Local and General.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 143, 27 October 1868, Page 2

Local and General.

Ancient Order of Foresters. — The first annual meeting, in connection with the Widow and Orphan Fund, was held in the Foresters' Hall, last evening, P.i '.R. W. B. Hobbs presiding. After the transaction of some ordinary routine business, the election of officers was proceeded with. P.C.R. Brother Pine was elected President, Brother J. Gapes, Vice-President, and P.D.C.R. Brother Crooks, Treasurer. As there had been some misunderstanding between the Society and the officers, it was unanimously resolved that P.D.'.'.R. Ness should retain the office. It was also resolved that a deputation should would wait upon the Odd Fellows, in order to arrange the preliminaries of a bazaar, which it is proposed to hold for the joint benefit of the Widow and Orphan Funds of both societies. Representation of Timauu. — The Herald of Oct. 24 discharges a pleasing duty in the following terms* : — We learn wiih great pica sure that a requisition has been Bet on fo^ asking Mr Stafford to allow himself to he nominated to fill the vacancy caused hy the retirement of Mr Cox. We could not pus sibly have a better representative, or one more worthy of the confidence of the electors Mr Stafford has ever been in favour of extending local self-government, and has shewn himself so firm in hi 9 desire to carry on the government of tlie country with economy at a time when care and economy are greatly required, that he is entitled to our laßting gratitude. The petition gives the reasons for asking Mr Stalford to accept a seat for Timaru, which are as follows: — " That you were the author of the Financial resolutions in 1856 ; that you have consistently maintained tlieir inviolability before the House ; that jou hive pledged yourself to maintain the unity of the colony, and at the same time to encourage districts newly formed aud fast rising in importance in their legitimate desire for an extension of local government in a form suited to the present political and financial condition of the colony." Thames Goldfields. — The following extract frora a letter received by a gentleman in Christchurch, has been placed at our disposal: — I have no doubt you have heard as much as I cau tell you on the subject of the Thames, but there can be no doubt it will be a magniMcent and unrivalled reefing country. Many hundreds of claims will yield, with our poor appliances, from 2 to 5 ozs to the ton, exclusive of specimens, while some few are almost fabulous in richness. Two claims— the Manakau and the Golden Crown — bid fair to surpass Hunts', the Golden Crown having, iu oue day, taken out upwards of lOOOozsof "melted gold." The Little Angel has also already made the fortune of its lucky shareholders. The superficial area of the diggings, as at present worked, must be about 12 miles, or perhaps 15 miles, at Shortland, and there seems no reason why it should not extend many more, as some four or five miles back from the beach there is no sign of prospecting having been done. Some 9 miles to the north of Shortland is Tapu Creek, a district small at present, but wonderfully rich. I have seen 1£ ozs takeu from a dishful of mullocky leader — not once, but often. This gold is remarkably coarse and flaky, and contains 10 per cent less silver than the Shortland gold. Some 1 2 miles to the south of Shortland are the Puriri diggings, resembling in richness and character those of Tapu Creek. Thirty miles south of Shortland is the much-longed-for Ohinemuri countiy. This block is on the point of being opened up, and is supposed to contain the only alluvial deposits on the Thames. Provisions here are as cheap as in Auckland, and access can be obtained to any of the diggings fr.jin Auckland by steamer, at a fare of from 3s to ss. I bave been here now 14 months, and the only wants I see are machinery and enterprise.

