News of the Week.

Otago Witness, Issue 1423, 1 March 1879, Page 16

News of the Week.

We are pleased to be able to state that vigorous and hearty proceedings were at once instituted for the relief of the widows and orphans bereaved and left destitute by the Kaitangata coal-mine explosion. Public meetings were at once called for the purpose of instituting a relief fund, and numerous charitable actions may be mentioned, showing the widespread and generous character of the sympathy. In our report of the occurrences of Saturday at Kaitangata, it is mentioned that the Directors of the Springfield Uoal Company, Christchurch, have telegraphed requesting to be allowed to contribute LIOO to any fund which may be raised. An equal sum was on. Saturday night subscribed by the sporting men assembled in the Empire Hotel, and in addition three of their number made a promise of another LSO each if their good fortune during the approaching race meeting at all justified it. At Mr Varley's services on Sunday, no less a sum than L 76 was subscribed for the purpose. These facts will show how universal is the concern manifested over this sad event. In moat, and probably in thß whole,_ of the Dunedin churches on Sunday the Kaitaugata calamity wa3 referred to, either by special sermon or otherwise, during the progress of the service. Tho Keys. A. R. Fitehett, C. J. Byng, and J. U. Davis preached specially upon the subject, selecting texts appropriate to the occasion ; and iv St. Paul's the Yen. Archdeacon Edwards, during the course of his remarks referring to the sufferers, said: — "It is not for us to pronounce judgment upon them. Q^ey will be buried in hope, and left in the hands of a merciful God and a loving Father. I will remind you of another petition — ' to provide for tho widow and the fatherless.' Bear that in mind when you are called upon, a you will be this week," to give, and to gi^e liberally, towards the children and widows of those who died last week." In those churches, also, in which instrumental music is used, the "Dead March in Saul" was played as_ a voluntary during service. We may mention that on Tuesday evening Mr Hawkins received the following telegram from Blenheim, and handed it to his Worship the Mayor :—: — " Blenheim, 25th February.— l have forwarded my cheque for LlO to Kaitangata Relief Fund. — A. D. Wilson." His Worship the Mayor rectived the following letter on Tuesday. Ifc speaks for itself :— " Bank of New Zealand. Dunedin, 25fch February, 1879.— H. J. Walter, Esq., Mayor of Dunedin, and Chairman of the Kaitangata Relief Fund. — Dear Sir, — I have just received from our Auckland office the following letter :—: — ' The directors desire to express their' sympathy with the sufferers from the Kaitangata calamity, and authorise subscription of LIOO towards relief of families bereft of th&ir breadwinners.— (Signed ) John Murray.' In terms of the above-quoted telegram I have much pleasure iv tendering you herewith a cheque for Lloo.— Yours faithfully, W. C. Roberts, Mamger."

We have been requested to state that the Eight Rev. JDr Moran would have been present at the meeting in connection with the relief of the sufferer,] by the KaiLangii'.a miuo oxi;lo?ion on Monday night, Jhad he not mistaken the place of meeting. *

A considerable number of important railway extensions are now open for tender. The construction of the first section of the Otago Central Railway, originally termed the Strath-Taieri Railway, is now open for tender. For this contract, the Wingatui section, tenders will be received to the 31st March. The work will consist of the formation of the line, commencing at the main line near Mosgiel, and proceeding as far as Mullocky Gully — a distance of 6f miles. A contract is now in progress for the construction of about 11 miles of railway in Southland, being part of the Riverton and Otautau line. Mr D. Robertson is the contractor for this section. The survey of the branch line of the Invercargill railway, from Edendale to Fortrose, is almost completed, and tenders for its construction will probably be invited shortly. Tenders for the formation of 3 miles 51 chains of the Hokitika-Greymouth contract are due on the 4bh of March, and tenders for the formation and permanent way, and the buildings of the Springfield section of the Malvern branch of the Canterbury extension, will close on the llih of the same month. It has been decided to call for tenders for two sections of the Canterbury interior main line— the first Bection being from Oxford to Malvern (11 miles), and the secondifrom the Raugitikei River to Temuka (about 10 miles). The construction of a second line over the Canterbury Plains has been adopted upon the report of Mr Blair, the engineer for the Middle Island Railways. It was recommended by him as being much preferable to the numerous branch lines which would have been required. The central line will not only be more convenient, but will relieve tho main line of a large amount of traffic, and thoroughly open up a very large extent of country which would not otherwise have benefited so largely from the public worka. The proposed line will skirt the hills, and will extend a distance of about 85 miles, connecting with a branch which joins the main line north of Christchurch.

