EIGHTY-FIVE YEARS AGO

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26693, 12 February 1948, Page 6

EIGHTY-FIVE YEARS AGO

FROM THE FILES OF THE ©taqo DUNEDIN, FEBRUARY 12, 1863. "A correspondent, writing from Queenstown, Wakatipu Lake, under date February 1, informs us that there are several new rushes about the township. * Some,’ he says, ‘ are bringing in pounds’ weight of gold.’” “ The escort from the Lake, which was due last Friday, has, we are informed by private despatch, 22,8900 z in charge. This, added to the amount from the other fields, makes the quantity for the fortnight 34,9650 z sdwt. The next escort from the Lake is expected to be yet larger. In one day, 1800 oz were deposited by miners.” “ It is not often that the streets of Dunedin were more crowded than they were yesterday. The large additions to the population, which arrived in the Red Jacket and Nor-wester, of course contributed mainly to the bustle that everywhere prevailed. The shops of those dealers who more particularly cater for the wants of gold diggers, were crowded with customers, and a large number of tents, pack saddles and mining appliances were disposed of. A large number of drays and wagons, laden with goods, started for Wakatipu during the day, and many others were busy making up their loading.” The Daily Times editorially remarks: “ One argument used against the separation of the North arid Middle islands, and which has probably influenced considerably the opinion of the opponents of the proposed partition, is that to deprive the North of the financial support of the Middle Island would create a complication between the northern colonists and the Imperial Government in respect of the expenses of Native Government. In other words, it is confessed that the Northern Island could not alone undertake the cost of the government of the Natives, and as the Imperial Government has manifested a disinclination to continue its heavy contribution, the North Island would either have to be virtually abandoned, or merely consist of a few fortified settlements continually subject to disturbance.”