The Puapeka Times. SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17, 1868. " Measures, not Men."

Tuapeka Times, Volume I, Issue 36, 17 October 1868, Page 2

The Puapeka Times. SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17, 1868. " Measures, not Men."

" A time there was, ere England's griefs began, When every rood of land maintained its man ; For him light Labor spread her wholesome store : Just gave what life required, but gave no more ; But now one master grasps the whole domain, And half a tillage stints the silent plain."

It is at this time widely felt throughout New Zealand that the Colony is in a troubled and unsound condition. The General Government find it difficult to make revenue meet expenditure, and the provinces, individually, are in the same unprosperous and unsatisfactory state. The provinces are chiefly depressed from the longcontinued existence, of heavy departmental expenses, and which, apparently, to keep up the efficacy of those departments, cannot be reduced. It is evident, however, that some change in the form of raising revenue must take place, and there appears to be no other source whence to obtain an increase than from the land. Hitherto, and especially in Otago, the chief proportion of the revenue has been from the land sales, and the dependance on immigration to keep up those sales. Immigration thither, however, has not been so great as expected, and the land has not been settled as anticipated. We have been too much accustomed in Otago to see the land purchased in large lots, and by individuals, and the squatting interest, as a body, has absolutely swallowed up the Province. It is evident that such a system must keep population thin and scattered; and if the present Executive are desirous to increase revenue from land sales, they must proceed on a more extended and liberal system. It is agreed in by all writers on agriculture that the most productive and beneficial use of land can only be obtained by having a numerous and independant proprietary settled thereon, instead of allowing it, the land, to accumulate in the hands of a few individuals; that the natural produce from the soil under such a proprietary is greatly increased from a constantly minute, sedulous and intelligent method of husbandry; and that then only under such economic conditions, food being at all times cheap and in abundance, population rapidly increases. That the Provincial Government of Otago, to stimulate immigration thither, to have the land settled, and to increase their land revenue from land sales, should cease depending on the large purchaser, but should rather have the unsold lands of the Province surveyed in blocks, say of 640 acres, or one square mile. That these blocks be divided and parcelled out into small holdings of from 25 to 50 acres each, the 25, 30, and 50-acre lots being each in separate and distinct blocks, forming townships, with land for church and school, store and smithy ; and that the emigration agents, whereever located in Great Britain, should be empowered to offer for sale these small properties, at a fixed price, say of 20s. per acre, payable in five yearly instalments of 4s. 6d. per acre. The tenant, but future proprietor, receiving thus the full benefit of his improvements, and repaying the Government, with interest, the original price fixed of the land. That before, however, applying this principle to future immigrants and colonists, the same offer be made to individuals wishing to settle on the land, and at present in the Province, and especially to the mining body, who ought to have ever}' opportunity afforded them of obtaining what quantities of land they might wish, and becoming members, in time, of that great class that will ultimately have influence In this Province and Island, namely, the great and independant body of future peasant proprietors. That this system of* the subdivision of the soil into small holdings prevails in many countries, and wherever it does so it is found that these proprietors, in full right, form happy, industrious, and "most contented communities, such as are found in Belgium, Holland, various departments of France, Germany, Prussia, Switzerland, and in our own Channel Islands, where a population under this system of peasant proprietorship four to five times greater to the square mile than even in England is easily and comfortably supported Such labourers, but

small proprietors, intelligent from a [ constant system of a minute and | careful industry, would be invaluable in Otago, and might be induced to emigrate thither not only from Great Britain, but from those coun- | tries where peasant proprietorship | exists, and lead our countrymen to look forward, as an object for their just ambition, to the possession of a small but sufficient freehold, and by the constant endeavour to obtain this great and desired object, increase the intelligence and raise the morale of the general community. The labours of such proprietors, being at all times intelligently directed, would make the most of the soil. The great consequent plenty and cheapness of food would, of necessity, increase the rate of marriage, and population, instead of struggling oh at a low rate, as it has done, would rapidly increase, and that taxation, which now seems so heavy pressing on a few individuals, would be mitigated yearly by the natural increase in the numbers of the people. The mercantile interest, now so desponding, would have new bodies of consumers, for their imports afforded, and new industries entered on, would not only obtain sufficient and intelligent employees, but also wide markets for the purchase of their manufactures. We have no hesitation in affirming that such a system of peasant proprietorship widely diffused throughout Otago is the only method to settle and reclaim the land. Too much already has been sacrificed to sheep, and this error can only be now remedied by the Executive becoming desirous to meet ' the wishes, now so loudly raised, that the unsold lands of the Province should be now offered to the community in small allotments, in fact, in whatever quantity such intending purchasers desire, say from 20 to 300 acres ; but, as a matter of course, the smaller the freeholds the greater will become the future population, and the larger the land revenue. A present farmer, writing the other day in the " Times," asks what is the use of having only 50 acres ; 50 acres alone, he says, would not support a ploughman. But we wish the ploughman to support himself, and not be dependent on another man for that subsistence ; and the industrious and intelligent ploughman will find, as a proprietor of 50 acres, < an easy and comfortable existence thereon. Instead of the plough, he may use his spade, and " spade husbandry " is the most productive of all systems ; or, ten ploughmen being neighbours, may amongst themselves, and at joint expense, obtain the most improved agricultural implements and machinery, which, used in rotation by each, may enable them, though small proprietors, to cultivate their farms on the most advanced and economical system. Some, individually, according to means, might desire to purchase whole or half" blocks of the 640 acres ; but it is possible that their produce from tho soil would not equal that from the smaller holdings. But opportunities ; would be afforded to obtain the larger quantities if wished, the ! latest arrivals, it is judged, being at all times willing purchasers, and at remunerative prices^for past labours of the smaller and cultivated holdings. Gradual and constant changes of proprietorships would probably ensue ; but the colonists, one and all, would, individually, continue prosperous and contented, and the colony become an example and byeword of prosperity to the whole world, as such a colony with its affairs properly and unselfishly administered ought to be. It is probable that such a change in the working out of our land system may take place sooner than is imagined. Our large ftaekowners this year are already beginning to feel the change ! taking place in the home manufactures. For the last four years wool has been largely used in manufactures instead of cotton ; but now, cotton falling to its natural price, wool will, and has, accumulated. In female dress a great wincey or woollen trade grew up from the dearness and scarcity of cotton ; and in male clothing tweeds, now so generally worn, grew up rapidly. Printing of cotton almost ceased in Great Britain, and the loom, formerly only employed in cotton, was turned to the wincey trade. Cotton, however, is largely coming again into consumption, and Manchester and Glasgow have been busy. Stocks of wool, -consequently, have been accumulating, arid by. last mail's advices we are informed that it has fallen in London about 3d. per lb., and should advances have been made here on the -" clip," as we see advertised in Dunedin and Australian papery at the rate of Is.

