THE Otago Daily Times. "Inveniam viam aut faciam.” (Established November 15, 1861.] DUNEDIN, SATURDAY, JUNE 1, 1867.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23515, 1 June 1938, Page 2

THE Otago Daily Times. " Inveniam viam aut faciam.” (Established November 15, 1861.] DUNEDIN, SATURDAY, JUNE 1, 1867.

SEVENTY-ONE YEARS AGO

The Goldfields Provincial Management Ordinance is to have effect given to it to-day. Throughout the Province, the votes of the people will be taken to ascertain whether they are “desirous that the Man- “ agement and Administration of the ■ Goldfields in this Province shall “ be conducted by the Superintend- ‘ ent and Provincial Council.” A great deal has been said, both in praise and blame o f the Ordinance. The few who can see no harm in anything the General Government does, and nothing to approve of in any action of the Provincial Government are, of course, loud in their expressions of c ’sapprobation of the measure. This, perhaps, might not be of importance, but that, in addition, they misrepresent its nature, and have created a great deal of misconception concerning it. If the Ordinance were what some suppose it, an attempt to introduce by a side wind the principles of Universal Suffrage without registration, and the Ballot, they would have good cause for complaint. ... .... The question each voter has tc answer is clearly stated:—“Are “ you desirous that the management and administration of the Gold- “ fields in this Province shall be conducted by the Superintendent and 1 Provincial Government? ” The voter may write either “No ” or ‘Yes” opposite the question. Before he voteSj he is bound to answer the three questions;—“ Are you of “ the full age of 21 years? ” “ Have “ you been resident in this Province 4 for six months at least? ” “ Have “ you already voted on the questions “ contained in this voting paper? If any person wilfully a false answer to any of these questions, or votes, or offers to vote, more than once, he subjects himself to a penalty not exceeding £SO. . . - Rggarded as a convenient means of recording public opinion on the subject of the control of the Goldfields, and of setting at rest any doubts created by garbled petitions, the Ordinance has a useful purpose, and it is to be hoped tho- use will not be frustrated. Let every man record his vote conscientiously, and there is no fear as to what the result will be.

To-morrow evening, the Rev. E. Connebee will preach a sermon, in the Congregational- Church, Moray place. Subject:—“ Antagonism to the early closing movement, a development of coveteousness.” The Grocers’ Early Closing Association have very kindly made a present to the prisoners of the Gaol of a large number of copies of the Sermon delivered by the Rev. Mr Parsons, on “The Law and Limits of Labor. It is to be hoped that other Associations will act likewise. The Battery of the Artillery Reg - ment will parade for shot and shell practice, this afternoon, in undress uniform. The public are cautioned against crossing the line of fire during the practice, until the red flag be raised at the firing point, to allow them to pass. The range will be from Pelichet Bay across to Grant’s Braes. There were in the Gaol last evening, 99 prisoners, as follows:—9 men, and one woman awaiting trial; 18 men undergoing penal servitude; 50 men, and 11 women, performing hard labor; 3 men confined in default of bail; and 7 debtors: making a total of 87 men and 12 women. During the week 5 men and two women were discharged, and 8 men and 5 women received.