THE Otago Daily Times. “Inveniam viam aut faciam.” [Established November 15, 1861.) DUNEDIN, SATURDAY, SEPT, 30, 1865.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22999, 30 September 1936, Page 15

THE Otago Daily Times. “Inveniam viam aut faciam.” [Established November 15, 1861.) DUNEDIN, SATURDAY, SEPT, 30, 1865.

SEVENIT-ONE YEARS AGO

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 same in Auckland that may fairly be urged in Otago for the political severance of the Northern from the Middle Island. But taken as a whole, they prove that the advisability of adapting the measure is slowly making its way, and commending itself to the judgment of thinking men, and that time alone is required to give it practical effect. . . Mere territorial contiguity can never of itself form a bond of union. There must be something deeper and more enduring underlying the surface of society in order to create a common tie. . . 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 of the South, but they must be so evident to anyone who observes passing events that to mention them is needless. In fact, so many are the proofs of the desirability of separate Governments for the two islahds that it is a matter of surprise that any should be found to advocate the continuance of their union.

The experiment of a dramatic season at the Theatre Royal is, we believe, about to be tried. . . .

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 of support which the Association has upon them. During the winter months the drapery establishments in town agreed to shut 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 by a combined system of closing they were no losers, but in many respects reaped great advantages. We understand that the period for which the masters agreed to close at six o’clock expired yesterday: but the members of the Association have not been idle. They have obtained the promise of the owners of the principal drapery establishments in towm with two exceptions, to continue the six o’clock hour of closin throughout the summer months, on condition that all establishments close at the same hour. It is to bo hoped that the employers who still hold out against the proposed arrangements for the summer months will see it to be consistent with their duty not to stand in the way of the carrying out of an arrangement which has already proved itself to be beneficial alike to the employers and the employed.

BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH. (FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.) Christchurch, Friday. 4.3 p.m. The overland mail has arrived from Hokitika. The road is reported to be first rate. There has been a rush to Bruce Bay, and it is reported that some large nuggets have been found. The news is generally satisfactory, and business is very good. Seven hundred miners had arrived during the week. The exports for the week were 74000zs of gold; the import duties, L 2876. The Dancing Wave has been launched.