per lb., and the return sales only show 7|d. or Bd. net, it is possible the present large sheep owners will cease being so desirous to increase their and to lease all the land of the Province, and that those desirous to purchase and settle down on the land, on moderate allotments, will now have ample opportunity for doing so, and our Executive find it better and safer to afford every opportunity to the smaller purchaser to' obtain such quantity of acres as he may judge sufficient, and keep such at all times open for his selection, as Mr. Macandrew said when candidate for the Superintendency ; and we again, after a lapse of time, re-echo the sentiments, as being both just and true, and including in itself all the philosophy of the Land Question, so called — " The land for the people, and the people for the land."

"Wa may soon expect to hear of a regatta at Waipori, the inhabitants of that place having, with their usual enterprise, added boatbuilding to its local industries. "We had the pleasure of inspecting the first results of this manufacture in the form of two very elegant wherries, which were launched on the 27th ult., one belonging to Mr.. Henry Raggitt, named the " Star," and the other, the property of Mr. "Webb, the "Fly." We announce with great pleasure the introduction of the manly and invigorating sport of rowing into this district, and hope in the course of time to hear of an invincible Waipori crew, astonishing the dwellers on the sea-coast by an exhibition of what the spirit and activity of an inland gqldfields township can accomplish. Wb observe that the people of Dunedin are bestirring themselves and labouring hard to obtain signatures to Bishop Selwin's testimonial. His Lordship is so generally respected and esteemed—by persons of all classss— that we trust the up-country districts may be allowed an opportunity of paying a merited tribute to- one of the noblest missionarierf.that ever battled for the Christian cauae. ' . An accident, by which the life of one of our most respected citizens was endangered, occurred a few days ago. As Mr. Oohiltree was riding along the Gabriels road tome of the leathers gavg way,' and he' was : thrown heavily to the ground. The horse, taking fright, kshed out and struck him on the face, inflicting, by providential good 1 fortune, no more serious injury than a painful bruise. Mining affairs at Waipori are improving, owing to the more propitious weather- As a sign of tho times, we may mention that Mr. Eckford has sold out a claim to & party of Chinamen at & good figure, tho price obtained being, we understand, £100. "Jinny other parties of Celestials seem desirous of investing their money in a similar way, and as they are building substantial stores and dwelling-houses on Waipori Flat, and in the outlying districts, especially in the vicinity of the Black Bock, their intention seems to be permanent settle* ment. ' A NtJGGBT weighing over six ounces was found en Friday morning in a gully near the boundary of Treweek'a run. If the ground on that run were thoroughly prospected, we have no doubt there would be a satisfactory result. WE learn that a vocal and instrumental concert, in aid of the Athenitum brass band, , will be held on Thursday, the 29th inst., when ' a large display of local talent may be expected. Tickets, price. 35. , may be obtained from the inemberß of Committee. - - It is with pain wo record the demise of another respected inhabitant of thisplaco. Mrs. Lindsay, who occupied the post of Matron to tho Hospital here for oxer six years, expired, ! after a painful illness, early on Monday morning. Her loss will be .most regretted by those whom sickness mada inmates of the Hospital, • her ready kindness and happy disposision doing much to sooth the painful hours of many a sufferer. Of the general respect and esteem in which she was held she received '"many tokens", I in the form of testimonials, from former patients. Her funeral, which took place on Wednesday, was numerously and respectably attended. Deceased, we may mention, was a native of Montrose, Scotland, and had reached the mature age of sixty-two years. The usual fortnightly readings came off ai Wetherstones on Wednesday evening, Mr. M'Swiney in the chair. The chairman remarked that it would be well 'if gentlemen were careful in their selections. They should remember that ladies and children formed a large portion of the audience. We are sure that all will concur in the wisdom of the advice. The fcrlee Club attended ; and the readecs and singers, the Misses Scott, Miss. Kenny, Messrs. Sutherland, Proud* foot, Wootten, Coffey, Clinkscale, Legerwood, Fenwick. and Ferguson, and Master Henry Carr, acquitted themselves to the entire satisfaction of a numerous audience. We have to acknowledge the receipt of several numbers of a new satiricaL journal, called the "Tomahawk," published by Messrs. Mills, Dick and Co;, Dunedin.- It is illustrated with excellent lithographs, and altogether shows a greater amount of wit and humour than' any previous attempt of the kind in the Province.^ "We have received from Messrs. -Wilson and Birch,, Dunedin, & sample of some very superior seed barley. The grain is plump,, well coloured, and finely formed, and from its low 'price— 7s. a bushel— should become a favourite with the farmers. Agriculturists can judge for thsm-, selves by calling at our office and inspecting the samples. , ; " The effect of our climate in causing fertility hos had several wonderful manifestations of late. The most recent event in this way has been the . case of a cat belonging,. to a respected citiren, ' which brought'f orth eleven kittens at a birth. We draw a veil over the "feliaw " of it« pof-