i Literary Institute. — A meeting of the ' committee was held yesterday — the Rev. C. Fraser in the chair. It was decided that the first reading and musical performance should take place ou Wednesday, Nov. 11. A very attractive programme was arranged. N^lvon Rowing Cluh. — A meeting was held at Mr D. Reese's workshop last night, thirty two members being present. Several new members joined, making a total of sixty up to the present time., Arrangements have been made for the erection of a boat-house, and some of the crews are now practising above Mr Lane's mill. A good deal of interest is excited as to the merits of the various crews, which will be tested in time races on the river. The Djggeus and The Land. — From a letter received by a gentleman in Christchurch, we learn that in the neighbourhood of Greymouth a piece of land, covered with claims, was recently purchased from the Government. The purchaser immediately served notice on the diggers to quit in one hour, and leave all their property, they having expended a great deal of money in races, &c. At the time the letter was being written, some 300 or 400 diggers had marched into Greymouth, and there was every prospect of a row. The Government, had just telegraphed to the effect that they would " knock under," the miners to be supported and the purchase cancelled. It is conjectured that this will put a stop to the sale of Crown land on the West Coast. Fuee Mktuodist Chuucii. — The anniversary soiree in connection with the Free Methodist Church, St Asaph street, took place last evening. The attendance was a very large one. The church was tastef ully decorated ; and the good things on the table were provided gratuitously by the ladies of the congregation. Aftor tea, a public meeting was held, uuder the presidency of rG. Booth, the Revds. Mr Baxter, T. R. Fisher, T. Buddie, W. J. Habeus, and G. Grant were on the platform. The proceedings were opened by the singing of a hymn, after which prayer was offered by the Rev. T. Buddie. The Rev. M. Baxter explained that The Rev. Charles Fraser had been prevented from attending through indisposition. After a few remarks frora the chairman, Mr William Flecher was called on to inform the meeting of the financial position of the church. Mr Flecher said that the church was opened about two years ago, and apparently under very auspicious circumstances. It seemed to progress very rapidly, and in consequence of this the present building was erected, and a considerable amount of liability incurred. In the tirst place, the cost of the land was £250, and the contract price for erecting the building £675 ; extras on the contract £29 5s ; lamps, printing, advertising, insurance, and other sundries, £24 15s 2d, and architect's account, for drawing plans and specifications and superintending the erection of the building, £22 ; making a total cost connected with the erection of the church of £1001 Os 2d. To meet this large expenditure, the friends used their best efforts,andthesubscriptionsreceived up to the 17th October, 1-6G, amounted to £219 ss. In addition to this .-imount, there was a sum of £100, which Mr Fisher had given in the shape of interest iv the land. Mr Fisher expressed his readiness to give the amount either in cash or by way of interest in the land, but the Building Committee thought it better to accept the latter ; therefore it might be said that the amount received by way of subscriptions up to October 17, 1866, was £310 ss. The collection at the opening services amounted on the first Sunday to £22 lis Id ; aud on the second to £0 13s 2d, and the proceeds of the inaugural tea meeting were £47. The seat rents for the first quarter amounted to £9 15s Gd, making in all »405 4s 9d. Therefore, there remained at that period a deficit of £595 1 5s sd. Tlie deficit, he might remark, was much larger than it was intended it should be. Many subscriptions were promised which were never paid, on account of a certain event that occurred, ami the great depression in trade which followed. lhe deficit had to be met somehow, so tlie friends availed themselves of the machinery of the Provincial Loan and Investment Association. They borrowed £500 on the strength of ten realized shares. They had to pay £102 10s as the prime cost of shares ; mortgage, £4 2s, and six mouths' payment, £45. The present position of the church was as follows: — Amount due to Messrs Fisher, Booth, and Fisher, £65 ss; to T. li. Fisher, £11 13s lOd; to W. R.Cook, £200; estimated debt to Provincial Investment and Loan Association, £200; total, £476 18s, or £118 17s 5d less than the deficit which remained immediately after the o eniug of the church. Considerable improvements had been effected both inside and outside the church, representing a sum *of £38 3s, which, added to £118 17s sd, would shew a diminution in the deficit to the extent of £157. Two gentlemen had offered to give £50 aud £10 respectively towards wiping off the debt if the congregation subscribed the remainder, and he trusted they woidd accept the challenge that had thus been thrown out to ' them. The Key M. Baxter then addressed the meeting, and he was followed by the Rev T. uddle, who congratulated the congregation on the prosperity that Mr Flecher's statement indicated. He trusted they would go ou aod prosper, that they would take up the challenge that had been thrown out to them by two gentlemen, and that before lonjr; they would have this floating debt wiped off. The meetiug was afterwards addressed by the Rev VV. J. Habens (who spoke broadly and tolerantly on the question of Christian Unity), the Rev T. R. Fisher, Mr J. Armitage, and the Rev G. Grant. On the motion of Mr John Caygill, seconded by ■ x Ayers, a vote of thanks was returned to the ladies who had supplied the tea, and to those on the platform for the addresses which they had delivered. The proceedings closed with prayer. Mrs Rose presided at the harmonium during the evening.

