunedin is not what it was when the pilgrim fathers, known as the Old Identity, reigned supreme. A bye-law provides that the owner or occupier of a house shall mark his residence with a number or name, or in default expose himself to a fine not exceeding forty shillings, and having it marked by the Council at his expense. There are some judicious regulations respecting

the erection of porticos, .which apparently remain a dead letter. True it is that nature abhors a strict uniformity, but doubtless she equally dislikes an in congruous diversity. Now we acknowledge that few things please us riioi-e than aceing four spanking greys careering round a corner, or the graceful movements of an. express drivtras he exhibits his capability of driviog within an inch of your toes without inflating | any injury. Still, it is as well to remember that the old and young are obliged to cross thero.ids not infrequently, and that the Council in compassion to .their infirmities has. by a bye-law, ordained tbat "any person riding or driving any horse or other animal, either with or without a vehicle, round an angle or corner of any street or public thoroughfare within the city, or within three feet of the apex of such corner, at other than a walking pace," is liable to pay a penalty not exceeding five pounds. We could point out many other' useful but neglected bye-laws ana regulations, but retrain from doing bo now, as the time of the authorities will be fully taken up with those we have enumerated. There is one thing that we would bring prominently under the notice of the City authorities, and that is the absolute necessity in this, our manufacturing infancy, to insist that the chimneys are so constructed as to consume their own smoke. It is not wholesome or cleanly that a manufacturer should, day by day, and night by night, pour forth volume* of sulphureous smoke into a neighbour's house, nor does it add much to our comfort and equanimity to find " blacks" floating around in every room, causing most frightful objurgations on the part of our domestic*, whose peculiarities were quite sufficient without any 3uch addition.

Thb deputation, which waited upon the Superintendent the other day with refer ence to pushing on the maiu trunk lines did a gre.it public service. Tho matter which they urged upon the attention of the Government is of such pressing importance that we only wonder more has not been said about it. A railway with, breaks in it is practically valueless ; unless in dealing with enormous distances a railway, like the proverbial chain, is only as strong a3 its weakest part. With reference to the Northern line, it is quite evident that we shall have to fight a battle with our Christohurch friends for commercial supremacy in the districts of Timaru and even Oamaru. At present we are on an equal footing, but we shall be too heavily weighted if, while Christchurch, can reach these districts by an easy railway journey, wo have still to trust only to the hazardous method of steamers and open roadsteads. A few months of such unequal competition would injure trade here for a long time. Unless we minimise the gap between the formation of our iiue to the North, and the Christi&urch line South, we shall inevitably luse the commercial supremacy we have held so long. There was very great force, mon over, in Me Caroill's argument, that a railway, of which a section only is complete, will prove a most expensive and unproductive toy. The interest upon outlay becomes payable by the Province so soon as any part is opened, and these bills for interest run up uncommonly fast. Very likely, indeed, that the General Government, harrassed as it must be with extensive works going on all over the Colony, cannot reasonably be expected to do everything at once. We trust, however, that, with regard to the Northern line, immediate steps will be taken to get on. The section between Waikouaiti and Palmerston is the weak spot in the link between ourselves and the Northern district, and a jog at the General Government elbow about this was badly wanted. There are a good many people only too anxious to prove, on paper, that the railways do not pay. It is quite certain that while minute suctions only are opened, they cannot and will not pay. The same general management expenses that suffice for the Green Island section will prove sufficient for the line to Balclutha. In other particulars the same holds good. There is a daily waste of rolling stock from the fact of the line stopping where it does. The name number of waggons are on the, road, and never a coach load-less pas3es over them than before the Green Island line was opened. Directly the rest of the line is opened all this will be changed, and a large profit accrue to the railways. But besides this more plain, question of direct gain which is common to every district, the northern line from Dunedin has peculiar claims on the attention of our representatives. We hope that they wil bring all due pressure to bear upon the General Government to neglect this line no longer.

