Local and General.

Southland Times, Issue 1049, 2 November 1868, Page 2

Local and General.

It trill be found from our advertising columns Hiat Mr Jones haa succeeded in introducing a mew novelty. The Lenton Troupe are announced 4o appear in the Theatre Eoyal on Friday evening. W e understand that their performances hare proved successful in other localities. The collection made at the Presbyterin Church, i Wallacetown, on Sunday, tie 4th inst., on behalf ! <of the Hospital, amounted to £4 Ys Mr Daniel, M.P.C., Captain Howell, M.P.0., «id Mr M'Donald (Riverton}, formed a deputation, on Friday, the 2nd inst , to wait upon the Inspector of Schools, the Key. W. P. Tanner, with, reference to iJh.e establishment of a school at "OrepuiL It was stated that there were upwards ■of thirty-two children in the district, and a school was ranch required. The object of the deputation . ttss to induce the Educational Board to supply <2us want. The Bey. W. P. Tanner Baid that if the Government would place funds at the disposal of the Board, he would do his utmost to obtain for OrepuK all that had been requested. , He fully concurred in the remarks made as to the importance of providing an Educational Institution for this rising district, and the application would receive favorable consideration. It is stated in the northern papers that tie Armstrong guns in charge of the artillery of Lyttelton and Dnaedin, are to be forwarded to the front. Volunteers are being invited from the artillery corps to man them. The * Daily Times,' of the 6th inst., says : — ""The Volunteers of the Middle Island will «ooner or later be called upon to take up arms in defence of the Northern settlements ; but judging from the recent response of the Canterbury men, they are not likely to come forward. Alluding to the withdrawal of the forces from Napier, the 'Hawke's Bay Times' makes the following appeal to the Southern Volunteers : — In the several Provinces of the Middle Island there are wellequipped bodies of men who have been enrolled as Volunteers, who have had their drillings and have their respective staffs of officers. By the conditions of their enrolment, too, they are held liable to serve the Government in any part of the Colony where they may be required; and we think the time has at length come when these several corps should be called upon to do active service in this Island, where their help is at present urgently required, tip to this time the Volunteer movement in the South has been but holiday pastime. The Penny Readings at Campbelltown . came off on Wednesday evening last, when there was no abatement of interest on the part of the public, or of ability in the contributors to the entertainment. The musical portion of the programme comprised piano selections in waltz and polka, with several excellently rendered songs, to the success cf which Mr M'Kellar, of Invercargnl, contributed effective service. The readings by Messrs Nichol, Tucker, T.. Perkins (of Invercargul) and Waddel, were well selected, and the evening's proceedings terminated, as usual, by the National Anthem. We learn from a private letter in the ' Age,' of the 25th ult., that confidence is expressed in the genuineness of the gold discoveries in the Cape of Good Hope. It is represented that quartz reefs of unusual thickness abound, and that sufficient is known of their richcess to justify great erpections. Trade in Natal, meanwhile, is described as being miserably dull. Numbers of colonists are leaving, and house property is unsaleable. The « Weekly Herald ' (Auckland) of the 12th nit., in commenting on the revival of trade in that city, Bays :— During the past week the Customs returns at the port of Auckland amount to the Sum of £4,734 14s 6d. This increase is not attributable to any spasmodic cause, such as the arrival of foreign vessels, but from the increased demand for dutiable goods occasioned by the reviving trade of the province, caused by the demand for goods at the Thames. £4,734 I4s 6d for the week is at the rate of over £240,000 per annum. From the South Australian papers we learn that the Victoria Regia water Iflly, from Queensland seed, thrives amazingly. . The Advertiser' (Adelaide), gives the following account of one grown from a small imported root : — " It was planted on the 23rd July last, and from a small root, throwing out a single leaf six inches in diameter, it has Bpread over almost the whole extent of the aquarium, about 40 feet by 30. The leaves are round, and some of them four feet in diameter. The stalks are very lengthy, and the leaves do not crowd upon each other, but each floats on the surface of the water, with a clear space separating it from any other leaves. The ' Daily Times' says : — " Apropos of the recent earthquakes in Peru,. a brief chronicle of similar disturbances in South America will not be out of place. . In the years 1687 and 1786, a tidal wave made its appearance at Callao. The sea retired and then returned in a huge wave. On the former occasion Lima was almost entirely destroyed, and on the latter 4000 people were killed, 19 vessels were sunk, and four, including a frigate, were hurled some distance inland. In 1746 Lima was again laid in ruins, and in 1797, 40,000 persons lost their lives from an earthquake on the table-land of Quito. Arequipa has for some time enjoyed an immunity from earthquakes, the last violent one having occurred in 1725. In Chili, the port of Copiapo was destroyed in 1819, and again in 1822, on which latter occasion Valparaiso was demolished. Conception was destroyed in 1730, in 1751, and, along with its port of Talcahuano, utterly levelled with the ground in 1835. Earthquakes at this place are said to be of almost daily occurrence." A correspondent, signed " Tradesman," writes feelingly on the miserable condition of many of the streets of the town. We quite agree with him that something should be done at once to render our highways passable, but his censure upon Governments, General and Provincial, are too strong and abusive for publication. In answer to his question " why are the deep drains allowed to remain in a state of dilapidation and filth, creating poisonous gasses, and rendering the town unhealthy, to a degree hitherto unknown," we can only answer, that the Government has not the means at its disposal to make the improvements required. All that could be done by prison labor has been done, but until the citizens move in the matter of Municipal Institutions, they cannot expect to obtain all the advantages of a well drained and healthy town.