The Rev. James Baird, who has laboured as pastor of the Presbyterian Church at Hampden for sevon years, is about to receive a call to she congregation at Winton, Southland.

We have received from the Oamaru Harbour Board their report and statement of accounts for the year ending 31st December last, accompanied by two photographs, one a very large and handsome one, of the works, by Messrs Ferrier and Rock, of Oamaru. The total length of the breakwater, the report informs us, is 940 feet, the total wharf frontage 1247 feet. The total expenditure on works and charges, including L 12,468 interest on loans, has been L 159,479 33 lOd, and there was a balance of L 649 18s 3d in the Union Bank of Australia on 31st December last. The estimated ordinary expenditure for the current year will be L 9,683, and the estimated revenue from landing and shipping, wharfage charges, and rents of reserves, 1A1,630 ; after paying interest on loans, there will, therefore, be about L2OOO surplus. The imports for the past year included 9671 tfcons general merchandise, 7552 ions coal, 217-1 ons coal for railway use, 3,388,588 feet timber, 10,778 posts and rails, and 900 tons cement for the works. The exports were 400 tons general merchandise, 26,638 tons grain, flour, pollard, bran, and other produce, 11,106 bales wool, 209 tons stone, 76 cattle and horses, 525 sheop, and 527 pigs. The landing and shipping charges are now at 2s per ton for merchandise and grain, and landing charge for coal 3s 3d ton, wool 6d per bale. There have been in all 7925 tons of cement used in the Harbour works to date from Api il, 1873. The increase of shipping since 1&73, has been from 285 vessels of 29,825 tons, to 451 vessels of 62,841 tons. The report is a very complete and creditable one, and is a model for our own Harbour Board to imitate in its completeness of information.

Mr E. H. Whittington had an extremely narrow escape from a serious accident on Saturday last. He wa3 driving homeward in the evening, when the vehicle came in contact with two large boulders on tha North road, near Potter's Hill. The obstacles tilted the conveyance over, and Mr Whittington was thrown between the wheels of the upturned vehicle. The injuries inflicted were two ugly scalp wounds and a severe shaking. The accident was not due to any carelessness on the part of tho driver, but arose from the dangerous position of the boulders, which are on the line of road, three feet from the fence, and partially hidden by tussock grass. The Road Board should take steps for removing these, otherwise they may find themselves subject to litigation in the event of future accidents.

The name of the winner of the Waterloo Cup, the great Euglish coursing event, should have been Mr Miller's Miaterton. The coursing writer or The Field said on December 21st : " The big bet of LSOOO to LSO was laid against Mr Miller winning the Cup with a dog of his kown. I hear there is a puppy by Mariner out of Plumstone, a dark one, that has been tried, better than Misterton."

Nothing has yet been done towards repairing the breaches mare by the Clutha through the banks of Inch-Clutha. L 2500 was promised by the Government soms weeks ago, and ifc was arranged that the Government engineers should also give their assistance in preparing plans for the net-essary work. It is to bo hoped that no more time will be lost in commencing opezations, as the delay involves a serious loss to the unfortunate settlers on the island. It was suggested a few days ago that the balauce remaining of the fund wised for the relief of the sufferers by the late floods in Otago should be devoted to relieving the necessities of those who have been left without means of support of the deplorable aucident at Kaitaugata. A correspondent who thinks that the Kaitangata Relief Fund^ is likely to reach a very large sum, is of opinion that the balance of the money collected for the sufferers by the flood would be more properly expended if devoted to the work of repairing the damage done by the river to tho banks of Inch-Clufcha, as many small landholders there have been compelled to leave their farms through Iho encroachment of tho water. These men, who are working in different parb3 of the district, would not accept any relief offered to ihem in the shape of money, but our comvpondeut thinks that the balance available might w ell bo spent in repairing the damage done, and enabling them to get bask to their laud,