The recommendation from the HarbourMaster to the Harbour Board touching an increase in the salaries of the. Pilots of this port meets with our hearty concurrence, and we hope that the Board will see its way to do that which is nothing but an act of bare justice to a deserving class of men. We recollect having occasion to advocate the cause of the Pilots last year, and we then pointed out that as the Pilots had suffered during a season of Provincial adversity, fr was but reasonable and fair that they should be made partakers of the change for the better which subsequently occurred. It is some years since that the dull times we allude to cast a shadow over every department of public affairs. Strict retrenchment was strenuously advocated, and carried out even to the minutiae: of pens, ink, and paper. Salaries were cut down right and left, and, amongst the others, the Pilets suffered a reduction in their pay, and bore the affliction without undue murmuring. Their duties were discharged as faithfully as ever, and how onerous those duties aud the responsibilities springing from them are, is perhaps only exactly understood by those whose avocations assimilate with the occupations of the men to whom are entrusted the safe conducting of the noble fleet of vessels with which the best interests of the port are so intimately connected. The temporary strain upon, official resources relaxed when the cause that produced it was removed, and officialism once more rejoiced in full pay. AH but the Pilots, however, we should observe ; for whilst increased measure was meted out to others, they were permitted to continue in the bonds of adversity, and the times still continuing to improve, they grumbled, and; very naturally, at being so overlooked. Their case has been more than once represented to the authori-; ties but nothing came of it, not even a vague promise, and their last ap-: plication, before the one now before the ■ Board was met by a rejoinder tantamount to an assertion to the effect that the sources of supply were not full enough to warrant the increase asked for. Full or empty, we would submit that one of the sources, and a very material one it is, lies in the Pilots themselves. Pilotage dues are not of the lightest, and we believe we are within bounds in stating that those collected at this port cover the expenses of the Harbour Department proper, and something over. This being the case, the Pilots upon whom devolve the more arduous of the departmental duties, have a right to look for liberal remuneration, which they certainly are not receiving at present in their pay of about £260 per annum each. The pay

or.ginally stood at £300, and that sum we understand they are now asking for, and ought to receive. v :

In answer to an enquiry we sent to Auckland as to the departure of the Tararua from Melbonrne, with the English mail, our co--respondent telegraphs:—"There is ho mention of the Tararua's departure, in the Melbourne telegrams of the 26th, per Hero. The mail only arrived in Melbourne on that date. The Sydney mails were to be forwarded on the 27th.

After the usual sitting in Chambers yesterday morning, before His Honour Mr Justice Johnston, proceedings were resumed in banco. The argument was continued in the case of M'lntosh and the Southland Waste Lauds Board, and Mr Macassey having replied, His Honour reserved judgment. The case in appeal from the Resident Magistrate's Court, Dunedin, John Tilly and Matthew Gibson, appellants, and George Moir and others, respondents, wa3 then opened. Mr Macassey and Mr Haggitt appeared on behalf of the appellants, and Mr Stout appeared for the respondents. The respondents, who were passengers to Otago from Greenock in the ship Invercargi.il, brought an action in the Magistrate's Court against appellants (who are [respectively cap tain and second officer of that vessel) for the recovery of £50, damages alleged to have been sustained by them, through the action of the defendants. The wrong complained of was that the defeudants negligently and improperly caused and permitted a bunille of luggage belonging to the plaintiffs to be removed from the ship Invercargill, and to be carried away and removed to another ship, whence they were never recovered. The facts of the case were fully reported when tried in November last. The Magistrate gave judgmentfor the Moire for £16 10s, with costs, and against the decision Tilly and Gibson now appealed. After hearing argument, His Honour took time to consider the matter. > The Court then adjourned till the conclusion of the Criminal Sessions, which will be opened on Monday next.

A large meeting was held last night at Alaloney's Ocean View Hotel, for the purpose of receiving applications to form a Lodge of the Independent Order of Oddfellows, Deputy Grand Master Bro. Braithwaite in the chair. The necessary number having been enrolled according to law, it w.'.s resolved to instruct Bro. Braithwaite to request the Grand Lodge to institute the same as soon as convenient. It was decided that the name of the Lodge should be "The Loyal Unity Lodge;" also, it was unanimously agreed that P.G. Bro. Bracken occupy the position of N.G. for the first term. The various Lodges were well represented at the meeting,

Members of the Press Dramatic Club are requested to attend rehearsal this afternoon, at 2.30, in the Club Room.

