The Timaru Herald. FRIDAY, MARCH 10, 1866.

Timaru Herald, Volume IV, Issue 96, 16 March 1866, Page 2

The Timaru Herald. FRIDAY, MARCH 10, 1866.

A few days ago the Otugo Daily limes was pleased to say m a leading article, that the Province of Canterbury was fast approaching a state of bankruptcy. Everything that our contemporary said was true. Whether what was written was the whole truth is another matter. It is quite correct that, through causes which it is not difficult to point out, Canterbury is fast losing that prestige which she has for several years enjoyed — that higher standing which she has invariably taken amongst the other provinces of New Zealand. But although it is evident, as our contemporar}' states, that she is " fast approaching" a state of bankruptcy — yet we think with wise legislation at the present time she might be easily retrieved from such a deplorable catastrophe. At the present moment the province is undoubtedly badly off for want of funds, and is daily drawing upon the banker to meet a few of the demands made upon her ; and it may not be out of place for us to point out what, m our opinion, have been the principal causes to bring about such a state of affairs. It is a combination of mis-management by the provincial authorities, and the unfortunate Maori war which has shaken, to a serious extent, the faith of capitalists m New Zealand generally. But Canterbury receiving two pounds per acre for her waste lands was considered superior, m many respects, to most other provinces m New Zealand. This preference shown to Canterbury by capitalists was solely owing to the fact of a large annual revenue arising from the sale of the waste lands, a proportion of which was returned to those investing capital by making the property easily accessible and creating good communication j and by keeping the cost of the government of the province within a reasonable sum. But when, with a decreasing revenue, the provincial rulers proposed to enter into works pledging the province to an expenditure of nearly two million pounds and continued to increase the cost of Government to an alarming extent, the faith of capitalists was at once destroyed, and oxir debentures became almost unsaleable. If Canterbury does descend to a " state of bankruptcy," it will be the Railway which will have exhausted her means.

On frequent occasions we have plainly brought before our readers the folly of this scheme, which we cannot condemn with sufficient force j and on almost every occasion we are met m reply by Christchurch with the same answer — that it will facilitate trade and equalise values : that the centre of the province will be as valuable as the district within a few miles of Christchurch, by bringing all parts within a few hours communication of the city. This is all perfectly true, but do the ends justify the means ? Certainty not. Every sacrifice is to be made to carry out the Railway scheme. An expensive line from Christchurch to Kaiapoi, and from Christchurch to Timaru will only satisfy the inhabitants m the north. The formation of a line to the Rakaia has been let for the sum of £201,000, being more than £0000 per mile. Then the Rakaia has to be bridged at a cost of about £150,000, and the line brought on towards Timaru, bridging on the way the Ashburton, Hinds, Rangitata, Orari, Timuka, and Opihi ; m all seven large bridges. These bridges it is estimated will cost at the least half a million of money j and the line of railway about a million, including every cost of stations, purchase of land, &c. The line to Kaiapoi or Rangiora, m round numbers, will not fall far short of £250,000, including a bridge over the Waimakariri. This is the expenditure upon the Railway alone. We have then the Lyttelton Harbour Works, which have to be carried on simultaneously : and also the ordinary expenditure of the province, beside sums required for other public works, such as road making, &c. But we will, for the sake of argument, allow that by straining every possible nerve, the money could be raised and the works we have indicated carried out within the next six years. What then will be done with such a costly toy ? And supposing the population on this side of die province to be 80,000 or 100,000 souls at the time, what can they do towards supporting such a work. The line could not for some years after being finished be expected to pay working expenses, and nearly all the land would hare been sol d

