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Western Star, Issue 5, 13 December 1873, Page 4

Y~Tue iron bridge across the Oreti, on the Wallacetown road, is, in its design, a handsome structure, and cost the province a handsome sum. For a long time past it has been a terrible eyesore, in consequence of having been allowed to get rusty. Now it is proposed to intensify its hideous aspect by washing it with a mysterious composition, which, whatever it may be, is certainly not paint. This is another example of spoiling the ship for “ a ha’porth of tae.” The approaches to this bridge arc in a bad condition. The Wallacetown road ought to receive more attention than is bestowed upon it, as it one of the most important main lines of communication in the province. The traffic on it is bound rapidly to increase, and at present there is a line of coaches running daily each way-' upon it between Riverton and Invercargill. **j Mr. J. 11. Baker has been appointed one of the Commissioners under the new Land Act, vice Mr. J. T. Thomson, resigned. We direct the special attention of the Road Engineer to the culvert on the Wallactown road, near MTvcnzie’s. It has all gone to smash, and a part of it being partially filled with tussocks adds to the danger of crossing it -in its present dilapidated state. Mr. MTntyre is the successful tenderer for the conveyance of the mail (semi-weekly) between Invercargill and Flint’s Bush. *TA number of Cliinameu passed through Riverton in the early part of last week, cn route for Orepuki. Surprise is expressed at the delay in the arrival of the whaleboat promised by the Government for the use of the Orepuki folks, in case of accident or serious illness. It was promised fully a month ago, and there have been any amount of opportunities to send it round. We have received from the publisher the fourth instalment of “ Wild Will Enderby,” which brings the story to a conclusion. This number is fully equal to its predecessors, and abounds in capital descriptions and dramatic situations. We shall take an early opportunity of reviewing the whole work, and in, the meantime we recommend all who wish to read the best colonial story yet written to purchase “ Wild Will Enderby.” Thomas Hugiian, John Innes, and W. 11. Yalpy have been appointed officers for the purpose of certifying that the conditions entitling claimants to a free grant of land under the provisions of the Forest Tree Planting Encouragement Act, 1871, the Act in amendment thereof, 1872, and the Otago Waste Lauds Act, 1872, have been complied with. ■ Mr. Hislop, Inspector of Schools, will hold an examination of teachers and pupils, and of persons desirous of being employed as such, at the Grammar School, Invercargill, on the 2Gth and 27th instant. Public pounds have been established at Myross Bush and near Wallacetown. Mr. Thos. Dyke is the keeper of the former, and Mr. Jacob Ott of the latter. .. Rich goldfields arc reported to have been discovered at a place called Thibert Creek, in British Columbia. We have no information of the precise locality, but it appears to be far in the interior, and in a severe climate. The men on the ground arc said to be making from one to three ounces per day. The discovery is attributable to the energetic action of the Government in opening up the country —they having, with, a view to leave no stone unturned to develop every portion of their vast dominions, constructed a track from the settled districts into

the wilderness in which this new goldfield is situated. The discovery followed immediately on the track becoming • traversable. ’•Here is a t valuable lessson for our progressive Government. There are immense areas of auriferous country in New Zealand, which, were they made accessible to the miners, would yield untold riches. Were the Longwood and the country in that direction properly opened up by the formation of passable tracks, discoveries of gold and other valuable metals would assuredly be made, and that very quickly. There are plenty of enterprising men ' ever ready to develop the resources of the country when opportunity offers. In a newcountry it is the duty of the Government to provide the required opportunity. Messrs. Nicholas Eros, have returned from Orepuki, and are now executing portraits in a superior style at their new studio, Palmerstonstrect.

Since last Suez mail nominations for 93 souls, equal to 75 statute adults, have been received by the local Immigration Agent, Mr. T. Daniel. We are informed, ■ on reliable authority, that the sawmillers will shortly raise the price of timber. The reasons for this step are the great demand, the scarcity of labour, and a -very natural desire on the part of the sawmillers to make hay while the sun shines.

Mr. Dews, the district engineer, is engaged in surveying new routes for the Riverton and Otautau and Riverton and Oreti lines of railway. The former strikes from the town up the eastern side of Jacob’s River, as far as Mr. Cumming’s, where it crosses the river; thence proceeding to Dr. Ilodgkinson’s, where it joins the previouslysurveyed line. The latter will be surveyed as far as practicable from Howell’s paddock in a direct line to a point in the Oreti line, about two miles above Wallacetown, passing close to Sutton Bros,, on the Oreti river.

We understand that Mr. M'G-illivray, M.H.R., intends to take an early opportunity of addressing Ins constituents, due notice of -which -will be given.

We have received Messrs. Mills, Dick, and Co.’s Otago Provincial Almanac and Directory for 1874, with which, by the way, is Rose’s Southland Almanac. It is a great improvement upon the previous year’s publication, and contains many new and valuable features. Altogether, it is a credit to the province. No farmer, miner, or colonist of any description should be without this almanac.

The annual distribution of prizes to the young ladies attending Mrs. M‘Don aid’s Riverton Seminary will take place on Friday, the 19th instant. The holidays, .-MiiiSfctfrilMast lohthrCe weeks, will then connucAi^/^l^hfJhbß:y ;■ Tub postal anxious to consult publlt-iflW^rffl*l#ffl^• spffielfmeia takes queer ways of pose. Now a steamer arrives at and departs from Riverton every week. An ordinary mortal would grasp at such chances of sending or receiving a mail. Not so the postal authorities ; they quietly look on, taking not the slightest notice of the arrival and departure of such steamers. It so happens that if advantage were token of' these steamers, letters would sometimes arrive at their destination two or three days earlier than if the overland mails were waited for. • This is a very important consideration to the community, and we hope the postal authorities will, after ’duly considering the subject, arrive at the conclusion that no great detriment to the service will result from transmitting H.M.’s mails per steamer whenever opportunity offers. Next week we shall be most happy to insert, free of chai’ge, a notice from the Chief Postmaster to the , effect that for the future mails will be made up 'hf at Riverton for Dunedin per Wallabi or Wauf ganui when those steamers take their departure from this port. ’ o. The usual fortnightly meeting of the Rivcrt<A§|& i Town Council was held on Tuesday, 2nd Decent;Ty'. her. Present —the Mayor, and Councillors luston%hrt Mills, and Murchie. The minutes of last meeting were read and confirmed, and a letter frohi..; Mr. Simpson, accepting the terms offered by the Council, was received. The bye-laws, as adrer?;. $ tised, were, upon the motion of Cr. Mills, gdcF, seconded by Cr. Instone,/adored, and orderly; to be again advertised in 7 Corporations Act, 18G7. jourued. • * - ■,