The Clutha Leader. BALCLUTHA : FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 1878.

Clutha Leader, Volume IV, Issue 191, 8 March 1878, Page 5

The Clutha Leader. BALCLUTHA : FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 1878.

It is gratifying- to find that the idea we think we were the first to throw out for public acceptance, of conferences on the part of members of country school committees with a view to securing 1 for these a fair representation upon the Education Board about to be elected has met with general approval. Already such conferences are being held, and we give in another column the result of these in the County of Bruce and Dunedin and surrounding districts. We also call attention to " Observer's " letter upon the subject in this issue. We are too well acquainted with tHe sentiments of members of school committees and the inhabitants generally of the County of Bruce to suppose for a moment that they ever intended to steal a march upon their neighbours, or that they have any desire to be more than fairly represented in the Education Board. We regret therefore to find the result of their conference is such as allows of an unfavourable interpretation being put upon it. We think the Bruce delegates have simply misunderstood the matter. The Education Board will number nine members, and we presume the Bruce Committees would be satisfied with one representative at the Board. Yet the delegates nominate three Tokomairiro gentlemen, and while they find one representative for the Clutha, one for Lawrence, one for Mount Ida, and two for the Taieri,| they only indicate Professor Shand for Dunedin and surrounding districts. Such a representation would manifestly be unfair both to Dunedin and other districts altogether left out in the cold. What Bruce should have done would have been to recommend one gentleman to be elected by the various committees within the County, and send his name to the Clutha, Lawrence, and other Counties, with a request for co-operation. These other Counties would no doubt have returned the compliment, and thus ah equitable representation of the Country committees would have been secured. . But Bruce having nominated three very good men for that County the other Counties will have to make a choice of these, and the consequence will in all likelihood be that none of them will be returned, We are glad, however, to be given to understand that the Bruce selection is not regarded as a final one, and that in the meantime Messrs Clark and Brown have been appointed a subcommittee to attend the Clutha conference. We have no . doubt therefore that upon explanations being made such an arrangement will be arrived at as will secure the object in view. „ ,», „ :

The deferred payment system of settlement is a matter in which a large number of our readers are deeply interested. The question of the price at which deferred payment lands are open is one that is intimately connected with the prosperity of the system. We are aware that there is a difference of opinion as to the price under the law as it at present stands. We have looked into the matter, and we are sorry to say that in our opinion the Acts of last session seem to have raised the price of deferred payment land from 30s to £3 per acre. The price of deferred payment land is nowhere stated in so many words in either of the Act 9. of last session referring to land. The reason of this is that the price of land differs in the different provinces. It was considered that a fair price for the. land, under deferred payment would be the price for cash, whatever that might be in any particular place, and one-half added This accounts for the peculiar way in which the section of the Act. relating to the price is worded, j The'section referred to, viz., the 58th, 'runs thus :*— ?* Tri. anvlaiicl district the priceper acre tb; be paid for * land % taken ; uplby any selector shall r be-^where sland?is 7ppen for ; selection ; and sale for cash, ; then such cash^price and one- half the/eof 4 Ay. y yy^y£^yyyAAM&y4Ay^

added thereto; or, where land is required to be put up to auction, then the highest price bid for the land at such auction; and the land in such cases is to be put up to auction at the upset price and one-half thereof added thereto?' The question , is— what is the price of land " open \ for selection and sale for cash" in Otago? For an answer, we turn first of all to Appendix H, section 3, of the Land Act. This section runs thus : — " The price at which rural iands shall be offered for sale shall be twenty, shillings per acre ; ahd, in the eventutff two or more applications for the same land being* made on the same day, the upset price at which such land shall be put up at auction shall be twenty shillings per acre." If there was no other Act bearing on the question of the price of rural land, then this section would fix the price of deferred payment land at 30s per acre. We cannot forget, however, that a Bill was introduced into Parliament for the express purpose of regulating the price of land. This Bill became law under the name of the Crown Lauds Sale Act. The 4th section of this Act runs thus :- — " From and after the coming into operation of this Act, and until further provision is made for ' the classification of^ Crown lands by the General Assembly, all Crown lands shall be sold in accordance with the law in force in the land district where such lands are situated, but not in any case at a less price than two pounds per acre, if by free selection." Now the question is — which of these sections regulate the price of land? Are the sections refered to inconsistent with each obher, or is the one simply more comprehensive than the other ? We cannot say that the sections are inconsistent with each other, but unquestionably the one is much more comprehensive than the other. The two pounds fixed by the 4th section of the Crown Lands Sale Act embrace*-! the twenty shillings fixed by the 3rd section of Appendix H of the Land Act, but the 20s do not embrace the two pounds. The two pounds, however, are fixed only for lands sold " by free selection." The meaning of these words has an important bearing* on the question. Strictly speaking, we have no free selection in Otago. We cannot here, as in Canterbury, select land anywhere we please. Unfortunately, however, free selection is defined in the Act. In the 3rd section we read that " free selection means any purchase of Crown lands in any land district not at public auction." Were it not for this interpretation clause we should say that it was only in those provincial districts wheie free selection prevails that the price of land was two pounds per acre. But this interpretation clause seems to mean that the price of all land is to be two pounds per acre except such as is sold by auction. It would therefore appear tbat the price of land "open for selection and sale tor cash " in Otago is two pounds per acre. If we are correct in our interpretation, it follows that the price of deferred payment land is now three pounds per acre.

