EIGHTY-FIVE YEARS AGO

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26777, 21 May 1948, Page 4

EIGHTY-FIVE YEARS AGO

PROM THE FILES OF THE ©tacjo ©ail? Cimea DUNEDIN, MAY 21, 1863. “ We suggested some time ago that it was desirable, to erect post-and-rail fences so as to prevent vehicles being driven across the Octagon. Now, when the whole surface in the line between Princes street and George street has been reduced to a succession of holes and ridges, the passage of vehicles and horses has been stopped, and that, too,, somewhat dangerously. Last evening, on the side of each of the streets named, a yawning trench stretched across the street line, sufficiently far from any lights to become really dangerous; although a row of kerbstones was placed as an outpost towards Princes street. It seems to be intended to leave the central ground above the road level, so that the passage of vehicles will be impossible; and we think the idea a good one. But let riders and drivers beware of attempting the straight cut to the NorthEast Valley hereaftef! ”

“The question of war with any section of the Native population involves so many consequences and considerations that the Government may well have hesitated to resort to such an extremity,” commented the Daily Times editorially concerning a threatened outbreak of hostilities in the North Island. “We hope and trust that the anticipations of a general war will prove exaggerated, and every attempt should be made to avoid such a result. But let us have no more truckling, fe&rsome policy of expedience. The time has come for asserting her Majesty’s authority, and if war only can bring about the result, war let it be, but it must be a sharp and decisive one.”

“We regret to chronicle a fallingoff in the gold returns from the Dunstan. The prevailing impression last week that such would be the case has been realised. There is no apprehension for alarm on this score. The river Molyneux has risen slightly, and nothing important can be done till the river falls to the lowest extent. Meantime, storekeepers are subject to doubts and fears.”

“The Congregationalists of Dunedin are in earnest in their determination not long to remain without a church building. At a social meeting held recently £6OO was subscribed or promised, and since then some liberal additions have been made to . the list. A suitable site is being treated for, and a building which will cost between £2OOO and £3OOO has been resolved upon No wooden building will be erected, but, following the Congregationalist principles at home, what is done will be as substantial and handsome as the most sanguine estimate of possible contributions will warrant.”