MONDAY, APRIL 1, 1889.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 8456, 1 April 1889, Page 2

MONDAY, APRIL 1, 1889.

Mr Ashcropt's able lecture on the auriferous resources of Otago and Southland has scarcely received the attention it merits. It was a brave effort to enlist public attention to, and induce a more systematic search for. golden deposits, which, so far as experience has gone, are at present and for: all practical purposes only partially and i&suStciently developed. Everyone who possesses an intimate knowledge of the subtest regards all that has hitherto been done in the way of gold ininino- in. Otago (as for the sakfc of brevity" we will designate the -provincial districts of Otago and Southland) as a mere scratching of the surface in a few isolated localities. The rushes to Marlborough, Westland, and the Thames, following in quick succession^ lured away vast numbers of the pick of our miners, just as they had commenced to develop the richness of the country. Since then mining has languished. Of the old experienced miners of the early fifties, who came hither from Australia, some are gone for ever, and the majority of those remaining are scattered over New Zealand. The young men do not, as a rule, take kindly to mining, and the result of these various circumstances is that the mining population has dwindled from 20,000 in 1864 to 11,000 in 1887. The intention of Mr Ashcroft's lecture was avowedly to give a fillip to what -Ernst be Regarded as a stagnant inj dustry—one of great value and im- [ portance to the community, which has already added L 15,000,000 to the wealth of the province, and is even now contributing an average exceeding a quarter of a million per annum to the common stock. The lecturer told his hearers—" We have of late " passed through a period which has " somewhat daunted us, and one of my " objects is to inspire you with afresh " hope." To this laudable end he addressed himself throughout, recapitulating the disclosures of the past in regard to our auriferous resources, pointing out what science has to say on the subject, indicating what the future may fairly be 'expected to disclose, and noting the principal obstacles in the way of development. "To " say nothing of our unexplored " western ranges, the area embraced " (within the known and recognised "gold-producing districts) is 150 miles "by 100 miles—equal to 15,000 square " miles, two-thirds: of which may be " said in one sense or another to be " auriferous; or 10,000 square miles, " including mountains with, quartz " reefs, mountain tops with alluvial " deposits, terrace formations, the " margins of old lakes and rivers at " various elevations, modern river beds, " deep leads yet to be disclosed, and " auriferous beaches extending for " miles along our sea coast." Surely here ia " ample scope and verge "enough" to stimulate adventure and excite the enthusiasm of the prospector! It is quite true that no new Gabriel's Gullies have come to light, though it may be questioned whether Tinkers and Drybread are muoh behind that famous discovery; and as there was absolutely nothing in the external appearance of Gabriels indicative of its buried treasures, so there is nothing visionary in assumino* that there are other equally rich deposits in the undisturbed gullies that seam our hills and mountains. It is certain that if Gabriel Read had gone a quarter of a mile up the gully or down it, he would have missed his fortunate " find," and then it might have been that at this present day nothing would have been known of Otago as a gold country.

The.c appears to be a "literal" error in that part of the lecture which relates to alluvial mining. Mr Ashcroft is represented as saying that out of 3900 alluvial " mines " in the province 1460 are Chinese. As there are only about 3300 Chinese in the entire provincial district we conjecture that miners is intended, and this would be nearly the correct estimate. " The Celestial has " taught us many a useful lesson," said the lecturer, and all impartial observers will accept the remark. And one lesson worth noting just now, when there is a rustle and a stir amongst the dry bones of gold mining enterprise, is that the Chinese do not care to meddle with quartz lodes ; they always stick to the alluvial. They are wise in their generation. It is computed that gold obtained from the rock in Victoria has cost on an average upwards of £5 per ounce. But a few magnificent yields dazzle and bewilder and ensnare the public. Alluvial mining is more unpretentious. Exceptional cases of great yields, such as those at Criffel and that of the wonderful Shotover terrace of long ago, do sometimes occur. But as a rule the product of an alluvial claim can be calculated with almost mathematical precision. So many cubic yards—-so many pennyweights, with the chances of occasional rich patches. One cause of the frequent disappointments resulting from the working of quartz veins and lodes is that many supposed "reefs" merely consist of "slides" brought down from the mountain tops in the far away time, when the forces and energies of Nature were greater and vaster in their operations than they are now.