We sincerely trust that we are wrong in the meaning we take out of the Acts. If the deferred payment land is raised to L 3 per acre, it is very evident that little or no settlement of the kind can go on until the law is altered. L 3 per acre means an annual rental of 6s per acre, or in the case ol a 200 acre section an annual payment of L6O. There may be choice spots that would bring this price, but in regard to the great bulk of the land now open it is a price that no settler can pay. We are quite aware that the Crown Lands Sales Bill was not intended to apply to the deferred payment land. The 4th section had this proviso — " Provided that this section shall not apply to waste lands sold or disposed of on deferred or other periodical payments or by agricultural leases." This proviso, however, somehow or other dropped out of the Bill in its progress through Parliament. As it was not the intention of the Government, when they introduced the Bill, to raise the price of the deferred payment land, we would fain hope that"it has been raised simply by mistake, and that one of the first Acts of the legislature will be to reinstate this land in its position Unless this is done, the deferred payment system will be little less than a name.

We may remark before \ye conclude that the 332-d clause of the Act provides that when the Land Board arejn doubt on a question of law they may refer such question :. to . a judge of the Supreme Court. We understand that the Land Board have referred to Mr Justice Williams? the question of the price of deferred payment land, and that he has given it as his opinion that the price is L 3 per acre. The section referred also provides that when the Board takes the opinion of the judge on any point "they shall be guided by such opinion." The Land Board ot Otago, therefore, have no option in the matter of 'price. If they open up land at ali on tlie.deferred payment system the price must be L 3 per acre.

