EIGHTY-FIVE YEARS AGO

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26848, 12 August 1948, Page 4

EIGHTY-FIVE YEARS AGO

FROM THE FILES OF THE ©tago Bail? Himes DUNEDIN, AUGUST 12, 1863. “ The Waikouaiti correspondent of the Daily Times reports:— 1 The arrival of the Airedale in the bay last Sunday bringing unsatisfactory news from Auckland with respect to the natives, caused some excitement and sympathy for the settlers in that province. Great indignation is manifested, as to the mild treatment the 'natives have received since the outbreak of hostilities, but all anticipate that for the future they will be handled more roughly anti learn to know that John Bull is not to be frightened by an owl in the bush.’ ”

“ The Southland News of the 7th inst., says: •‘The first locomotive engine in Southland has just been imported by Mr Davis, the contractor for the machine-breaking of the mokomoko granite, and safely landed on the Invercargill jetty. One of the line of rails has been altered so as to suit the wheels of the engine, and we understand that a trial trip—to exhibit the principle and working of Mr Davis’s system’ of railway construction —will be made.”

“ The important undertaking of placing upon the waters of the Molyneux a steam vessel adapted for river navigation has been successfully accomplished by Captain A. Murray. The stern-wheel steamer which made a trial trip in Port Otago a few days ago, sailed from Port Chalmers on Saturday evening, accompanied by the William Miskin as a precaution against any mishap. There was a considerable swell outside, but the water was smooth, and the little vessel arrived safely at the mouth of the Molyneux on Sunday morning.”

“The information received from the Lake districts has been so unsatisfactory that carriers almost without exception refuse to accept freight at any price, and this cannot be wondered at,, the fact being that several have returned utterly incapable of proceeding on their journey.. One well-known bullock driver, however, has taken some tons from merchants here for Kingston, to be forwarded thence to the neighbouring districts. The Dunstan diggings are not yet regarded with despair, and £24 and even £25 per ton was readily given in the early part of the week. We regret to add, however, that to-day there is less desire to forward goods there, and consequently the rates of carriage are reduced to £22 per ton, and there is little or no loading at that reduction.”