Electoral. — Mr Wylde has resigned his seat in the Provincial Council for Kaiapoi. Ashburton Petty Sessions. — A meeting of the Ashburton Road Board was held on Saturday last, at which it was anticipated a sufficient number of justices would be present to give effect to the recent proclamation establisliiug a Court-house for the district. There were present — Messrs Peter, Park, and Greenstreet, who deemed it advisable to delay proceeding until a meeting of the justices could be convened. Several casea are held in abeyance until the Court is constituted ; and as it is much wanted in this locality, we hope to hear of its being speedily established. Agricultural and Pastoral Association. — Ameetingof thecommittee was heldat Messrs Wilson and Alport's Buildings yesterday afternoon. Present : Messrs D. Graham, 11. Washbourn, T. Bruce, E. B. Bishop (hon. sec), J. Shand, E. Mitchell, J. Stace, A. Duncan, J. Miln, W. Norman, J. Walls, H. E Alport, and W. Wilson. The Secretary stated that he had written to the Acclimatization Society, but no reply had as yet been received ; also to Colonel Packc, aiid had a verbal reply from that gentleman to the | effect that the encampment would not interifere with the Society's exhibition. The ■ Secretary's report was read, and judges were appointed in the places of those who had declined to act. A letter was read from Mr Matson, but the consideration of the matter to which it related was deferred until a future meeting. It was resolved that the Secretary should engage a brass band to perform at the ensuing show. It was also resolved that the prizes be paid on the first Saturday after the exhibition, at 2 p.m , at White's Hotel ; also, that the Government be asked to proclaim a half-holiday ou the 10th November. The tender of Mr B. Hale for a tent 20 x 40, for £5, was accepted. Messrs G. and A. Gee's tender for the refreshment booth was accepted at £4. It was resolved that Mr Bruce, in conjunction with the hon. Secretary, be requested to arrange for the Society's annual dinner. s ome other routine business having been transacted the meeting adjourned. Lyttelton Borough Council. — A special meeting of the Councillors was held in the Council Chamber yesterday at 3 p.m., the object being to meet the Provincial Solicitor, on the opinion given by him on the new by-laws. Present : Councillors England, Allwright, Willcox, Woledge, Ward, Hargreaves, Hawkins, Chalmers, Mr DOyly, solicitor, the Mayor presiding. Mr Wynn Williams was present, and said he was sorry to see by the newspaper that some members had taken exception to his legal opinions, and considered that the opinions were frivolous. He could not advise his Honor the Superintendent to pass the bylaws. He maintained that his objections were valid ; the by-laws were not consistent with the Act as under section 184, they ought to h:ive been accompanied with the Town Clerk's certificate. Had they been passed they would never have got a conviction under them. Councillor Hargreaves said he did not use the language imputed to him by Vl r Williams; what he had said was that Mr Williams had given his opinion, and he was not likely to alter it, and that was why he advised that the correspondence be sent to the Solicitor-General. Mr DOyly said he had not supervised or approved the by-laws. A long discussion ensued, aud the legal opinion elicited was — that all they had done must be done over again ; that the old bylaws must be repealed ; that new ones must be adopted ; and that they must be advertised, and certified to by the Town Clerk. With respect to the auditors, the legal opinion given was, that his Honor the Superintendent be requested to appoint them. The Kefoiued Discovery of Gold neaii Timaru. — The Herald of Oct. 24 g yes the following particulars : — Since i>ur last issue we have learned full particulars of the reported discovery of gold in this district, which we hasten to lay before our readers. Mr Dow, of Waimate, with two otiier old and experienced diggers, left the Waimate on Thursday the Bth instaut to prospect for gold up the Waiho river iv consequence of a report th«t two men who were working up the river had sen ; down for a sluice box and wore obtaining good prospects. The party took nothing but a tin dish to wash with, and some distance up the river they came upon ihe two men who had been elide ng for two >)ay.«, but not with any great success. The men had previously tried the same place with a tin dish, and thought the ground might pay with a sluice box, but after two days they abandoned the ground and atrue'e further up the river. Dow and his party prospected as they proceeded, but got only the colour for a long distance, when, at the gorgeof the Waiho, about 38 miles from Waimate, they obtained some very nice specimens of gold — about a pennyweight each, we Relieve. They ■irrived at the gorge on the I'J !i, and left on the morning of Saturday uist. the 16th in-tant, for provisions and sluice boxes. They were three days at the gorge, but had fearfully rainy weather, and were unable to bottom any of the holes. Dow desori ties tbe country to us as very likely looking, and expresses a firm belief that a payable field will be opened, but he deprecates any rush to the place until more is really known of the country, and until it has been well prospected. The exact position of the field is about 38 miles from Waimate, and the same distance from Timaru, at the back of Mount Nimrod. On Wednesday morning two of Dow's party and a third man left the Waimate with the necessary appliances for thoroughly testing the auriferous uature of the country, and on Thursday Dow himself followed to join the puny. We believe that the men propose to devote a month in thoroughly prospecting the ground. The spurs were never tried, and it ih thought that the gold obtained was merely the wash, aa it came from the creeks and river. We hear also that a party of two will leave Timaru in a day or two for the same locality for the purpose of trying the ground,

and we may rest assured that if gold does exist in payable quantities it will soon be discovere 1 . In the meantime it would be folly for men to rush to the place with a certainty of disappointment, although steamship agents with mi eye to business, may encourage them to do so. The nearest route to the field i* from Timaru to the Otaio, and over the ranges, a distance of about 38 miles. By way of Waimate it is about 66 miles.