The pupils attending the Albany street School assembled together yesterday afternoon, previous to the hour for dismissal, for the purpose of bidding farewell and making a present to Miss Johnston, who has been matron of the school since its initiation, and is now retiring from the service. There were also present —Mr James, Secretary of the Dunedin School Committee, and some other friends. The presentation consisted of a handsome timepiece and pair of vases, in making which Miss M. Robia made some suitable remarks; and Mr Montgomery, on behalf of Miss Johnston, made an, appropriate reply.

A word of commendation is due from us to the Pert Chalmers Town Council. The strictures passed the other <lay upon the bad state of the approaches to the Railway Station there hare hsd the desired effect in inducing action to remedy the evil. During the la6t day or two men have been at work removing the mud and metalling, and have effected a very marked improvement in the state of the ro&d.

A number of police cases were disposed of by the City Bench yesterday. Duncan M'Kenzie, charged with drunkennens, was let off with a caution; George Halhday was fined ss; and Robert Wilson, an inveterate, was mulcted in a penalty of £5, in default 14 days' imprisonment. Anne Harper, alias Mahoney, a gaily dressed young woman, was charged with soliciting prostitution, and also with having no lawful means of support. As she expressed a desire of going to her husband at Manuka Creek, she was allowed until Tuesday to doso. Bridget Shean, charged withhaving no lawful means of support, proved that she was washerwoman to loose characters, and was discharge! with a caution. Mary M'Laughlan and Mary Connolly were each charged with a similar offence. Accused lived in a right-of-way off Walker Street, and the Bench stated that unless Bird, the landlord, cleared them all out he would be severely dealt with. Prisoners were each sentenced to 14 days' imprisonment, with hard labour.

A correspondent at the Arrow writes :— " The discoveries at. Skippers will eclipse anything yet in Otago. I never flaw anything like them before— not even in Victoria. The Phoenix tributors have between 30 and 40 tons of stone out that will yield at least, if crushed alone, from GO to 100 ounces to the ton. I really believe it will realise the latter."

A man named Duncan M'Kenzie was run over by a cab in Princes street on Thursday cvenintr, and on being taken to the Hospital it was found that he was drank, but had sustained injuries to his wrists and head. A charge of drunkenness was preferred against him at the Police Court yesterday, but as he had already suffered for his folly he was discharged.

A large crop of civil cases, the produce of the suspension of Stracban and Co.'a railway contract at Port Chalmers, were brought forward to be decided by Mr Mansford, the R.M., yesterday. Forty-two, in which the workmen were plaintiffs, and the contractors defendant, were disposed of, the sums sought to be recovered varying between 2/a and £20. In each case judgment was given for the defendant, by default, neither the contractor nor anyone for liim appearing. One other case, that of the Police against T. Buotan, for a breach cf the Corporation bye laws, was heard, and resulted in the defendant being fined 2s 6d, with costs.

Mr 6. K. Turton's annual prizes for swimming, boxing, and cricket, wero distributed at the High School yesterday morning, when the High School broke up for the midwinter holidays. After a characteristic speech from Air Turton, the prizes were distributed as follows :—Cricket, CrawaLaw ; Swimming, Bakewell, Ist, M'Lean, 2nd; Boxing, Harding, Ist, Cook, 2nd.

It will be Been from a special Gazette issued yesterday that it is notified that the Superintendent has assented to the rules and regulations adopted by the Harbour Board at its last meeting on the 24th ult. The following scale of jetty dues will be levied :— Imports: On all goods, &c, Is per ton. Exports : On wool, 6d per bale ; and on all goods exported beyond the Colony, 6d per ton ; transhipments, half the above rates.

The Superintendent of Canterbury, in responding to the toast of his health, on the occasion of the luncheon on board the steamer Hawea, remarked that he could not help, at the same time, bearing testimony to the progress which was being made by the sister Province of Otago in the same direction. The railways were being extended, and the fact of Ocigo sending such a splendid vessel as the Hawea up the coaßt spoke volumes fur in cuterpriao. He was

glad to see that they were going to have the people of Otago flocking into this Province ' by rail and water communication. An instance of this fact was afforded that day by the presence in Port Lytti lton of a steamer like the Hawea belonging to the Company whose hospitality they were that day eDJoying. He believed, as he said before, that they.would bring the people of Otvgo into this Province. As Canterbury was geographically, so would she become commercially—as the people of Otago intended—the commercial centre of this island.

