EIGHTY-FIVE YEARS AGO

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27213, 17 October 1949, Page 4

EIGHTY-FIVE YEARS AGO

FROM THE FILES OF THE ©tago IDail? ZEimes DUNEDIN, OCTOBER 17, 1864. .. Our Waikouaiti correspondent informs us that counterfeit sovereigns have been circulated in this district. As some of the spurious coins may be tried on Dunedin shopkeepers, it would be well for them to exercise particular care. The coins circulated at Waikouaiti are described as being a bad imitation of the real sovereigns. Spurious crowns and halfcrowns are also in circulation.

A correspondent signing, himself “Ratepayer” writes to the editor as follows on the condition of Stafford street: “Thanks to the, contractor Of any) and the late rain, our thoroughfare has once more become in an impassable state. I thought that about a month ago all was settled as regards the formation of the street, but up to the present time nothing has been done. I think that it is now about time, the ratepayers looked after their interests. By inserting the above you will greatly oblige.”

Residents of Dunedin and neighbouring districts were yesterday presented with a surprising sight when 31 teams were engaged in a championship ploughing match on a site which, within a very short memory, was covered with wild flax, and which now is a portion of Mr Sidey’s wellcultivated farm between Caversham and the Ocean Beach. It is barely a month since, the idea was mooted by three or four individuals that a ploughing contest be arranged, and a handsome list of prizes was speedily promised. Three of the competitors ploughed with bullocks in the traces. W. Paul was awarded first prize, £3O and a gold medal; J. Paterson, £3O, 2; W. Mclntyre, £2O, 3; W. Grant, £ls, 4; N. Henderson, jun., £lO, 5; J. Youl, £5. 6.

„ - The manner in which the new gold rush at Hill’s Creek, Blackstone Hill, had its origin is interesting. At the time of the Hogburn rush, a man, known to his acquaintances as

" Yorky,” located himself at the place, depending on the well-known drouthy habits of the residents on the diggings for a subsistence. Mr Hill seeing the advantages the place possessed, opened in opposition, and after a time, purchased the "premises” of his rival, which consisted of an 8 x 10 tent, indifferently put up. The Hogburn rush failing, Mr Hill turned his attention to prospecting, and succeeded so well that the present rush is the result. Independent of the gold, the place possesses many advantages that induce those who wish to settle permanently to locate themselves upon it. Its position is central and on the •main coach road to Dunedin. The Ida Burn and Manuherikia Valleys are ••known to be equal in richness to the -soil of Shag Valley.