The natives of New Hebrides, through the Rev. J. W. M'Kenzie, of Erakor, Efate, bavo sent to a well-known citizen of Dmiefliu some arrowroot to dispose of. The giffc is intended as an expression of the gratitude of the natives for being placed in possession of Bibles iriuted in their own language.

We are informed by the Western Star that the plate-laying on the Riverton-Invercargill railway will bo completed early next week. Ballasting operations will then be pushed on activoly, two engines being used for that purpose. Works at tha bridge are well in hand. It is estimated that the line will bo completed about the middle of April. The contract, time for the necessary buildings on the lino it oiijbt weeks. The formal opening of the iailw«y will not take place before Ist i\fay. Mr JtoberUon is making piod piog/vys with tho Ofcautau line, and will have the formation pomplotod before winter.

The land tax officials for this district hava been actively engaged in collecting returns of valuations, and we understand the whole will be in by Ist March. The individual notifications of valuation are being prepared, and will be all promptly sent out an Ist March. The date up to which objections may be made is 15th April. There is no reason, so far, to anticipate any hitch so far as this district is con. ccrned.

Tbe attitude of the residents of Port Chalmers towards the harbour works was discussed in a conversational manner at the meeting of the Board on Wednesday. The question was raised when the reports of the Harbourmaster,|which showed that several vessels had touched the bar, were under consideration. No set speeches were made, but tbe opinions which have been frequently reported were expressed. Mr MacNeil suggested that steps should be taken to secure a hopper dredge for the purpose of deepening the entrance to the harbour. With this opinion Mr Tewsley (the chairman) quite concurred. Mr John Mill (of Port Chalmers) said he was glad to see the chairman coming round to his view. Mr Tewsley replied that he had always held that opinion ; the only question was one of the ways and means. If the Port Chalmers residents consented to the renerves being used for the purpose for which fie Lower Harbour reserves had been granted, a dredge might be obtained, and the entrance to the harbour deepened. Mr Mill said the reserves would not be given up. The Board was fighting against Nature in attempting to make a straight channel, and would be stopped. The harbour was being spoilt. Mr MacNeil considered that Mr Mill did not view the matter fairly. He thought it should be represented to the people of Port Chalmers that the reserves were required for the improvement of the Lower Harbour, and that for that purpose they should be obtained. The works in the Upper Harbour must be con* tinned. Whether or not it had been a mistake to undertake them was not the question, but the matter for consideration was — without reference to the past— to decide upon the measures to be taken for the improvement of the harbour and its entrance. Those who failed to represent this to the inhabitants of Port Ghalmers were not their friends. If a doubt existed as to the manner in which the money would be ex* pended, a guarantee might be given by the Board that every shilling raised from the reserves in the Lower Harbour would be used for its improvement. Mr J. Mill reiterated, that not a rood of the reserves would be given up, and that nature would compel the Harbour Board to confine its operations to the opening of the natural channel in the Upp9r Harbour.

In another column we publish the directors' report of Gutbrie and Larnach's New Zealand Timber and Woodware Factories Company (Limited) for the nine months ending 3Lafc December last. This report shows a net profit tor the nine months of L 24,033. The directors recommend a dividend at 10 per cent, per annum, and a bonus at 2£ per cent, per annum, carrying L7OOO to reserve fund, which will then stand at L 12,000. The operations of this Company are on a gigantic scale, the sales in Dunedin alone for the three months ending 31st|December having > exceeded L 103,000, besides all the operations of the numerous branches. We understand that something like 1000 hands are employed by the Company in their factories, saw-mills, vessels, and branches; and the total paid-up capital employed is L 210,655, which is to be immediately increased by the idsue of 7869 shares of L 5 each at LI premium, on. terms as stated in the report, which will repay a careful perusal. We question if any of the Colonies can show a trading company of equal magnitude ; and it is satisfactory to find that ifc is possible to manage such a company with results so favourable to the shareholders. The auditors are Messrs William Brown and Thomas Moodie.