The New Zealand Times observes :—As some misunderstanding appears to exist regarding the traffic receipts of the Wellington and Hutfc section of the Masterton railway, we may state that it has paid a great deal more than working expenses. The Province is credited mth the surplus, which goes to reduce the interest on cost for which it is liable by law. It is the balance which has been taken to account, and which there appears to be some reluctance to pay. The law is explicit, however. The Government had no option in the matter.

It is stated, says the Cross, on what is termed good authority, that the Government scheme of abolition, when brought down, will be found to apply to. the Provinces of the Middle Island as well as to those of the Nerth Island. This, we think, is likely to be true; it is that open direct cour-se, that seeking of a clear and plain issue, which v c strongly advocated when the ssmi-official notice in a Wellington paper was first telegraphed a fortnight ago.

A Young Men's Association in Auckland (says the Napier Daily Telegraph) recently discussed the question, "Flirting: is it wrong?" 1 No conclusion appears to have been arrived at, the majority evidently thinking that, whether right or wrong, it is very nice.

In an article on the Abolition of the Provinces, the New Zealand Times remaiks :— Until Auckland and Ocago tell us how they are prepared to keep faith with the public creditor, and provide for the machinery of local Government, which necessarily includes the General Government establishments, we decline to listen to their demand for separation. When they have satisfied us on these heads, it will be time enough to consider the policy of splitting New Zealand into half ft dozen little Colonies, with hostile tariffs, petty viceregal courts, and contemptible Governments. " Sufficient uuto the day is the evil thereof."

We are' sorry to learn from the Bruce Herald that the subsidence of the railway line where it passes through the swamps a short distance this side of Stirling is very serious, and will probably involve a great deal of further trouble and expense. The posts by which the kvels are indicated show that the line has sunk between three and five feet in places, although it has been several times made up to the required level. The swamps se:m to be almost bottomless, and in one place a wooden culvert, that was built some months ago, is said to be twelve feet down in the mud.

We take the following from the Nelson Times:—" It is somewhat notorious tbat^ whether owing to the continuous gales to which, we are subjected, or to other causes, the poultry of Wellington is the toughest of the tough when placed on the table. The fact is go certain, that the most prejudiced Wellingtonian will admit it, but can only offer the wind in explanation and apology. During the Marquis's stay here he tasted for the first time since his arrival in Wellington, some really good fowls, &c, and the consequence was that he ordered about fifty dozen eggs, fifty pair of fowls and turkeys, and left a standing order for a Nelson supply to be regularly sent to him. The emigrants will no doubt become rapidly as tough as their predecessors, and when, immigrants, duly acclimatised, will be as indigestible as others, so the pledged supply will no doubt be welcome at. the vice-regal table. We may say that Mr W. Patterson, corner of Waimea and Hardy streets, is the favoured caterer who has to keep up the poultry stream, in the Wellington direction.".

The following curious incident is related by the Auckland correspondent of the New Zealand Times :—" A resident at the Thames expected a case of goods out by the ship Dunedia. He requested a certain Custom House agent to pass the necessary entries for quitting the cose. ' You will have to pay some duty ; what shall I put down as the value V said the agent.. ' Oh, it is not worth £5 altogether,' replied the gentleman. ' The only thing of value in it is an old silk dress, worth about £2.' A few days passed. The case is missing, and as the ship is not going to remain long, the agent is requested to send in his claim. He telegraphs to the Thames—' What amount shall I claim for ? Case missing.' Back comes an answer sharp —' Claim £50. Proceed at once. Further particulars by letter.' But the point of the joke is to come. The claim was no sooner sent in than the case turns up at the back of a wharf store, and now the fortunate owner has to overcome the scruples of the Custom House officers to receiving duty on the £5 former value."

