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Clutha Leader, Volume IV, Issue 169, 5 October 1877, Page 5

Tire subscribers to the Kaitangata drainage scheme are reminded of the meeting today at 1 o'clock.

It will be observed that the opening of the Kaitangata new church will take place on Sabbath, the Uth inst., when Professor Salmond will officiate forenoon and evening.

We regret to learn that Mr Templeton's house, Wairuna, was burned down tho other day. Besides the. building, Mr Templeton sustained a heavy loss by the destruction of valuable seeds, young trees, &c. We believe the building was partially insured.

Mr George Stanbrook, Milton, met with a slight accident on Saturday afternoon. When out* shooting with a breech-loader the breech burst, splintering in pieces the -stock of the gun, and sending pieces of the lock and barrel in all directions. Fortunately Mr Stanbrook was only slightly scratched on the head. The supposed cause of the accident was the weapon being loaded with a tight-fitting wire cartridge.

The work of planting avenues of trees in Charlotte and Lanark-streets, some time ago resolved upon by tho Town Council, was -completed yesterday. Of course it will be a few years before the effect of the trees can be -seen, but we have no doubt as to what will be the verdict of the inhabitants then. *We believe the most sceptical will be fully convinced as to the benefit of the trees' and the prudence of the step adopted by the Council.

Tiie annual walking show of entires in connection with the Clutha Agricultural and Pastoral Association, will be held here to-morrow. We understand some .fine animals are -expected to be brought forward. It will be observed that entries have to be -made with the Secretary between 12 and 1 o'clock at the Crown Hotel. A meeting of Committee will be held at 2 o'clock to make necessary arrangements for the annual Show, to be held on the 20th November.

The settlers in the Heriot district have bad very fine weather for their spring work, and the seed is being got in with all haste. The wheat crops are looking exceedingly well. The wheat harvest in the district will be a large one this season, and a flour mill will be much wanted. Swift Creek, at the crossing, would be a very -central site for a mill. Tt is to bo hoped some enterprising individual will supply the industry, which there can be no doubt would prove amply

remunerative.

We have observed large grass fires throughout the country of lato, some, in the Puerua district. There seemsjo be an impression prevalent that anyone is at liberty to set fire to unoccupied lands. Such is not the case, snd parties should be a little more careful in this respect. We! understand that by these fires some valuable bush has beon destroyed, and no doubt many pheasants' eggs have been roasted. It is much to be desired that some means were provided for preventing wholesale fire-raising at this season of the year.

The Committee of the Horticultua'l Society met in the Farmers" 5 Arms Hotel here on Monday evening. There wore present : Messrs Cramond (in the chair), Hogg, A. Grigor, Hope, * M'G-rigo-r, Sutherland, and Ha 'chins. After the minutes of the previous meeting had "been read -and confirmed, the Committee appointed at last meeting submitted rules and regulations of the Society, and prize list for the forthcoming show. The same were considered, passed, and ordered to be published. There was no other business. Tiie prize list and regulations of the show will he found in another column.

The Horiot School Committee met on the 24th ult. There were present— Messrs Wilkinson, Kerr, Loraas, "Barclay, Robertson, M'Canß, and M'Kay (Secretary). After tbe confirmation of the minutes, a letter was read from Mr Hislop, Secretary to the Education Board, in reply to one from the Committee, expressing his fear that it would be difficult to obtain funds to fence in the school, etc;, and enquiring as to ■cost. The Secretary was instructed to report that the cost of fencing would be about L 45, sundry other items required L 6. A number of accounts were passed for payment, and ■ after some routine work' the meeting then adjourned.

It will be seen from our advertising columns that Mr "W. H. Mathieson has taken •over from Ironside and Paterson, the blacksmith •and wheelwright business, formerly carried on by them liere. We may mention that Mr Mathieson comes very highly recommended, "he having acted for a number of years as manager ofthe largest veterinary and horse showing establishment in Dunedin. Since then he baa practised veterinary for four years in the North Island, and took the first prize and medal for horse shoeing at the Tarar,a"ki Agricultural Society's show last year. Such qualifications will no doubt "be appreciated and fully taken advantage of in the Clutha. < Mr Mathieson has now settled permanently amongst us, and we believe he will meet with every 'encouragement and prosperity.

It is generally supposed that some of the four Banks at Balclutha are not blessed with a superabundance of business, and that consequently the respective managers are as ready to rush after a new account' as a trout at a fly*. Presuming upon this, the Port Molyneux Road Board reiently resolved to call fot- tenders for tbe Bauk account, from the report of the Board's meeting in another -column, it. will be seen that the self -respect of our local Bank managers has come to their aid, and that they have given a unanimous refusal to tender. We cannot help thinking that in thus acting they; have done wisely, and that in -consequence their respective institutions will rise in the estimation of the public. In one sense we are sorry at the failure of the Road Board's application, as had it been successful, we' meditated follow ing the same example and calling for tenders for the account of tho Clutha Leader Company, Why not ?