during the time the line was m course of construction — not for the purpose of expending- the proceeds on the line of railway, but towards providing for the cost of Government m the meantime, and for paying the interest and sinking fund of the loans raised during the first two or three years of the progress of the work. The province would then be left with a line of railway which would prove a commercial loss to the country m being worked ; and with a debt, the interest and sinking fund of which would completely sink the province. But, for the sake of argument, we have admitted almost too much. No person can imagine that capitalists will risk their money m such a work. If it is necessar}' — and we do not say it is not — to have railway communication, m the name of common sense let it be made between the centres of population first, where there is a possibility of its being made to pay ; and then gradually extended towards the unsettled parts, as the resources of the province will admit. But we must protest, against the province being plunged into debt to carry out this arterial line. A line could be constructed for about half the amount per mile had the gauge been a little narrower, and the works somewhat lighter ; which would, over a plain such as the one stretching from Timaru to Christchurch, have been quite as serviceable as that now being constructed. There is one reason why the inhabitants of Christchnrch and Lyttelton especially, urge that it is necessary to make a line of railway to Timaru as speedily as possible. It will, it is said, create a large traffic between the two places, because every bale of goods will then be introduced into this district via Lyttelton, and every bale of wool or cargo of produce will be sent to Lyttelton and there shipped for its destination. Will this really prove as those urging the construction of the railway at such an alarming sacrifice, anticipate ? We are confident that if there were a dozen lines of railway, all m communication with Lyttelton, that the trade of this district would not then be done through that port. At least one pound per ton would have to be paid for the conveyance of goods by the railway to Lyttelton, besides jetty dues ; so that at the present moment we are enabled to ship at about half the price that we could do were a line of railway made to Lj'ttelton and goods shipped via that place. And there is a probability that before long the landing and shipping charges will be reduced here. But if the Government rely upon the trade of this district to make the line pay working expenses, we think it is resting upon a shadow. Now it is honestly confessed by many merchants m the north that they are losing all their connexion with Timaru ; and they believe that they will regain it by legislating to force the trade to Lyttelton. But to prove that such an idea is a fallacy, we will mention one or two facts which are more conclusive than any long dilatation we could give upon the matter. Two years ago nearly all the trade of this district was done with Lyttelton, and all the wool shipped from Timaru to that port en route for England. This year about half the wool of the district has been sent via Dunedin ; and another year we believe more than half of it will be shipped direct, and a gTeater portion of the remainder sent via Dunedin. It is purely a commercial reason that Lyttelton is thus declining. We can ship our wool to England oneeighth of a penny per pound cheaper through Dunedin than through Lyttelton. In purchasing goods there is also a great saving by obtaining them from Melbourne or Dunedin. The market price m those places is about twenty-five per cent, below the price m Lyttelton or Christchurch. But for the people m the north to attempt to take the trade of this district by force, is the weakest piece of folly any statesman ever brought before an intelligent public. A Railway is necessary and should be constructed whenever it is likeh* to pay expenses, but not at the sacrifice of all other works, m various districts, the healthy state of which districts are necessary for the progress and prosperity of the province as a whole.

Erratum. — In our Arowhemia correspondent's letter m last week's issue, for William Benett. read William Birrell. Registration. — We must again call the attention of all persons who are not on the electoral roll to the fact that their claims to vote must be m the hands of the Registration Officer on the 31st instant. Forms can be obtained at this office and at all the principal stores and shops m the town. JResidevt Magistrate's Court. — "We are glad to hear that Mr. J. E. Duff, of this town, has been appointed Clerk to this Court, chinery on board, is daily expected. Arowhenua Scohol. —This school was opened for the first time on Monday last, under the charge of Mr. A. S. Ross, a gentleman of considerable educational attainments, and possessing high testimonials as a teacher. The School Committee have been very fortunate m securing the services of such an efficient scholar and teacher for a district where it is impossible to provide more than one school, wherein must be educated the children of all classes.

Electric Telegraph.— "We learn that Mr.' Nixon, the late telegraphist at Timaru, has been appointed to the charge of the electric telegraph station at Nelson. Mr. Nixon, whilst amongst us, has earned the respect of all persons for his courtesy m all business matters. The New Harmonium. — In the notice of this m our issue of the 23rd ult., we stated that funds were provided from the " Church members." This was an error, as we have since been informed that the instrument wa3 paid for by subscriptions from members of other denominations. Steam Threshing Machine. — Mr. Edward Pilbrow, of the Kakabu, is abont to introduce the first steam threshing machine into this district. The Rona from Dunedin, with the maLand Sales. — In another column will be found an advertisement of the sale of town and rural land, to be held at Christchurch, on the 19th instant. Although the Government promised, a short time ago, that all auction sales of land south of the Kaugitata should for the future be held m Timaru, it would appear that they have no intention of fulfilling their promise. Waste Lands.— The following is the return of waste lands disposed of yesterday at the Land Office : — Timarn, 51 acres ; Lincoln, C 3 acres ; Mandeville, 50 acres ; Banks' Peninsula, 1 18 acres ; flakaia, 80 acres ; Malvern, 90 acres ; Ashburton, 20 acres ; Waitangi, 49 acres. Total, 521 acres, realising, at £'2 per acre, £1047. —Press, March 9. The Late Attorney General.— We find from our Wellington files that the name of Mr. SeweU, the late Attorney General, is included among the list of passengers for London by the Wild Duck. Election Intelligence. — We hoar that a requisition has been forwarded to Major White to allow himself to be placed m nomination for the representation of Waimate m the Provincial Council. A requisition is also m course of signature to Mr. Leslie Thomson to come forward to represent the Town of Timaru. It will be recollected that Mr. Thomson contested the seat for the town on the last occasion of an election and was defeated ; but although many of the electors were at that time pledged to support his opponent, he was much m favor for the straightforward manner m which he expressed his views, and for the good natured way m which ho contested and lost the election. We believe that with a little practice Mr. Thomson will not only become a good speaker but a very valuable public man. For Seadown, Waitangi, and Geraldine, nothing definite has transpired m reference to the representations of those districts.