We haye to call attention to a meeting to bo held , in the Crown Hotel here' on Monday evening when all those interested in coursing, shooting, fishing, andother field sports, are requested to attend. We have to Call attention to additional certificates to Professor Stanich's success 'as an aurist which will be found in this issue. Our readers will notice that the intended sale of bricks at Kaitangata, advertised by Mr Capstick for Monday last has been postponed to Monday next, th 9 llth inst. We understand Mr Christie, teacher, Hillend is at present attending the Normal School, he having taken advantage of tbe holidays to have a few week's training at that institution. The holidays at the Herriot School commenced on the Ist inst., and will continue for a month. The parents are very highly satisfied with tbe progress the children have made during the past year under Mr Murray's tuition. There were 43 children at the school, at the close of the season. We observe from our report of the meeting of Bruce County Council Mr Nelson reports having had men employed gathering loose stones from off the roads. Perhaps Mr Nelson might oblige us by sending his men for a few days to manipulate the main street of Balclutha in a similar manner. "We know his obliging disposition or else we would not have ventured to make the suggestion. Harvest operations are now being pushed forward with all haste in the Herriot district, and it is expected that the reaping will be finished during the {present month. The crops are ripenine so fast that it is feared the reapers now in the district, will be unable to undertake them in time. The grain crops are all good, but much of the potato crop has has been destroyed by frost, especially that upon the lowest ground. Captain Hayward, Harbour - master, Catlins river station, reports under date March 1, 1878 :— The number of vessels ' arrived during the-pasfc month, were 12 equal to 430 tons register, and 22 sailed equal to 575 tons register, 18 loaded for Dunedin, 1 for the Molyneux, 1 for Waikouaiti, and one for Lyttleton. 14 loaded at the New Mill and Bat the Owake Mill. The Harriet (the only vessel in port) is at the Owake Mill loading. Notwithstanding the multifarious duties laid upon the Bruce County Clerk, we notice that that gentleman manages to find time oo casionally to do a little quiet fishing. A few days ago he secured in the Lovells creek a fine trout, measuring 21 inches in length and weighing four pounds. In its stomach he found another small trout, measuring seven inches in length. We have no doubt there will soon be excellent fishing in Lovells creek as well as in nmny of the creeks and streams throughout the Clntha district. Harvest operations are being vigorously pushed on at Clydevale statioD, and the reaping of the whole of the standing crop is now fast approaching completion; Threshing out of the stook has also been carried on simultaneously with the; cutting. Two of Messrs Oregan and Strachan's steam threshers have been busily employed at this work for some time back, and the quantity of grain they have already put through amounts to close on twenty thousand busbsls. The crop which consists principally of wheat is a fine sample, and is intended we believe to be at once shipped for the Home market. Mr Carew held an Assessment Court for the Matau Road district, at Stirling hotel on Wednesday afternoon, when a good many objections were dealt' with, but none of any public interest. We would point out for the benefit of other road boards and individuals interested in Assessment Courts yet to be held throughout the district, that particular care should be taken to send a formal notice of objection to the Assessment Court and a copy to the Board or any party affected by the objection. These notices should be served personally or at the last known place of residence. Posting such copies of notices is informal. A telegram from Wellington says : — The captain of the s.s. Taupo reports to the police -that Mr Alexander Reid, the well-known journalist, came on board at Lyttelton, paying his passage for Auckland on board. He was last seen about half-past 10 o'clock on Tuesday night, when off Kaikoura, but was afterwards missed. The ship was searched for him, but he could not be found. It appears that the night was dark and misty, with a nasty cross sea running, and as the steamer was pitching a great deal, it is supposed a sudden lurch caused Mr Reid to lose his balance and tumble overboard. Both the evening papers in the obituary notices of deceased, express deep regret at his. death. Mr Reid was for a number of years upon the staff of the Daily Times, and we are sure many old acquaintances in Dunedin, Port Chalmers, etc., will much regret the sad event. A destructive fire occurred in Milton a little before? 4 o!clock on Sabbath morn.Dg. It was first discovered ih Mr Nutsford's workshop in rear of his watchmaker's shop. The alarm was once given and the bell of; the Presbyterian Church having been rung, many willing hands were soon at the scene of action? .The lire had, however, got a good hold and in the absence of all fire-extinguishing appliances, it was found impossible to save the premises of Messrs Nuts*ford, J. A. Duthie, auctioneer, and .Mr King, tinsmith, and these were speedily consumed.. Those of Mr Taylor painter, and Mr Stewart draper, had a very narrow escape and were only saved by the greatest exertion. The goods frbm these . were all removed and will no doubt be more or less damaged. Mr Nutsford^s premises including Mr Duthie's office was insured for £300, his stock-in-trade for £350, and shop fittings for £100. Mr Duthie'er officfc furniture was insured for £50* and Mr King's property was also insured. His stock and furniture were not insured. . Both he and Mr.Duthie lost everything including their books etcv. Mr Ntttsford had a safe which stood well the severe test to which it was subjected, but unfortunately it contained nothing of value, the books etc., not having been placed in it. Mr Ntttsford had „lefc his shop about 10 o'clock -on Saturday- .. night leaving , everything right. He had had a fire in the stove that night and the only7way he accounts ior -the ; fire waa that the charcoal used in' his ' might haVe been alight when he j> t ut it away?*Ari (inquest vp'as- held •> by Mr Carew; and -'ar 'jury } 6r_ jjyhen the^ary^ after 'retirihg^returned ia yei-dict ''Th*t they ;#ere^ of opinion^ vw_w : n;6?eHdence7^^ and ' that : they .did ; not .attach ?auy) ;siwpicion 7tb C*njphe;M:*':.^