The railway employes' picnic at Hampden on Wednesday was attended by some 1800 people. A special train left Dunedin at 8.15 a.m. with a large complement of holiday-makers, and againj by the ordinary train at 10 o'clock an additional number proceeded. Happily, rain kept off, although 'the day was dull, and the large assemblage were thus enabled to enjoy themselves in a yery hearty fashion. The spot chosen was an op an piece of ground near the railway station, formerly used as a racecourse; and in outdoor sports and games, and other amusements. The time was passed until about 5 p.m., when packing-up began as a preparation for the homeward journey, the train left at half-past 5, and it was after 10 before Dunedin. was reached, while a number did not arrive in town till after midnight. Messrs Grant, Armstrong, and Butchart were among the Dunedin visitors. Some 300 persona were present from Oamaru.

The question of erecting a five-ton steamcrane on the Crops Wharf at Port Chalmers came before the Harbour Board at the meeting on Wednesday. Mr MacNeil said he was doubtful whether the crane would be most useful on tbe Cross Wharf. He mentioned that whenever a heavy package came it cost from LlO to L2O to lift it. The matter of providiug means for discharging vessels expeditiously was of great importance. Shipowners at present complained bitterly of the deficiency of accommodation in this respect, and he adviaod that care should bo taken to place the crane where it would be of the greatest service. Mr John Mill was of opinion that for the present the Cross Wharf was the best site for the crane. Ifc was required to raise timber taken alongside the wharf in rafts. When the new wharf was finished the crane might be removed to it, but the old wharf was not wida enough for the crane. Mr MacNeil and Captain Logan were associated with the Harbourmaster to consider in what position the crane should be placed, with power to act.

The first annual meeting of the members of the Otago Metropolitan Coursing Club took place on the 20th. It was stated that a large number of members had not yet paid up their subscriptions, but that when this had been done a small balance would be left to the credit of the Club. Mr F. D. Rich was elected president for the t-nsuing year, three vice-presidents were also elected, and a committee appointed. The proceedings are roported elsewhere.

Tho city tramways are being rapidly laid down. A single line is now complete from tho northern end of Princes street to Knox Church, and at the present rate of progress a fortnight should -see them aa far ns the Water-ot-Leifch at one end and the southern town boundary at the other. Two gangs of men are at work— one at each end— working towards the north and south respectively. The enginen and carriages to work the line are in the Benares, which is expected eatJy next month.

We have been requested to state that the sum of L3O, forwarded by Mr Henry Tewsley to his Worship the Mayor, towards the Kaitangata Relief Fund, was subscribed by the Duuediu employes of tho firm of Messrs Sargood, Son, and Ewen.

The following tenders were accepted o» Wed. nesday by the Works Committee of the City Council :— For the construction of a sewer at Mor.iy place, Mr H. Spiera, L 23 5; sewerjia. Bond street, Mr 11. Spiers, L 47 719s r