A Eiverton correspondent, writing under date 7th October, says : — " On Monday, the sth inst., a meeting of the members of the Church of England, was held at Eiverton, to hear from Mr I. N. Watt, an account of his stewardship as their lay representative at the Rural Deanery Board in Dunedin. The Rev W. F. Oldham, the Chairman, announced the object of the meeting, viz., to make known to the people the exact State of the controversy with regard to Bishop Jenner, that all might be done openly, and aboveboard, and all work harmoniously together. He then gave a resume of the history of Bishop Jenner's irregular nomination and premature consecration, and of the reasons which had induced him and others, as a most solemn matter of | conscience, to oppose his coming out to the ] colony by every means in their power. Having given an account of tfee progress of the question up to the point of its being opened up again the other day by the Bishops of New Zealand and Chrißtchurch, he then introduced Mr Watt to the meeting. Mr Watt said he appeared before them as their elected representative, to give an account of himself, and to ascertain whether bis views and his course of action had their approval. He said that though attention to the business of the church had cost him some time and thought, it had been a labor of love, and he t felt glad and privileged to undertake it. He gave an account of the circumstances connected with the recent meeting of the Board in Dunedin, and of the part' he and the Chairman, with those opposed to Tractarianism and Ritualism, had taken'; and concluded by hoping that even yet they might trust the heads of the Church and her representatives from all parts of the colony, now assembled at Auckland, to decide things wisely. He then called upon the Chairman to give an account of his recent visit to Christchurch, to attend the Synod of Bishop Harper. The Rev. Mr Oldham then said he was glad he had taken the journey in obedience to the summons of the Bishop, for he had been refreshed to find that so much more healthy a feeling prevailed in Canterbury than apparently in Otago and Southland. The greatest sympathy was felt, both by clergy and laity, for the members of the Church in the South, ■who were threatened with the introduction among them of the evils now distracting the church at home. ,The Synod of Christchurch had unanimously resolved to request the General Synod, in Auckland, to leave the nomination of their Bishop to the people in the two provinces, duly and impartially represented. He found, as he had always said, that the Canterbury people were resolved that Otago and Southland should be made a separate diocese. A vote, of thanks to Mr Watt was proposed by Mr Johnston, seconded by Mr Instone, for his hearty and efficient services, and carried unanimously. Arrangements have been made^with a gentleman connected with the French press, to supply regular correspondence on continental topics to this journal. The first letter appears in our other columns, under the heading of " Parisian Gossip." The ability of the writer— an Englishman, and the diversity of subjects touched upon — is a guarantee that the information furnished in the form of "gossip," will prove acceptable to our readers. In consequence of pressure of local' matter, we have been obliged to hold over the letter until our present issue. , About 320 acres of land were sold on Tuesday, the 13th mat., at the Land Office. A correspondent, writing from Port William, Stewart's Island, under date 30th September, says: — " Three men, known as Buckley's party, are mining in a gully which leads on to a beach about a mile and a hah 0 long, near Smoky Cave. They have been working in this locality for the last two months, and they informed me that they expected their returns would be from three to four pounds per man per week, but they could not say positively, as they had not washed up, and did not intend to do so for two months more. There is another party of two, prospecting along the beach, who say that they believe there is payable gold ia other gullies than the one j being worked. The ketch, Batcliff, of Melbourne, arrived from Dunedin, under the command of Capt. Britt, on the 29th inst., on a fishing cruise round Stewart's Island. The vessel is fitted with a large well to take the fish alive to the Dunedin market. We understand that the ship Chili will bring the first batch of immigrants, under the resumed assisted immigration scheme, to Southland in November next. It is rumored that the best available legal talent that Dunedin can produce, is engaged to appear in the forthcoming railway tender case. A correspondent informs us that a local magistrate is much required at the Bluff. It often occurs that brawls and disturbances take place on board vessels, when there is no mean's of punishing the offenders without great trouble and expense. No later than yesterday, our informant states, a most disgraceful scene occurred on board a vessel on the point of sailinft. The captain and mate had an encounter — one using a piece of iron, and the other a knife — to the great disgust of the people assembled. The Government should recommend the appointment of some gentleman qualified to act as J.P. It is usual in New Zealand for the Collector of Customs to appear in the commission of the peace, and no better selection could be made than in appointing the gentleman acting in that capacity at the Bluff. He is popular, respected, and an old and trustworthy public officer. The Otago Museum, Dunedin was opened on the loth ult., and it is computed that during the first nine days after its opening upwards of 1100 visitors were admitted. Information reached town yesterday afternoon of the destruction by fire of the premises lately occupied by Captain Clare, at the New River Heads. The particulars are not to hand, but we understand that the whole of the household furniture &c, has been totally destroyed. The 'Argus,' 19th ult., in speaking of the forthcoming race meeting, says : — " The sporting world, since the return of the Melbourne bookmakers from Sydney, has been more lively, and a new display of odds has been made regarding our next Melbourne Cup. The Barb, Glencoe, North Australian, and Tim Whiffler are all talked about at 10 to 1 on the field against the best of them. The Ragpicker, Barwon, Shenandoah> and Fireworks are also each mentioned as amongst the 20 to 1 division ; but there are plenty of outsiders who are occasionally backed at (of course) outside prices — say from 1,000 to 40 to 1,000 to 20."

