WEEKLY EPITOME.

Otago Witness, Issue 685, 14 January 1865, Page 1

WEEKLY EPITOME.

The large and enthusiastic public meet--ing on Friday last afforded a proof of the earnestness of the people of Dunedin with "regard to the Separation movement. Not -only was the meeting a crowded one, but .general interest was manifested in the proceedings. It had this advantage over the previous meetings on the Separation question — that it was almost a spontaneous ■■one, and emanated from no particular class of politicians. Circumstances have so •much changed since the first days of the Separation movement, and the urgent necessity of the measure has been so strongly brought home to the residents in Otago, that the movement now numbers amongst its supporters many who formerly -conscientiously opposed it. But one spirit pervaded the meeting — that of intense earnestness. The speakers placed the merits of the question fairly and intelligibly before the meeting, and the resolutions were carried enthusiastically. The ■first step has now been taken, and it entirely depends on the tact and energy of the promoters of the movement whether it succeed or not. We publish a full report ■of the proceedings in another column.

The intelligence from the North is not 'of very much importance. The Auckland ■Separation movement progresses, and the Provincial Council' have taken up the subject and passed a series of resolutions in tfavor of the measure. The military force in the Auckland Province is being greatly reduced, large reinforcements having been sent to Taranaki and Wanganui. William King, the Waitara chief, is reported to be stationed with about 200 followers about •ten miles up the Waitara river. The removal of the various departments of the •General Government to Wellington is being rapidly carried into effect. Mr "Weld, the premier, has left for Canterbury ; Major Richardson, the PostmasterGeneral, has arrived in Otago ; Mr Man•tell, the Native Secretary, is at Wellington ; and the Minister for Colonial Defence, Major Atkinson, is to be located at Taranaki for the present. A force of about 1200 soldiers is to commence roadsnaking between Taranaki and Wanganui ; -and it is by no means uncertain that a collisiou with the disaffected natives will be the result. A serious fire has occurred in Wellington, resulting in the destruction of several shops and other buildings.

In mining affairs, we have not much to record during the week. The accounts from the Otago gold fields are satisfactory, and a steady prosperity exists, which is Tery encouraging. The days of the Marlborough diggings are, we fear, numbered. The reports from that Province are most distressing, and a general collapse appears to threaten the mining interest. The old diggings are being wrought out, and the few good claims can be only occasionally worked in consequence of the rains. Large numbers of miners have left, or are leaving, for Otago and the West Coast diggings at the Grey River.- The accounts from the latter place are more favorable, and there is reason to believe a good gold

Held has been opened up.

The Caledonian fete, postponed from the previous Tuesday on account of the uniavorable weather, was concluded on Saturday last. A large concourse of people assembled to witness the sports, which passed off with great spirit.

The adjourned coroner's inquiry relative to the alleged case of wife-poisoning was held on Tuesday. A good deal of evidence was taken, and a further adjournment was •made until the result of the analysis of the stomach, &c, of the deceased has been ascertained. The evidence as to the,purehase by the accused of a quantity of strychnine for the alleged purpose of poisoning rats, proves that there is a very reprehensible facility of obtaining poison. It is very certain that any one of Borgian

tendencies would have no dffiiculty in supplying himself with any deadly poison he might choose to select. It is high time some stringent restrictions were imposed on the sale of poisonous drugs.

We h am from Southland that the Provincial Council was to meet for the election of a Superintendent on the 11th inst. Dr. Menzies and Mr Heale are again competitors for the post. A sad accident, resulting in the death hy drowning of four youths, is reported in the Invercargill papers. The unfortunate hoys, who had been bathing in the river, were swept off a sandbank, and carried away by the current. It is reported that payable gold has been found on the Otago side of the Mataura Eiver. The removal of the restrictions on the importation of cattle from Australia has already resulted in the arrival of a large number of fat stock from Sydney and Victoria during the past week. The cattle have arrived in splendid condition, and without much loss on the voyage. We are credibly informed that a combination has been formed amongst the large butchers to keep up the price of meat, by refusing to purchase the imported cattle. How far this is true we cannot; tell ; but it is very certain that the establishment of a public market would tend to defeat any monopoly of the kind. We shall soon see whether the removal of the restrictions will reduce the price of animal food.

Another Ministerial crisis has occurred in the Provincial Government. The Executive have sent in their resignation, and now only hold office until the appointment of their successors. The cause alleged is the difference of opinion between the Superintendent and his Executive concerning the removal of the restrictions on the importation of cattle. It is not likely that any steps towards the formation of a new Ministry will be taken until after the Governor's visit, when probably the Council will be summoned.

With respect to the opening of the Exhibition, we refer our readers to the detailed account published in another part of the paper.