We would remind oar rd&dert of the tea meeting to be held in tho "Wesleyan Chapel, Colonaay-street, on Tuesday, the 20th inst. From our experience of the Wadeyan meetings, we should say they are as pleasant and improving a mode of spending an evening as can be found in the district. "We have great pleasure in announcing the return of our worthy Mayor. The scene in the Town Council on Wednesday evening, which will be found reported in another column, shows the advantage of having a dignified and respected chairman ; -for .this, reason, .among others, wo specially congratulate our f ellow-citLsena on the opportune arrival of Mr. Bastings. The "Dunstan Times" reports a case at Westport where a miner named Olsen waa served in an hotel, by mistake, with a composition for cleaning the counter, instead of brandy and bitters. The result was a serious illness, which prevented his working. He recovered £30 damages. , 008 readers may remember an account of th» gallant conduct of Father Roland, written by a Protestant soldier. We learn from the " Evening Star " that it was from, the pen of the gallant Major Von Tempsky. ! Thb Rev. Father Hickie delivered a lectur* on " California " in tho Assembly Rooms. Rox- ; burgh, Teviot, in aid of a Roman Catholic placa of worship, on Friday, the 10th inst. The rev. gentleman spoke at great length, dilating graphically on the wild and picturesque scenery of California, and its history, socially and politically, from the commencement of the golden era. He preached on the following Sunday-to »> large congregation, in aid of the mission on which he is engaged. We learn that Father Hickie made many friends during hia brief «o» journ at the Teviot. We have received the prospectus of a new monthly magazine called tha "Evangelist," do voted to the advancement of evangelical religion. It is to be edited by tha Rev. . Dr. Copland, and published by Messrs. Matthews »nd Fenwick. We wish this new addition to our local literature every succeu. Thb high winds wnich raged on Thursday and Friday have done considerable.damage, the end and part of the side of the old " Recorder ** office having been blown in. The building is the property of Mr. Mackay, of the "Brtee Herald," who, we believe, refused a considerable sum for it a short time ago. WB learn that Messrs. Hibbard and Co., Waitahuna, owing to a projected enlargement of their premises, are to hold a large clearing sale, for one month only, of drapery goods, boot*** shoes, and general stores. As the articles aro to be disposed of at a moderate price, this will prove a good opportunity for purchasers. We have inspected with great pleasure JKr. George Walker's new brick shed, which is a large building thirty-six yards long by eight wide. A permanent kiln for burning bricks ha* also been added. As no expense has been spared the inhabitants of this district will now be able to procure a home-made article equal to anything manufactured in the Province. Great credit is due to Mr. Walker for the enterprise .he has displayed in thu»~ adding to our local Industrie*. Take it a' to yourtel'a, my good fellows. Never mind tbo' the rest o' us starve ; . We were fools to believe what ye tePt us. So we've gotten just what we deserve. 1 Ye promised that ye would do wonders j God knows that a wonder ye've been ; I believe in the wide-spread creation Such a Government never waa seen. At home, in the land of our fathers. Men serve when there's honour to win ; But here it is nothing but plunder : All's done for the sake o' the tin. If a man is well up in impudence, -Wi' tho brains o' a calf or a steer, - - , He is sure to get into a billet, .. To the tune of eight hundred a year. Calves heads, plucks, and harriglea Sitting on matters of State ; Lord keep me frae cursing and swearing* But the provocation is great. " Tis enough to drivo men to distraction To see sic a glorious place ' S&e foully gi'en up to dissection. And brought into lasting disgrace. Sept., 1868.