1853. JANUARY.

Otago Witness, Issue 2300, 31 March 1898, Page 28

1853. JANUARY.

Bth.— Opening of Dunedin Mechanics Institute (January 3rd). Inhabitants of North-East Valley turned out to build a bridge over Water of Leith. 22nd. — John Barr advertises that having completed his weaving and warping loom, he will commence weaving tartans, blankets, plaiding, etc. after harvest. FEBRUARY. 19th. — Prospectus of Otago Property Investment Company. (1) To enable its members to become the possessors of land, sheep, and cattle. (2) To secure a profitable return for the investment of money. Shares, £20 each. Fortnightly payments of Is. per share. John Hill, T. Bain, W. Stevenson, Robert Cramond — Interim Committee. MARCH. 6th. — Customs boat capsized coming from Port Chalmers. Collector lost £130 in gold. 12th.— Messrs. H. C. Herstten, W. Johnston, and James Fulton gazetted J.P.'s. This, says Witness, makes 19 Magistrates for Otago, or 1 J.P. to every 20 male adults, or 1 to every 13 electors. APRIL. 9th.— Public dinner (6th) to Capt. Cargill (Mr. Jas. Macandrew in chair). 30th. — Proclamation of electoral boundaries of Otago ; of the constitution of the General Assembly; of the Provincial Council; of the polling and polling places. MAY. 7th. — Proclamation notifying regulations sale, disposal, and occupation of waste lands. JUNE. 18th. — First piece of cloth made in Otago by Mr. John Barr. 25th.— Petition to Mr. John Gillies, Burnham, Halfway Bush, asking him to act for the public in the revision of the new electoral roll, which included 78 Maori claims. JULY. 9th.— Revision Court (sth) passed off amicably this time. All native claims disallowed. Public meeting to nominate candidates for Assembly and Provincial Council. Macandrew's views on land question. History of Mr. John Gillies. 16.— J. H. Harris and J. Gillies become partners (7th)., 23rd. — New electoral roll published. SEPTEMBER. 10th.— Captain W. Cargill elected unopposed first Superintendent of Otago. 17th.— Report of Captain Stokes, of H.M.s. Acheron, on the capabilities of the southern portion of New Zealand, dated September, 1850. 24th.— Messrs. W. H. Cutten, J. Adam, Alex. Rennie elected to first Provincial Council for Town of Dunedin. Other candidates, Robertson and Mollison. OCTOBER. Bth. — First instalment of purchase money for lands south of Otago paid to chiefs at Port Chalmers (3rd inst.). Election unopposed (Ist inst.) of Messrs. John Cargill and W. H. Cutten, members of General Assembly for Dunedin Country District. Election unopposed (29th ult.) of Mr. James Macandrew as member of General Assembly for Dunedin Town. Election of Messrs. J. H. Harris, J. Macandrew, W. H. Reynolds, J. Gillies, A. Anderson, and E. McGlashan first members Provincial Council for Dunedin Country District. Other candidates— W. Smith, A. Chalmers, G. Shand. 29. — Dinner of welcome to Mr. John McGlashan (21st). NOVEMBER. i 19th.— Schoolhouse at Taieri opened. Preliminary meeting of Provincial Council. DECEMBER. 17th.— Memorial by Provincial Council to Governor against erection of Anglican Church in Moray Place Reserve (now called the Octagon).