EIGHTY-FIVE YEARS AGO

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26626, 24 November 1947, Page 4

EIGHTY-FIVE YEARS AGO

FROM THE FILES OF THE ©tago Static Himes DUNEDIN, NOVEMBER 24, 1862. “The ship Jura, which sailed from this port about a fortnight ago, bound for Calcutta, put back on Sunday after being buffeted about by contrary winds and heavy gales on the New Zealand coast ever since her departure. She returns to report having during the prevalence of these gales carried away a deal of her canvas and running gear.” The third series of London wool sales commenced on July 31 and closed on September 6. The total offering was 105,184 bales, to which New Zealand contributed 15,826' bales. The report from London states: “It is remarkable that so large a sale should have found ready buyers throughout at such uniform rates. - ’ The prices for New Zealand wool ranged up to 2s 4d per lb. “ Emma King was called in the Magistrate’s Court to answer a charge of having on Wednesday driven a carriage at a furious rate through the ? public streets. The lady did not put in an appearance.” Mr Ward, who appeared for the defendant, stated that the ‘‘fair driver” could not hold the horse, but a constable stated that defendant kept whipping the animal. “He lost sight of them at the Cutting, where he understood a man had been run over, but afterwards they returned the same way till their career was checked by coming into violent collision with a dray.” . There were two women in the vehicle. Mr Ward said that the defendant was confined to bed through the injuries she had received and would have to pay about £2O for damage to the carriage. The magistrate said he would make the fine the lowest allowed by the law. which was 40s.

The Dunstan correspondent of the Daily Times writes as follows: “• Gambling and fighting are becoming prevalent, but with increased facilities the police could soon put it down. The storekeepers have agreed to appoint amongst themselves a private watchman as a further security. His emoluments from the subscriptions will exceed £lO per week, but his duties will be chiefly confined to the back part of premises. Two policemen patrol the street constantly at night.” The correspondent also reports that a man had been stuck up and robbed of £7.

The men working on the stranded steamer Victory at Wickliffe Bay had another unfortunate termination to their labours. Steam was being got up for the purpose of steaming out to sea when the main chain, as the vessel strained upon it with the swell, gave way, and the vessel’s head was again driven shorewards.

It is expected "that the next escort from the Dunstan will bring down at least 12,000 ounces.