( M«M-Mi->«-«_Mhri-M-«_»M-W_^^ Mr John Hollick of Milton, has got the i contract for the erection of the new Colonial Bank i here and we understand the work will be com- , menced at once. We hear Mr Hollick is also the successful tenderer for the Warepa Station on . the main southern trunk line of railway. t We regret to learn that yesterday afternoon the wheels of a coal truck run over the left arm above the elbow of a boy 3$ years of age, son of Mr Shore, Kaitangata. Dr Smith was . sent for, and found amputation necessary. The operation was successfully performed by him, assisted by Dr Marks. J We regret that the trial of Osborne's reaper and binder wliich was to hwe taken place at the Crescent yesterday was unavoidably postponed. NodouVit a good many of the settlers in the surrounding district have been disappointed, but it really could not be avoided. The 1 trial will now definitely take place to-morrow at ■ the same place at noon. : It was arranged, says a Wellington tele--1 gram, that Mr Larnach should resign his port--1 folio and seat before leaving Auckland by the mail steamer. It is assumed that his resignation ' of his portfolio has been posted. His resignation of his seat in the House he placed in the bands ! of a friend, who will exercise his discretion as to when it shall be sent to . the Speaker. It is understood that Mr C. S. Reeves, Dunedin, will i contest Mr Larnach's seat in the Ministerial interest. It will be gratifying to all interested in the Stoney Creek school, as well as those who assisted at the late soiree, to know that, the proceeds of that, entertainment amounted to the sum of Ll9. The Committee is now placed in a position to have all necessary repairs executed iv connection with the school buildings, which have been sadly neglected of late. They will also be able to lay out a play-ground, erect swings, etc., for the children. We are pleased to hear from all quarters that the present teacher, Mr Christie, is giving great satisfaction to both children and parents ; and it is now hoped that this school will ba placed upon a permanent and efficient footing. We may mention that as the accommodation at the annual soiree has always been found quite in- j adequate to -the demands upon it) the Committee intend considerably to enlarge the building before next entertainment. A Kaitangata correspondent writes : — We bave a library here, which has been in ex* istence for the last four or five years, and which ■has been taken advantage of by a good many readers. But a fe.iv of them are beginning to make complaints about the scarcity of new books, and the way in which the library is managed. The rules provide that a new Committee should be elected every year. Now to my certain knowledge there has never been a meeting of subscribers held, or a new Committee elected since it started, and as some of the present Committee uever go near the library or take out a book to read, it would only be right if they would resign, and give place to others who would take more interest in it. I would suggest calling a meeting of subscribers to take into consideration the best way of keeping up the supply of books. Another matter to which I wish to draw attention is this : During the building of the church here the building Committee got the present of a bell, and at the opening of the church we were told that it would be hung up immediately ; but it is now four months and a half since then, and there is no appearance of it being hung yet. I consider that the Committee are to blame in the matter. The new river steamer, the lona, built by Messrs James Davidson and Co., Dunedin, arrived here yesterday afternoon. The lona is an iron steamer, 126 feet long, 28 feet wide, and with a 4ft 6in hold. She has eight watertight compartments, so that in the event of being pierced by a snag it can only break a plate, without sinking or doing much harm to the steamer, j She left Port Chalmers on Wednesday morning* and steamed round. During a part of the trip a ' strong gale was blowing with a heavy sea, but the steamer behaved admirably. TTpon entering the surf at the bar at the entrance to the river | the steering gear got foul, and the steamer being left for the time being to her own free will and j that of the wind and waves, went aground on the bar, where she remained for about 20 minutes, but was got off all right. She then steamed for Kaitangata, where she remained for the night. Upon her arrival here yesterday afternoon a con. siderable crowd went to the bridge to inspect her and to welcome her captain back to resume the traffic on the river. After duly examining the steamer, his "Worship the Mayor and a number of the leading citizens adjourned to the Newmarket Hotel, where an extensive champagne order was speedily executed. His Worship proposed the healths of Mr Davidson and Captain M'Kinnon, and in doing so expressed his own gratification and that of the inhabitants of Balclutha at seeing such a handsome and suitable steamer placed upon the river. Mr Davidson and the Captain having briefly returned thanks, the meeting separated. Some fitting up has yet to be done to the lona, but we understand she will be in a condition to commence work on Monday first, when she will proceed to Clydevale foe grain. We need not say that we regard the lona as an important acquisition to the Balclutha traffic, and trust she will for many years safely and successfully navigate the Clutha river. For several days past a Committee of the Borough Council have been watching the . progress of the Ministerial party with a view to he Eremier receiving a suitable reception on his .passing through Balclutha. tt Was expected the party would spend several' days in Southland, and the few who were aware of the fact were surprised to find Mr Macandrew,'accompanied by Captain Iraser, Mr and Mrs Gisborne, and others, arrived at the" Crown Hotel here about half-past 7 o*clock on "Wednesday evening. Mr Macandrew explained that being . obliged to, hasten to Wellington he had. left Sir. George, Grey at Riyerton thatmorning. Mr Macandrew i- and Captain "Eraser at once proceeded to Dunedin ; by special train. Mr and Mrs Gisborne remained , oyer night, and after taking a drive through, the \ township and to Hillend, so as to get a good View of the*Cltttha district; left ! by the mid-day train. At mid**day -yesterday Mr'M'Neil, timybr, received a telegram from Sir Geoi-ge 1 Grey frbm ; ' Invercargill, saying 1 that he would arrive at 'Bal** i olutha about noon *- to-day, ■ and^Woujd leaye;f ar?. i- Dunedia at^l.3o.^7Mr McNeil 7rtpli^;th^ i addresß.*would ; be presented?: tb7'iira ./by? the r Borough Council, and a quiet lttneheon7wbidd,beJ; : 'provided.' 7such ; theja{are, the^afrangemenj^7fpri 7 >'" nas'done and suffered|for*t^ 7 important rpositi6n s he.np^ > ddttbt:^ f;y_^|£-hli^