The Auckland Star publishes a letter from a well-known Auckland citizen, Mr B. Tonks, descriptive of the discomforts of the San Francisco mail steamers. Mr Tonka was a passenger by the City of Melbourne, la his letter he says:—"The passage has beon anything but a pleasant one for passengers. The ' City ' has comfortable accommodation for about 26 saloon paaaungers, and no «■ has on board 67. The consequence is, in the tropics the closeness aud the heat of the cabin is most unbearable, and I notica a strong tasAe for early rising has developed itself. We have one bath and about ten bath towels; che scramble in a morning is most amusing, commencing about 4.30 a. m. The ecusation of getting up to bithe by moonlight is a new one. Try it. The New Zealand passengers have suffered severely from sea-sicknesa, and the numerous discom forts we groan under; even jolly Captain Petherbridge, though he does his best t o keep us lively, admits that it requires a large amount of Mark Tapley spirit to get through. Sir G. A. Arney, though he admits his misery, does his best to upport the dignity of the Bench by a care in dress few of us display. On Sunday last he he afforded us a hearty laugh, To support his own position and the day, he was got up with unusual care, and had, after many ineffectual at tempts, just settled the tie of his cravat to his satisfaction, when a playful wave burst through the port (the City's ports are eighteen inches square), and deluged bis two dreaaing-bags and himself. His look of horror convulsed us. He has not been half so particular since."

A London paper reports the trial of seven men at the Central Criminal Court for participation in a prize fight on Hackney Marshes, which resulted in the death of one of- the combatants. All the prisoners were found guilty, but Mr Justice Brett sentenced none to more than a week's imprisonment. •

Oa Saturday, says the Southern Argus, senior constable Gall was escorting a prisoner, charged with horse-siealing, to Goulburn, when the latter, taking advautage o£ the momentary abstraction of his custodian, bolted, and was immediately pursued by the constable, who tired five times at him but missed his aim each time. The escaped man made for the Shoalhaven Gully, which he crossed, closely followed by his pursuer, who, however, in endeavouring to effe.t a crossing, fell down a precipice aad sustained some

paintul injuries. Upon arrival of assistance) the constable was conveyed to a neigV ouring habitation, and Dr Gentle immediately sent for. • That gentleman started from Goulburn at 5 o'clock yesterday morning for the scene of the disaster, and on reaching there found that the constable had been very severely bruised and shaken, but fortunately there were no bonea broken. Having administered to his medical requirements, ' r Gentle left him in a tolerably easy state. The quondam prisoner made good his escape.

We have much pleasure in drawing the attention of our readers to an announcement in another column that the Press Dramatic Club will give a varied entertainment at the Port this evening, in aid of the funds of the Accident Ward. We have been permitted a peep at the programme to be rendered, and can assure our friends that a great treat is in store for them. We hope to see a full attendance on this occasion, for independent of the capital entertainment provided, the fact that the receipts will go towards assisting suffering humanity, is, we feel sure, a sufficient inducement to command a crowded house. Visitors from Dunedin can go down to the Port by the ordinary 6.30 train, and return by the special, which will leave at the close of the performance.

Mr J. Musgrave took his benefit at the Princess Theatre last evening, when the play-g ting public showed their appreciation of past endeavours to please by attending in large numbers. The stalls and pit were crowded, and the dress-circle was full. ■ The performance commenced with Robertson's charming comedy "Caste." Mr Bates as Old Eccles acted very well as the old drunkard. Mrs Bates was a capital Polly Eccles, and Mr Musgrave made an excellent Sam Gerridge. The other characters were creditably represent -d. The comedy is a good one, was well played, and highly enjoyable. On the fall of the curtain Mr Musgrave, in a short speech, thanked the1 audience for their attendance and Mr and Mrs Bates for their services. Mr Bracken then recited " Bingen on the Rhine" very effectively. A burlesque followed—" Aladdin"-*—which, though gone through with spirit, might, on account of the length of the performance, have been advantageously curtailed. In the burlesque Messrs Musgrave and Keogh kept the audience in a lively hunuur. Tti.mgti at the risk nf being deemed hypercritical, Mr K.. : ogh'B stylo might be objected to, as slightly want-, ing in refinement. Miss Stnneham was very amusing as Aladdin. It is announced that " Dollars and Cents" is in pieparation. This evening the performance will be " Under the Gaslight."