Gazette. — A Provincial Government Gazette, was published on the Sthinst., containing two proclamations by his Honor the Superintendent, stating that the Waipara and Rakaia Road Boards having neglected to provide for the election of members to serve on those Boards for the ensuing year, their powers are suspended, m accordance with the Roads Ordinance, 1864, and Alfred George Rich, of Kaiapoi, and Charles John Harper of Lake Coleridge, are appointed commissioners for the two districts respectively. A reserve m the valley of the Upper YVaimakariri, for a school endowment, is re-gazetted, m consequence of a clerical error which occurred m the description published m the Gazette of February 17. Notice is given of a sale of town and rural lands, and timber reserves, to be held at the Land office, Christchurch, on Monday, the 19th, at noon. Amateur Foot Race. — The Lytlelton Times of Wednesday says — "A pedestrian match for £100, distance 100 yards, was made last night, between two up-country gentlemen who are both well known m their respective districts as active performers on either horseback or foot. Regular articles were drawn up, and half the money posted, as soon as the terma were agreed upon, and the balance is to be made good at the Royal Hotel at seven o'clock on Friday evening. The race is to come off at four, p. m., on Saturday, and Mr. F. D. Hamilton has been mutually agreed upon to pick the spurt-ground and make necessary arrangements." We believe we are correct m saying that the match is between two gentlemen well known m Timaru, namely, Mr. G. Hj'de, and Air. Fraser of the Mackenzie Country.

Launch ox the Heathcote.— A very interesting ceremony will take place on Monday, at the Heathcote, being no less than the launch of the first steamboat built m this province. The vessel has been constructed by Mr. Dixon, to the order of Mr. Mills, and is intended to run from Sumner to the bvicksjwharf. She will be m all senses of the words a colonial production, being built of New Zealand timber, and her engine, one of ten-horse power (nominal), is being prepared by Mr. Anderson, of Cashel street. The length of the boat is 47 feet m the keel, and 53 feet over-all, with a 10 feet beam, and a depth of hold of 4 feet. The supposed draught of water is about 20 inches. The only obstruction on the river to the boat's passage, is the bridge m the Stanmore road, and alterations we hear are about to be made m it so as to adnnt of her passage. We hope that Mr. Mill's spirited speculation will prove a remunerative one, and may lead to many others of a similar character. At all events, Mr. Mills will have the credit of having been the first to construct a vessel of this description m Canterbury. The boat will also, when running, be of great service m clearing the river of water-cress, and a portion of th" rom annually spent for this purpose -we should imagine Mr. Mills to be entitled to. — Press, March 9.

Australian Mail Service. — The AttstmUan and New Zealand Gazette says — "Under the new Australian mail contract, which has been undertaken by the Peninsular and Oriental Company, the Australian mails are to be conveyed from Point de Galle to Sydney via King George's Sound and Melbourne m 21 i days, and from Sydney to Point de Galle via Mellrourne and Ring George's Sound m 234 days, exclusive of stoppages for the delivery and reception of mails. The company consent to a penalty of £200 for every day they are behind time, and they are to receive £50 for every day they perform the voyage between Point de Galle and Sydney m less than 214 days. The company are to receive £120,000 a year for conveying the mails to and from Point de Galle and Sydney once every calendar month ; £130,000 if called upon to convey them once every lunar month ; £170,000 a year if called upon to convey them twice every calendar month ; and £184,166 if called upon to

[ carry them twice every lunar month. The new Australian mail service is to commence on the Ist of February next. The distance between Point de Galle and Sydney is 5,200 miles, so : that the speed of the Australian mail packets, according to the new contract, from Point de Galle to Sydney, will be upwards of ten miles an hour." Torres Straits Mail Route.— We learn from the Arqu* of Feb. 28th, that the R.M. s.s. Souchays, chartered by the Queensland Government, arrived at Brisbane two days previously from Batavia via Torres Straits. Considerable interest attends this experimental trip of the j i Souchays, as it is the forerunner of a regular mail service by this route, which the Souchays has been the first to traverse as a mail-ship. The : Argus says: — "The experiment of running a] mail steamer by this route has proved highly j : satisfactory. The Souchays arrived at Batavia ; on the 30th January, m time to answer the mail i steamer from Singapore, the passage only occu- \ : pying eighteen days. Captain Black was fGted I . and received the most flattering attention at j Batavia. The vessel was exempted from Port i dues, and coal is to be supplied to her at cost 1 price, which will be equal to Newcastle prices. ; She sailed from Batavia on the 6th instant ; i from Port Albany on the 17th, and from Port ; Deuison on the 22nd. She had unfavourable weather during most of the time."