This consideration induces a brief retrospect of the scientific side of Mr Ashcroft's lecture. Of course lie did not attempt to burden a popular lecture with abstruse scientific conundrums. What he did was to explain the conditions under whicii gold has

been deposited, and this part of his discourse was very cleverly managed. He said jusfc enough to interest, and hot -enough to tire his .audiences. 'It is 'evident that unless the searcher pursues his work with some clue to the past operations of Nature, he is not at all likely to be successful. Mr Ashcroft's greafc point was his insistance upon, and elucidation of; the glacial theory. No observant person, possessed of even a rudimentary knowledge of geology, who has travelled through Ofcago,' can possibly entertain a doubt of the tremendous part played by glaciers in the derangement of the country. The terraces, ih some places 3000 ft overhead, broken and faintly limned on the mountain side,...but quite distinguishable to the practised eye'; the gorges cut by the grinding of gigantic ice-knives; fche plains where, beneath a scanty layer .of turf, water-worn gravels lie in beds of eighty and a hundred feet in thickness; the drift rocks superimposed on elevated plateaux; the smooth rock-walls bearing the marking's of the ice-king's pencil-^since— the terminal and lateral moraines—all speak, plainly as print, of the glacial age through which New Zealand has passed. It is necessary for prospectors to thoroughly learn this lesson, and accustom themselves to search for gold by the light of the knowledge thus acquired. " Wrong notions," says Mr Ashcroft, "have been entertained as to " where gold is to be looked for." Does not this account for the failure of many a prospecting party? Mr Vincent Pyke, as quoted by the lecturer, told the people long ago that "our deep leads are over our heads; " and if by the phrase "deep leads" original deposits are meant, he was quite correct in his vaticination, as witness Oriffel and Mount Buster and Cameron's golden ledge high up in the Knobbies. We. entirely endorse Mr Ashcroft's views when he says, "Hill " tops and terraces, old and new, river " beds, old and new, lake beds, old and " new, will yet yield up immense quanti- " ties of the precious metal to the intel- " ligent miner. . . . The gold we " have already got, is, so to speak, a " certificate of the greafc richness of " the parent rock—there is plenty " more where that came from. We " have only got samples as yet here " and there from the surface ; and if "we think of the vast quantities of " gold which have been washed out to " sea through thousands of years, what " must have been the wealth of the " rocks which have been squandering " gold for ages and still leave us plenty "to spend?"

The Mariposa, with the inward San Francisco mail, arrived at Auckland on Saturday morning. The Southern portion of the mail was despatched by the Wanaka oa the same morning.

Thewill case Winmill v. Gallic was resumed on Saturday, and the evidence in chief of John Gallic, son of the testator, was taken, and some progress made with his cross-examination, which, however, was not concluded when the court adjourned. It is hardly necessary to remark that the case is being fought throughout in a very determined manner, and that not only the parties but the public and counsel on both sides show an unusual amount of interest in the proceedings. A dispute thafc became almost uncomfortably warm took place between the counsel engaged on Saturday morning. Each' contended that his note of the evidence was absolutely correct and the other erroneous; but singularly enough neither note was read. The probability is that the notes were identical, and that the difference of opinion was caused through an almost unavoidable ambiguity of language. The witness had said: "Iwould.not let him (Mr Miller) see my father because he was the worse for liquor." This, of course, was capable of two very different meanings, and until grammarians have determined, and usage has sanctioned,'whether prominence or proximity shall govern the relation of pronouns and nouns, excepting where there is a more careful construction of sentences than can be expected in the giving of evidence, such ambiguity is inevitable. The wituess maintained that he had said that the visitor was the worse for liquor, and his evidence was recorded to that effect. The hearing ofthe case is to be resumed at 2 p.m. to-morrow.

The criminal sessions of the Supreme. Court will commence at 10 o'clock this (Monday) morning. The calendar is a light one. It contains no unusual charges, and it is expected that the criminal business will be concluded by tomorrow afternoon. If this should be the case, the hearing of Winmill v. Gallic will then be recommenced and continued throughout the week.

At the City Police Courfc on Saturday, before Mr W. Langlands, J.P., one offender, who pleaded guilty to a charge of drunkenness, was fined 10s, in default 48 hours' imprisonment. This was all the business.

A man named John Hoare died suddenly at Green Island yesterday morning. Deceased, who was a bricklayer by trade, had been in delicate health for some time, bufc there was nothing unusual in his appearance which indicated that he was suffering beyond the ordinary. About 11 o'clock his wife took some food in to him, he being in bed at the time, and found that he was in the agonies of death. Dr-Will was sent for, but before his arrival at the house deceased had expired. Dr Will made an external examination of the body, and is of opinion that death arose from natural causes. An inquest, will be held by Blr Oarew this afternoon at Green Island, at 4 o'clock.

With reference to the cablegram which we published on Saturday concerning the New Zealand Shipping Company, we learn that Mr James Mills, M.H.R. (of the Union Steam Ship Company), has received a cablegram from Mr Dawes asking him to give a most positive contradiction to the report that is beiug circulated that the Shaw, Savill, and Albion Company are endeavouring to secure a controlling interest in the New Zealand Shipping Company's affairs. Mr Dawes states that the report is entirely unfounded, and that his influence will be used entirely in the New Zealand Shipping Company's interests.

Fifteen patients were admitted iuto the Dunedin Hospital during the past week, and 11 were discharged. Three deaths occurred, the patients' names being Jane Walker, Hannah Rackley, and Georgina Wilkie. There are afc present 105 patients in the institution, or one more than at the beginning of last week.