At a Bhort sitting of the Supreme Court in Bankruptcy on Monday, before Mr Registrar Gordon, orders of discharge were granted to William Henry Smith Murray, represented by Mr M'Keay, and Geowo Kin? and John Gillies, lepresented by Mr F. R. Chapman. A meeting of delegates from the suburban boroughs of Caversham, South Dunedin, St. Kilda. Mornington, Roslyn, Maori Hill, NorthEast Valley, and West Harbour took place at Murray's Hotel on Monday. Mr 11. Rutherford, the mayor ©f Caversham, wa3 in the chair. A number of accounts were laid on the table, but consideration of them wag deferred till next meeting. A committee, consisting of the chairman and Messrs Wales (mayor of Roslvn), Simpson (mayor of Mornington), and Bridgman, were appointed to obtain information respecting the endowments of the other boroughs of Otago, with their population and revenne. The Conference adjourned till the 11th March. The number of nominations taken at the Immigration Office, Dunedin, between the 25th of January and the 21st of February, 1879, was 183 souls, equal to 160^ statute adults. At a meeting of ratepayers held at Richmond, Victoria, for the purpose of forming an antiChinese league in that town, the following declaration was carried unanimously :— " 1, • , hereby declare my conscientious belief in the disastrous effects of the presence of Chinese in this Colony, and I will strenuously and fearlessly exert my social, moral, and political influence to prevent the further influx of such Chinese ; ftnd no candidate for Parliamentary honours shall have my support who will not pledge himself to legislate against their further introduction into Victoria." The Tuapeka Times is very sorry to have to report the presence of scarlet fever again in Lawrence. A child of Mr Lawrence (of the coal-pit) was admitted into the hospital a few days ago, showing the symptoms, which have since developed beyond all doubt. It appears this time much later in the season, and may not probably spread to the same extent that it did before. It is, however, requisite that every precaution be adopted, and one of the first is to prevent children from affected houses from going to school and mingling with other children. A special meeting of the Dunedin School Committee was held on Friday, the 20th, in the office of the secretary, Mr Sydney Jamee. Messrs Livingston (chairman), Robin, Nathan, Dick, and Farquhar were present. The business transacted at the meeting was the voting for Messrs Keith Ramsay, James Green, and Michael Fraer, as members of the Education Board. Miss Jane Blackley, who has been connected with tho Albany street School about four years as a pupil teacher, but has lately entered the Normal School as a student, was last week presented with a cabinet and a volume of Longfellow's Poems by her former fellowteachers. The presentation wai made by Mr J. L. Ferguson, the head master of the school, on behalf of thegsubscribers. Mr E. Campbell, engineer in connection with the Silver3tream water supply scheme, reported at Monday's meeting of the CityCouncil that the contract drawings and speci fications for the next six miles of the race wUI be ready for tendering within a week. This portion of the race will include Whare Creek north and two other large creeks. Mr Varley, who has been in Dunedin for fully a month, brought his evangelistic mission to a conclusion by a farewell meeting in new Knox Church on Tuesday, when a very large audience was present, amongst whom were many clergymen. A largs number of friends accompanied Mr Varley to the platform. The Rev. Mr Blake opened the meeting with prayer. Short addresses v/ere given by the Rev. J. Kirkland, Mr D. Wright, Rev. Edward Walker, Mr Brunton, and Mr limes. Mr Varley, in a few kindly words, proposed a formal vote of thanks to the Rev. Dr Stuart for the use of his beautiful church, and to the choir for their hearty and valuable aswstance, both of which were carried unanimously. Mr Varley then delivered an address on " The Unsearchable Riches of Christ," as recorded in the Hebrews. A rather poorly-attended meeting took place in the Portobello School on Thursday, the 20th inst, to hear Mr Morris explain the views of the promoters of a proposed Dunedin and Peninsula Steamboat Company. Mr W. A. Wilson was called to the chair, and in a few worda stited the object for which the meeting had been called, and then introduced Mr Morris, who entered very fully into the details of the scheme. On account of the smallneas of the meeting it was thought advisable to make a personal canvass of the district to find out what stake the settlers would be willing to take in the venture. Mr A. R. Hay taking Broad Bay and North East Harbour, and Mr W. A. Wilson, Portobello. The privileges connected with the D.J.C. Autumn Meeting were sold on Saturday by Messrs Wright, Stephenson, and Co. , with the following result .-—Booth Nol, L 42, H. Mayo ; No. 2, L 42, H. Mayo ; No. 3, L3B, C. Armstrong : No. 4, L3B, J. Turner ; No. 5, L 35, N. Moloney ; No. 6, L 35, F. Nelson ; No. 7, L 35, F. Nelson ; No. 8, L3O, J. Matheson ; refreshment-room, Ll6, N. Moloney ; fruit Btalls, L 46, Mesais Elliott, Doodeward, and Croker ; race-cards, Ll5O, H. Lamer; stabling, L 4103, S. Powell ;— total, Lsll loa, or LBO more than last year. The Grand Stand booth was let by tender— Mr Waters, of the Prince of Wales Hotel, being the successful lessee. The gates are kept by the Jockey Club. The share list of the Catling River Freehold Saw Mill Company closes in Dunedin on Tuesday, tbe 4th of March. A considerable number of shares have been applied for by the trade and public generally ia Otago, and numerous letters have been received from gentlemen connected with the timber trade in Canterbury, requesting information, and expressing a desire to take a substantial interest in the Company. The whole of the machinery which was damaged more or less by the late fire at Catlins, has been removed, and entirely new machinery erected in its place. This will enable at least 250,000 feet of timber to be cut per mouth. We are informed that the Hon. Puobert Weilesley Grosvenor has joined the directory of the National Mortgage and Agency Company of New Zealand (Limited), in London. The single women immigrants by the ship Wellington were open for employment at the Caveraham Barracks on the 20th, and the following engagements were effected :— 1 at L 36 a year, 1 at L2O, 3 at L3O, 3 at L 25. 6 at L 26, 3 at L 22, -2 afc L2O, 2at L 35, lat L4O. The fol lowing engagements of male farm servants were also effected:— 2 at L6O, lat L4O, 2at L 52, 1 afc L 55, 1 at L 2 per week, 1 at 30^ per week, and 1 at 355. A woollen factory will shortly be established in the Kaikorai Valley by Messrs Ross and Glendining, of Stafford street. The requisite machinery is already pn its way to the Colony, and building operations will be commenced without delay. The factory building will be two storeys high, and about 165 feet in length mi 123 feet deep,