The new drill instructor commenced business with the Tokomairiro school cadets on Friday last.

We have., been requested to direct the attention of builders, carpenters, and others to the advertisement -of Messrs Andrew, Dickson, and Co. in another column.

A very large number of settlers from the Taieri and other districts passed through here in the beginning of the week, to attend the Mataura land sale yesterday.

Mr Lees has again opened the Bruce Coal Company's mine. Carters can now take a load of 30cwt., and go twice daily. We have no doubt there will be -a large demand now that the road is getting into good order.

The house belonging to Mr Thomas, Popotunoa Gorge, was burned down on Saturday last. An inquest was beld by Dr Smith, coroner, and a jury on Tuesday, when an open verdict was returned. W-e understand the building was insured for L4OO.

With reference to the paragraph which appeared in last issue mentioning the scarcity of timber in Balclutha for some time past, we are informed tbat there haa always been an abundant supply at the mill here to meet all demands. Tt seems strange, therefore, that the coinplamts, which were so general and so much commented upon, should have existed.

The local Good Templar lodge having been opened to the public last Friday night, the hall was crowded, there being scarcely even standing room for all who attended. There was abundance of music, both vncal and instrumental, and the readings were excellent. A ltogether the entertainment was a very good one, better than many we have attended where the entrance fee was considerable.

At the meeting of the County Council on Saturday last, Captain Mackenzie mentioned that the ratepayers in his district were about to establish a Hoad Board, which lie expected would be accomplished before next meeting. Better late than never. Settlers will find these relic s of Provincialism far more serviceable than anything that has yet emanated from the central lerislature at Wellington.

'The Heriot Progress Committee met on the 24th ult., when a discussion took place as to the impassable state of the roads, and the urgent necessity of some steps being taken to place them in a position fit for traffic. Ultimately the Chairman was requested to write to the Tuapeka County Council, preferring fee very modest request to send two surface men to repair tho road from the top of the Big Hill to Swift Creek via Dunrobin, and from Dunrobin to Mr Kitchen's. It is to be hoped that the request wiii be at once granted.

A. party of horsemen, all apparently under the influence of drink, left Balclutha on Sunday afternoon for Kaitangata. Upon crossing the bridge racing speed was assumed. The onlookers believed the race, so far as some of the -riders were concerned, would be a short one, and so it proved. 1 n galloping along ff asborough road, one lost his balance and fell heavily to tho ground. He was picked up insensible by some gentlemen passing with a buggy, and brought back to Balclutha. Upon an examination by Dr Smith it was found he had sustained but little

injury.

An effort should certainly be made before the advent of another winter to place the main road to Catlins River in a passable state. Owing to the increased traffic, it has, daring the past winter, been in a more than usually deplorable condition, which can scarcely be realised by describing it as a confined, tortuous quagmire,

with here and there deep holes, in which the density of the sludge, mixed as it is with the debris of waggons, drays, &c, alone prevents the traveller, be he equestrian or pedestrian, becoming, as Mr Mantiliui expresses it, a *' nasty, slimy

corpse.^'

The Athenceum Committee met on Monday evening. There were present : Messrs Turnbull (in the chair), Cramond, Hogg, Cossens, Nelson, A. Grigor, and Fleming, The minutes ef previous meetiug were confirmed. The Secretary reported that circulars had been sent to the various newspapers throughout the Colony soliciting free copies. "Favourable replies had been received from a number, while a few replied thab they -could not afford to comply with the request. The Secretary was instructed to remit fil uo -the home agents for papers and periodicals. After some routine business, the meeting adjourned.

Capt. Huyward, harbourmaster, -Catlins River, reports under date October 1, 1877 : —The number of vessels arrived during the past month were twelve, equal to 491. t0ns register, and nineteen sailed, -equal to '687 tons register. Eleven loaded at the Big Mill, and eight at the Owake Mill. Ten sailed for Duned-in, one for Waikouaiti, two for Moeraki, with material for lighthouse, one for Oamaru, two for Timaru, and three for Lyttelton. The Edith Jieid is at the mouth of the Tiver waiting a chance to get out. The Jane Hannah and Janet Ramsay are at the Big Mill, and fche Harriet and Anna at the Owa"ke Mill loading.

Captain McKinnon and his crew were engaged last week removing snags from the river, at Begg-"3 Station, the spot where the navigation has *hlways been most obstructed. During the week 14 snags were gob out, the smallest being over 40ft. long, the others ranging irom 50ft. to 94-f t. As a specimen of their size, we may mention that one was 7ft. in circumference at the thickest part ; at 43ft. from the butt it was 4ffc.*, and at 94ft., 2ft. in girth. Such a tree deeply embedded in the gravel will give some idea of the arduous nature -of the work of removal. Both the man and the appliances, however, are equal to the work, and it is expected a fine clear channel will be opened up at the spot referred to this week.