A meeting of the Otago Chess Club was held at the club room on Saturday evening, for the purpose of taking steps to promote an intercolonial chess tournament th be held in Dunedin during the exhibition. Ifc was resolved thafc such a tournament be held under the direction of fche club, and that a committee of seven members with power to add to their number, bo elected with the view of carrying the resolution into effect. Messrs C. S. Reeves, Throp, Mouat, Alien, and Irwin, Dr Stenhouse,'and Dr Fitchett, M.H.R., were elected ; Mr Mouat to be secretary and convener. Mr Henry Mander consented to act as treasurer. The committeo was instructed to draw up a circular to bo sent; to the various chess clubs throughout New Zealand aud the chief towns in the other colonies inviting their

co-operation,

Information has been received iv Christchurch by cable (says the Press) that three new steamers will be built by the present steam companies doing busiuess with New Zealand. Each of these steamers will have a carrying capacity for 23,000 carcases and 8000 bales of wool.

At a meeting held at Clyde to consider tho rabbit question resolutions were passed declaring it worse than useless attempting to cope with the pest during the summer by employing trappers, and urging the turning out of stoats and weasels; that property owners turning oufc the natural enemy in numbers sufficient to satisfy the inspector should be exempt so far as the compulsory destruction of rabbits is concerned ; and tbat to encourage pastoral tenants with short leases, they should receive compensation on some equitable busis for fche expense incurred without adequate results.

The harvest thanksgiving services which were held at St. Paul's Churoh yesterday were all well attended. The church was beautifully decorated, ami presented a very pretty appearance. Tbe pillars on each side of the aisles were festooned with plaited corn on a background of Turkey red oloth, and the base and summits of the pillars were decked with wfeatfes of ivy. The gasaliers were adorned with tui-grass and bulrushes' and the font and chancel with flowers, fruit, and green stuff. In the morning there was a celebration of the Holy Communion at 8 o'clock, and service again at 11. The preacher on the latter occasion was the Rev. A. R. Fitchett. In the afternoon there was a children's flower service, and the children were addressed by Mr James Ashcroft. At the evening service the church was crowded in every part, and it was found necessary to put seats down the aisles to accommodate many who could not obtain seats elsewhere in the church. The Rev. T. H. Rust, of "Victoria, who occupied the pulpit, preached from Psalm cxlv, verses 15 and 16— " The eyes of all wait upon Thee; and Thou givest them their meat in due season. Thou openest Thine hand, and satisfiest the desire of every living thing." The anthem at the morning service was "Ye shall dwell in the land" (Stainer), and that at the evening service " Fear not, O land" (Goss).

At the invitation of Mr Ross, resident partner in New Zealand of Messrs Sargood, Son, and Ewen, the employes in Dunedin and representatives from Christchurch and Invercargill were entertained on Friday night at a banquet afc Wain's Hotel. Mr Ross occupied the chair, and Mr Ormsby the viee r chair. A most enjoyable evening was spent, during the course of which Mr Ross, in replying to the toast of " The Firm," proposed by Mr H. Mander, intimated that owing to the extensions which had lately been made in the firm's business throughout New Zealand, necessitating iv future his more frequent absence from Duuedin, he had decided to appoint Mr C. Northcote (who has represented them for many years on the goldfields and in North Otago, and is so well and favourably known) as warehouse manager. The appointment is very popular, Mr Northcote being highly esteemed by his fellow employes. Songs, recitations, &c. concluded the evening's enjoyment.

The Spanish Students; gave another concert in the Choral Hall on Saturday evening, when they were assisted by Miss Wooldridge and Messrs Smith and Umbers. The attendance was not so large as might have been expected, but those present were certainly enthusiastic. The Students both astonished and delighted the audience by their playing, the medley on Scottish airs being particularly well received. Miss Wooldridge was suffering slightly from cold, but her rendering of "I'm alone" (Benedict) was the gem of the evening. She also took part in a duet with Mr Harry Smith, who was in excellent voice, and was most successful in his solos. Mr Umbers contributed two solos, and was well received. Mrs Murphy accompanied the singers, and also played the accompaniment to a 'cello solo by Senor J. Fernandez.

Nominations ot candidates for the extraordinary vacancy for South Ward, Greenlsland, must be made by noon of the 7th inst.

Messrs James Samson and Co. will sell drapery, clothing, and boots to-day.

Messrs E. C. Reynolds and Co. will sell on Tuesday office furniture and safe.

E. R. Smith, sharebroker, Eldon Chambers. Telephone 370. (Broker to Australian M. P. Society)' [Advt.J

" To Thomson and Co., mineral water works, Dunedin.—His Excellency the Governor (Sir William Jervois) considers your exhibition ginger ale and soda water of exceUent qualifcy.—(Signed) S. Medley, A.D.C" The Union Steam Ship Company, recognising tho superior quality o£ our beverages, have appointed us contractors to supply aerated waters and cordials.—Thomson and Co., Bond street. —Caution.—See thafc our soda aud ginger ale is labelled with the White Cross brand.—[Advt. i