Viewing the greatness, the activity, am the opulence of Melbourne of the present day,2uch reminiscences as the following, supplied b the Hon. J. P. Fawkntr, are interesting, as remiriing ua of the unprecedented rapidity of our grovth : — ' Melbourne completed its thirty-third yeir on Saturday last. On the 29th of August, 1830iie first landing took place, on a small rising ground on which our tent was pitched on the evening of August the 29th. Our horses were then landed, and set to graze. Early in 1835 I resolved to attempt to settle in Port Phillip, having been one of those who landed on Point Nepean from the Calcutta, under Governor David Collins, to colonise at Pert Phillip. This was on October 19, 1803. Governor Collins declared the place unfit for settlement, and took the whole of the people to the Derwent. I sought out some Mends to come with me in 1835, and five persons agreed to help to found the new colony. Their names were Robert Hay Marr, William Jackson, Samuel Jackson,. Captain John Lancey, and George Evans. They all deserted me. Some went away, and the others took to sheep-farming, and I alone remained to found the famous city of Melbourne. I purchased a schooner, the Enterprise, to bring ray horses, cattle, and household goods, and in- six days after landing had five acres of land ploughed and sown with wheat. This produced 100 bushels in January 1836. A wilderness in 1835, a fine flourishing colony in 1868, though only thirty-three years old !" A new goldfield has been found near Stieglitz, Victoria, which promises to turn out very well. ! The ' Q-eelong Register' gives the following account of the new rush : — " The gully wherein are the diggings was always known and desig- I nated as Fox's Gf-ully. It is situate about two miles and a half south of Steiglitz, and branches off the Long Ghilly to the eastward. The Fox's Gully riseß gently from the Long Gully to the table land above Anakies, and is in its course east and west, and is in breadth about 60ft, and i.i length about one mile and three quarters. The Long Gully, from which it branches, is about six miles in length, and runs north and south, commencing opposite Stieglitz and leading out to the plains towards Geelong. There are many gullies branching off the Long Gully quite as likely for containing gold as the one now being prospected. Xhe Long Gully has never been pro perly prospected, as the water was found to be too strong for a small party. There are many miles of very likely country in the neighborhood which may now be prospected, as gold in payable quantities has been obtained. The sinking at 1 New Gympie ' is about 20ft., and there is water I in the last 4ft or sft of sinking, and in the water the shafts require to be slabbed. The water, however, is useful for washing purposes, and not strong in the Sow to hinder the working of the' claims very much." 1 The following items of Victorian intelligence, are taken from the c Argus' : — " The preservation of meat for the London Market is now going on here on a large scale. — The prospects of the harvest are favorable. — The wool season will be early, the first of the new sea son's clip being to hand already. — Trade is slightly improving, and the goldfields continue to yield well. — The Day- i spring, from Hong Kong, has arrived, after a j long passage, in which many Chinese passengers died, apparently from scurvy and want of food. Proceedings were taken against the captain, which ended in his committal on the charge of manslaughter. — A new and more protectionist tariff is in operation in Tasmania "tofampplyt the deficiences of the revenue. A Railway Loan Bill h»3 been passed by the Assembly. It gives j authority for the borrowing of £2,107,000 in the English market, in debentures at 5 per cent, redeemable in twenty-five years. Of that sum, I £1,720,000 is to be set apart for a railway from Melbourne to the river Murray at Belvoir (opposite Albury), via Essendon, Kilmore, and Wangaratta. The remainder of the sum will furnish the purchase-money of the short Essendon line, and also for necessary additions to the Spencer-street station, and other railway purposes. The operation of the 42nd clause of the Amending Land Act has been extended by proclamation to lands within thirty miles of any goldfield. This practically gives the right of free selection before survey over one half of the colony. The new regulations come into force on the Ist of October. A meeting of the Committee of the Acclimatisation Society was held in the Government Buildings, on Tuesday, the 6th Oct. Present — Messrs D. M'Arthur (in the chair), Pearson, Crouch, W. Russell, C. Basstian, Butler, Steuart, F. H. Moore, and E. D. Butts. A letter was read from His Honor the Superintendent of Otago. The question of an application to the Provincial Council for an annual grant in either money or land was discussed. It was stated that an application