Apropos to Captain Mackenzie's suggestion as to the design for the seal of the Glutha County Counoil, is the following by the Auckland correspondent of tho Daily Times:— "The County of Eden is remarkable 'chiefly for the seal which it obtained, but had no opportunity of using during its brief career. I daresay 3 r our readers have heard of this seal. The device was, Eve eating the apple. Eve was -so like a mermaid, the apple was so like a grape vine, and the wholo tvas made so incongruous by a mixture of modern ploughs, Leicester sheep, and o'th»r anachronisms, that great fun was made over the seal at the time. • The -seal, in fact, helped largely to kill the Council, and to have it * hung up . as the phrase went here." Captain Mackenzie:** would not object to the hanging up principle being applied to the Land Tax, -notwithstanding -that he glories in genuine bun'nya and -Scotch thiatles.

Ploughing and sowing are still the -order of the day in the Ahuriri and Owake districts, progress having been seriously retarded by the late unsettled weather. Iv both of these districts largo tracts of virgin land have this year been brought under the plough, and farmers are looking forward with hope to tbe approaching time when the steam horse, fed with locallyproduced fuel, will bo rushiug through their midst. '

It is not generally known that the Rev. Mr Can* has, since the commencement of tho railway works here, conducted divine services at Inverteil every Sunday at 3 p.m. These aro well attended by the workmen, but it is a pity a few more residents do not countenance the proceedings by their . presence. Mr Thomson deserves credit for kindly giving the use of his barn, and Mi* Carr certainly deserves credit for his exertions on behalf of the railway workmen.

In the Waka Maori debate in the Assembly, Mr Murray asserted that Mr Russell had been willing to accept an apology and £200 to a charity, but Ministers preferred bringing the power of the Government to bear to crash a personal and political opponent, and the result was the country had to pay £6000. Ministers positively contradicted this, but when reaffirmed by Mr Wood, who also offered to produce proof, at a subsequent stage of the debate, Ministers did not venture to deny it. It turns out that notwithstanding the denial -of Ministers, such tin offer was made by Messrs Izard and Bell, solicitors for the Hon. Mr Russell, and the offer was declined by the Government.

Our LoAver Mataura correspondent sends the following items :— The favourable weather now prevailing has -enabled thoso who were late in sowing to follow up not so far behind after all. The lambing being now dn full swing the.-c is every prospect of a large percentage if the weather continue for a week or two is at present. —Of thirteen larks liberated by tho Acclimatisation Society in the neighbourhood of Wyndham, one or two of them have been seen, and the pleasure enjoyed of seeing one at least, and hearing his " wild lay far in the downy clouds'—An Assembly, or more properly a Dancing Club, which has received some patronage in Wyndham during the winter months, is now about to wind up with a ball. There is also a talk of a Cricketers' ball, but where the cricketers hail from no oue seems to know. — I understand the soiree and ball in connection with the Mokareta School will shortly be held.

An accident, which narrowly escaped serious consequences, occurred to Mr Macandrew, teacher, Catlins lliver, on Monday last. He had that morning purchased a quiet (!) horse, from a neighbour, and was proceeding to utilise it for the conveyance of firewood, when, for some reason which will probably .remain for ever shrouded in mystery, the docile animal turned sharply around, thereby causing Mr Macandrew to "bite the dust," when it immediately proceeded, after the manner of the Lancashire colliers, to kick him for falling, Having satisfied its -semi-human proclivities in this direction, it proceeded by a short cut over fences and ditches to its late stable. Meanwhile a kind Samaritan, who, from a short distance, witnessed the occurrence, hastened to the assistance of the prostrate dominie, who, although the recipient of several kicks, is, we are happy to say, not Beriously hurt. Our informant states when last he saw the victimised pedagogue he was pensively meditating on that old yet sage aphorism " know-ledge-is power," and has concluded either to part with his lately acquired Pegasus, or study somo standard work on the equine species.

Were it not for the presence of such humourists as Captain Al'Kenzie in Oouuty Councils the proceedings would often prove very dull and monotonous. The tedium of -the Olutha County Council meetings are frequently relieved by the rough and ready suggestions of the gallant gentleman. For example, when the matter of the County seal was brought up at the meeting on Saturday last, the Captain vigorously ransacked his pockets, and after searching them for some time said that he had with great care and industry prepared a design, •but unfortunately had left it at home. He explained that it was a Scotch thistle with two -rabbits nibbling at it, the motto being **' Laud Tax.*" It is said tbe Captain has a .peculiar fancy for rabbits and Scotch thistles. On another occasion during the same meeting, a [member of Council ventured to express an opinion somewhat different to what Ikul been given by the Captain, when that gentleman at once said, " I'll stake L2O on my opinio ; will you back yours ?" Suiting the action to the werd ho put his hand in his pocket as if to drag forth the not*?, but whether it was owing to the hesitancy of his opponent or the absence -of the ready -cash, the money was not Forthcoming.