EIGHTY-FIVE YEARS AGO

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27404, 1 June 1950, Page 6

EIGHTY-FIVE YEARS AGO

FROM THE FILES OF THE „ ©taflo Himes

DUNEDIN. JUNE 1. 1865. The following important announcement appeared in the report of Mr Warden Worthington from Waitahuna under date May 20:—“A copper lode has been discovered in the Waitahuna River about three or four miles from its source, and about five miles from the township of Waipori.”

From the additions made to the population of Manuherikia through the return of miners from Hokitika, and the influx.of others from different districts, business is brisk in the different townships. The baring of the beaches and terraces through the falling of the river has led to several claims being opened. Notwithstanding the ‘great number of races constructed, water is still scarce, the demand being for thrice the quantity that is supplied, and the idea of raising it from the river by steam machinery is entertained.

Judged by the condition of the footpaths in the* city, the by-law requiring each householder to sweep the portion contiguous to his premises, is not rightly enforced. During the wet weather they were exceedingly filthy, and now that a gleam of sunshine has dried the pavements, in many cases a coating of dry mud of considerable thickness has been left upon them, which a passing shower may soften, and render walking unpleasant if not unsafe.

' The following returns relating to cultivation; crops and live -stock in the principle provinces of New Zealand as at December 31, 1864, are supplied by the Registrar-general:—Auckland, with a population of 42,132, had 129,147 acres fenced, of which 87,556 were under crop; Wellington, 127,356 acres fenced, 95,416 under crop; Canterbury, 342,417 fenced, 68,727 under crop; Otago, 149,699 fenced, 48,373 under crop. In point of agricultural development, therefore, Otago stands fourth among the provinces of New Zealand, Auckland, Wellington, and Canterbury taking precedence. The result is somewhat different in respect to live stock. Otago stands first in regard to horses and cattle, and second in regard to sheep, in which Canterbury nas a slight advantage. The figures are as follows: Auckland: Horses 7482, cattle 42,294, sheep 73,151; Taranaki, 737, 4229, 12,350; Wellington, 7356, 49,200, 411;502; Hawke’s Bay, 2780, 14,552, 537,094; Nelson, 3597, 15,825, 341,281; Marlborough, 2735, 7483, 456,374; Canterbury, 10.868, 45,263, 1,567,320; Otago, 11,267, 5b,945, 1,311,345; Southland, 2579, 13,230, 245,056.