had been made to the Government, but no definite answer received. It was finally resolved to " make application to the Government for a grant of £1,600, or 2,000 acres of land." It was stated that over 600 of the ova has been hatched, and about 250 more in a healthy condition. Some financial matters were then discussed, and the business terminated. The following Melbourne telegrams were, says the 'Daily Times ' (Otago), published in Sydney on the 12th ult. : — " It appears from communications received by the mail, that her Majesty is likely to confer the honor of knighthood on the Mayors of the principal cities and boroughs of the colonies. The commander of the Imperial war steamer Dorade, now at Wellington, is said to hold a commission from the French 'Government to negotiate with the New Zealand Government to get the Panama mail steamers to call at Tahiti, or to establish a branch line between there and Wellington." We take the following from the 'Evening Star' (Dunedin), 28th ult. :— " It will be in the recollection of our readers that a woman named Esther Hoskins some months since confessed before the Magistrates in Christchurch that she had murdered a man named Thomas, in England. It has been ascertained that this statement is false, the man who had kept company with her being still alive. She had been convicted for setting fire to a dwelling-house at Breaze, and the Judge made an order for her retention during her Majesty's pleasure, on the ground of insanity ; but she was liberated and handed over .to her friends in February last year. Had the facts been known to the Immigration Commissioners her passage out here would have been refused. Great blame, however, rests somewhere." i

His Honor Mr Justice Chapman, in the Supreme Court, Dunedin, on Tuesdaj the 29th. Sept-jtn'iar, announced that his duties as Judge would cease after that day. He explained that m this colony' there could only be six Judges at one time, and that, upon Mr Ward's commencing his functions, the judgeship he held would lapse. Gold it is stated has been found on D'Urville's Island, in .Cooks Strait. The Island belongs to the Province of Nelson, and the ' Evening Mail,' a Nelson journal, states that certain parties in the capital of the Province have leased the Island for 21 years from the Maori landowners Among the Notices of Motion before the General Assembly, we find one by Mr Yogel to the effect that it is desirable that negotiations should te entered into with the United States for the free admission to that country of wool grown in the colonies. | The House of Representatives have recomI mended that New Zealand mean time is to be kept at all the telegraph stations in the Colony, and the Government are going to take immediate steps to carry out the recommendation of the House. z A goldfield is said to have been discovered within a few miles of Dunedin. The ' Daily Times,' 28th ult., says :— " The talk of good gold getting at the Silverstream diggings continues. A story was told yesterday, that two men who came into town for provisions, stated that they had fallen in with a party of diggers who showed them about 21b weight of nuggetfcy gold, got at the Silverstream. The 'Argus,' 24th ult., says :—" The provisional directors of the Polynesia Company notify by advertisement that, with the view of enccuraging early occupation of the lands of the company in Fiji, they propose to give free grants of land to shareholders under the first issue, in the proportion of forty acres to every twenty shares subscribed for. The price at which land may be taken up by shareholders urlder the credit clauses of the prospectus, has been fixed at 7s 6d per acre." The crops in Tasmania appear to promise Well. According to" the 'Launceston Examiner,' the weather continues all that farmers can desire. Copious showers have been succeeded by warm, bright days, highly favorable to vegetation. From Jill quarters the most cheering repd'rts reach us as to the prospects. The • Wanganui Chronicle ' is responsible for the subjoined : — ' The people of Patea are much incensed at a most unwarrantable stretch of power on the part of Colonel M'Donnell. Mr Bailie, a settler at Patea, for some offence — writing to the newspapers, we believe — incurred the displeasure of the Colonel, who sent for him to come to the block-house. As Mr Bailie had procured a substitute, who was then acting for him, he refused. A guard was sent for him, and without even a court-martial, he was sentenced to seven days' imprisonment. His hair was cut quite close, and other indignities inflicted upon him ; he was liberated, after being in prison a day and a night. Mr Bailie had never been swomin, and considered that as he had procured a substitute he had no right to serve. Mr Bailie is most respectably connected, and bis friends are going to commence an action against Colonel M'Donnell in the Supreme Court.'