THE Otago Daily Times. "Inveniam viam aut faciam." [Established November 15, 1861.] DUNEDIN, SATURDAY, JAN. 11, 1868.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23704, 11 January 1939, Page 2

THE Otago Daily Times. "Inveniam viam aut faciam." [Established November 15, 1861.] DUNEDIN, SATURDAY, JAN. 11, 1868.

SEVENTY-ONE YEARS AGO

With praiseworthy liberality the Provincial Council voted a considerable sum for the encouragement of Agricultural Societies, and the Annual Shows seem to excite a great deal, of interest throughout the country. The objects these Societies have in view of improving farming operations and the breeds of stock are intimately identified with the prosperity of the country, and too much encouragement cannot be given to them. The pastoral tenants have entered into an engagement to pay a heavily increased annual rental, and coincident with their doing so, the price of wool has fallen considerably. Sheep farming in future will not have the old fabulous profits. No doubt it will pay well if properly managed; but it will not pay if it be allowed to take care of itself. An increased responsibility is fastened upon the runholders. If they are'alive to it, they may succeed as well as ever; but they will find out their mistake if they think their business will prosper if they fail to give it proper attention. They will require something to make-up for the fall in the price of wool and the increased rental, and that something is obviously to improve the breed of their sheep. . . .

The recent floods are said to have done great injury to many parts of the main Roads through the Province. We are glad to be able to say that the Government, alive to the importance of maintaining the Main Roads, and not suffering them, after all the money they have cost, to fall into decay, have authorised an expenditure upon them of L6OOO, in addition to the votes of the Council, should that sum be required. Instructions have been given by the Provincial Government to the Governor of the Gaol to employ the prisoners in filling up the swamp adjoining the Hospital, in King street.

The annual statutory meetings for the election of School Committees will be held in the S'mool-houses of the different Educational Districts on Monday evening. Mr Sholl, manager of the Drybread Water Race Company (Registered), reports that a dividend of LI 15s per LlO share will be paid on and after the 16th instant. With two previous instalments, the dividend distributed during 18 months will be L2 12s 6d per share.

There was notice recently taken of a proposition which had been made as to the construction of a tiamway from the head of navigation on the river Clutha to the Dunstan.

Suspicions are entertained by several runholders that sheep-stealing has been carried on very extensively in the country south of the Molyneux Some years ago, in one season between shearing and the month of March. Mr Clapvott lost at Popotunoa about a thousand sheep; and the numbers lost by Mr Spooner and other runholders. if mentioned, would appear fabulous.