EIGHTY-FIVE YEARS AGO

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26779, 24 May 1948, Page 4

EIGHTY-FIVE YEARS AGO

FROM THE FILES OF THE ©taqo S)aU\? Himes DUNEDIN, MONDAY, MAY 24, 1863. ‘ We understand that a considerable number of applications have already been made to the Government by persons desiring to volunteer for the occupation of the land at Taranaki, under the terms of the Colonial Secretary's communication. In the absence of fuller details of the proposed arrangements for this semi-military settlement, nothing definite can be done, but full information is expected to be brought by the next steamer.”

“ Considerable apprehension prevailed at the Dunstan on Tuesday owing to the non-arrival of the Dunstan mail, due on the Saturday evening previous. It was feared some accident nad occurred to the mail boy.”

“The following items of mining news are from the Dunstan News of Tuesday:—The lead supposed to have been found is still being prospected with vigour, but as yet nothing definite is the result, except that there is great difficulty in bottoming, owing to the wet, and the only plan will be to amalgamate, so as to take the whole face of the hill by paddocking. Those who have bottomed in the front claims struck payable gold. A rush took place to Pomahaka, where it is reported one party made 60ozs last week, but we cannot vouch for the truth of the report.”

“The polling for seven members to represent the city of Dunedin in the . Provincial Council took place yesteri day at the Court House. A cloth screen was hung across the eourt, in line with the bar, and the electors, passing through the grand jury room, from the back, recorded their votes, and made exit to the front. From nine o'clock in the morning, cabs and cars, bearing the names of several of the candidates, with the reasons why they should be supported, were dashing about, each with its couple of canvassers on the search for friendly electors, or returning to the Court House with its precious freight. Every available bit of wall space was covered with kindred Elacards, and there was some ‘ squibing ’ carried on. In other ways there were evidences of excitement. . . .”