A good deal of sympathy ia felt for Mr John M'Neil, late Mayor of Balclutha, who lately sustained a very serious loss by fire, not having been insured. He has a large family, and was conspicuous among those who, > during the flood, provided many persons with food and shelter.

Excellent peaches, apricots, and nectarine from the Teviot district, are now being sold in Dunedin. It is evident that the Teviot and Dunstan are the natural sources of supply o these delicious fruits for Dunedin, and it is to be regretted that the means of communication are as yet so imperfect.

Mr J. M. Watson's tender (L 480) for tho erection of an engine-shed at Clinton has been accepted by the Public Works Department.

Tho heavy ordnance for the defence of this port has been shipped per Benares, which sailed on sth December from London. It consists of three seven-ton guns and three 64-pounders converted. The guns may be expected here in a fortnight, and it is high time_ tbafc steps were taken to erect batteries to receive them.

At the Harbom-Board meeting on Wednesday, accounts to the amount of L 10,296 5s Id were passed for payment. Of this sum, L 7.464 is for interest on the loan, due at London on\ the Ist of July ; L 63 9s 7d for exchange and stamps ; and L 2768 153 6d on the current wages account.

Tho Waste Lands Board on Wednesday considered the question of dealing with several runs, the leases of which expire shortly. In one case only was it decided not to re-lease — in that, namely, of Run No. 122, the lessee of which i 3 Mrs Hay. The extent of the run, which is Bituated near Glenomaru, between Warepa and Catlia's River, is 4750 acres. The lessee is to receive notice that it is required for sale as rural land under part II of the Waste Lands Act.

The Rev. A. R. Fitchett, at All Saints' Church on Wednesday delivered the_ first of a series of lectures, which will be continued during the season of Lent. The subject was "Tho moral purpose of; suffering," tho address being bassed on Heb. xii.

We have been requested to correct a typographical error iv tho advertisement in reference to Mr 11. S. Murray's farm, which appears under the heading "Properties for Sale." In the signature read "R. S. Murray" instead of R. G. Murray.