MATTSRS IN THE CLUTHA DISTRICT.

Otago Witness, Issue 1555, 27 August 1881, Page 19

MATTSRS IN THE CLUTHA DISTRICT.

TO THB EDITOR.

Sir,— There are two matters pertaining to the Clutha which in my opinion demand publicity. The first is that in the country districts there are scores of children not vaccinated. In times past the public vaccinator advertised that he would visit certain places on certain specified days, but did not (at any rate in some cases) keep his appointments— very possibly, having a large -general practice, he may have been obliged .to attend pressing cases elsewhere. But, Sir, the minds of/ many are now agitated about smallpox, and I think it is imperative that parents and guardians should have *at once the opportunity near their own homes to protect toe children as far as possible from its deadly ravages. The other matter is of a different nature, but is undoubtedly important. We are very close upon a general election, and to my knowledge there are a great many young men who are over 21 years of age, and have been in the district more than 12 months, who are not on the voters' roll. A singular fact in connection with this is that the local paper preserves a studied silence on the subject, possibly fearing that the new iniquity minht swamp the old identity. I wish to bring prominently under the notice of all the young men that they require no property qualification—they have only to apply, without delay ,ito the Registrar ; in a week or two their chance will begone. Vote by ballot and manhood suffrage, such as we enjoy, has not been obtained without struggles. See how alive the people in other parts of the Colony are to the importance of being placed on the roll. No one should now be apathetic, least of all those who have interests in land.— l am, &c,

Terrific heat has prevailed in England during the last few days. The thermometer at noon to-day marked 137df>g. Fahr. in the aun — a degree of heat altogether unprecedented ia England. Woik was su-pended in several forges and blast furnaces in Staffordshire, and many caaeß of sunstroke occurred.

Latest accounts regarding the new Tichborne. claimant at Sau Francisco;] state that the claimant's two prlnoipal patrons are beginning ' to discover diaorepanoies in his narrative, and; bow tfhcQUßteuance bt« vioit to - ;