The Clutha Leader. BALCLUTHA : FRIDAY, APRIL 12, 1878.

Clutha Leader, Volume V, Issue 196, 12 April 1878, Page 5

The Clutha Leader. BALCLUTHA : FRIDAY, APRIL 12, 1878.

Our leading article, being in continuation upon the alterations made upon the land laws during last session of Assembly, is this week crowded out. Some reports and local matter have shared the same fate. We notice that Mr Hollick has made a commencement with the erection of the new Colonial Bank here. It is announced elsewhere that the Eev. R. L. Stamford will officiate in St. Mark's Church here forenoon and evening on Sabbath first. In last week's issue Messrs Maclean Brothers sale on account of Mr Harray was advertised for Tuesday the 25";h inst. This should have read Thursday the 25th instant. At Mr Capstick's sale of the property of the late Mr Thomas Lewis, Royal Oak, Tokomairiro, held on Tuesday last, the land, including the houses, was sold at £17 per acre, aud the other effects brought good prices. Mr and Mrs M'Kellar issued numerous cards of invitation in and around Tapanui to a "harvest home" entertainment, which was to be given at Brooksdale Station last evening. At the Resident Magistrate's Court held at Tapanui on the 6ih inst., a temporary transfer of the license of the Waipahi Hotel from Mr Sutherland to Mr Angus Ross was allowed until the sitting of the Licensius Court in July "next. The Contractors for the permanent way on the railroad from Clinton to Clutha, commenced laying the rails on 2nd April at the Clinton end, but the progress is slow as so few bauds are employed. A want that has long been felt in the district is about to be supplied by the erection of a bridge across the Pomahaka on the road Waiwera to Clydevale. The bridge is to be a substantial structure, and as Mr J. M, Watson is the contractor there cm be no doubt tbo contract will be faithfully and energetically carried out. The Station-master at Clinton is still kept out of his house by the Resident Engineer, and we also hear that his allowance for rent has been stopped. How the Government expect him to keep up an establishment for bis family at Invercargill, while he resides at an expensive Hotel in Clinton, on his meagre salary, we cannot guess. We certainly think Mr Pope is being treated very uufairly. The Illustrated New Zealand Herald for April contains sketches of the Suva harbour, Fiji — natives diving for silver • the harbour and town of Portland, Victoria; a portrait of the i late Pope Pius IX. ; the drought in Victoria — sheep at Dry Creek ; the intercolonial boat raceVictoria v. New South Wales ; the Theatre Royal, Adelaide ; and incidents of the Victorian crisis. The sketches are well executed, and the accompanying explanations and other reading matter well selected. Mr Pobert Melrose with his new threshing mill and steam engine has been busy in the Waipahi district lately, whenever the weather would permit. The sample of oats is very good, but the yield much below last years average, in consequence of the crops having suffered so severely from the late violent gales. A ready market is found for the oats at 3s 2d, The new mill is giving great satisfaction. The stormy weather has greatly retarded the ripening of tho crops this year, and there is still a considerable area not cut ; and some of the crops that have been cut ripened very unevenly and patchy. The turnips and potatoes are turning out very well. A coursing rnatch not generally included in a programme took place here on Sunday afternoon. It appears that sometime ago some six or eight grey hounds were sent to Balclutha to be kept till ftie coursing season. The keeper had taken them out to exercise in Mr Davidson's paddock, and in an adjoining field Mr Tosh's ewes and lambs were depasturing. In the absence of hares the dogs determined upon having a little exercise with the sheep, and before the keeper was aware of their little game, went at them with a savageness which was believed did not belong to the grey hound nature. Mr Tosh, who was at home, happened to be looking in the direction, and on seeing the style of sport pursued at once hasteued to the assistance of the sheep. The plan of attack by the dogs was to bound to a sheep, seize it by the back of the head, throw it down and commence worrying. No sooner was a sheep down than Mr Tosh or the keeper ran to the rescue. Upon their approach tbe dog let go his hold, and seized another victim. This game was kept up with great spirit for nearly half an hour, when the vicious brutes were got beat off. Although a number of sheep were rather roughly used, all managed to getaway alive, and we .are not aware' o the damage sustained. - ,---'-

Councillor James Smith has given notice that at next meeting of the Biuce County Council he will move that Clarksville Station con. tinue as at present the terminus of the Lawrence line.

Messrs Cowie, Nelson, and Hewitson

have made the largest bag wa have heard failing to the share of any sportsmen in this quarter this season. During three days ab the Mataura they secured 70 ducks, 200 rabbits, 123 swamp hens, and one boar. .

The residence for the Station-master at Waipahi will now soon be finished. This will be a great comfort to Mr Cameron who has long been severed from his family and had to turn his office to all uses like the cobbler in the old soDg whose "stall served him for parlour, kitchen and all."

We have received a map of Blocks IX. , X., and XL, Warepa district, now surveyed and shortly to be opened for sale on deferred-pay-ments and otherwise. The map cau be seen at our office by intending purchasers and others interested, and we may mention that copies have been sent ou sale to the police camp here.

Capt. Hayward, Catlins River .reports : — The number of arrivals for the past month was 20, equal to 717 tons register; and 15 sailed equal to 513, tons register. Of the vessels that sailed three were sent to the Molyneux, six to Dunedin, three to Waikouaiti, one to Moeraki, and two to Timaru. Seven loaded at the ".New Mill," and eight at the Owake mill.

Professor Stanich notifies in another column that he purposes leaving for luvercargill on Monday, where he will make a short stay ; he will then return via Gore, Balclutha, and Lawrence. The date of his arrival and duration of his stay in each of these townships will be duly notified, when no doubt all those who are afflicted with auriculai complaints will avail themselves of the opportunity of this justly celebrated Professor's proximity, to pay him a visit.

An advertisement in another column by Mr Mason, for a cow ia full milk, was printed off before its insertion in this issue was countermanded. Mr Mason asks us to explain that such was the effect of the first insertion* of the advertisment that one of his own cows calved within an hour after his paper was delivered. Besides, he has had offers of dozens of cows every clay ever since. He intends to have his next advertisement placed in some out of the way corner of the paper, so as to mitigate the effect.

Mi* Logan, Telegraph Inspector, passed through here the other day on his way to Catlins River in order to get a start made with having a line of telegraph laid down to the port. The line will be taken from Kaitangata across Inch Clutha, past Port Molyneux, and along the beach to Kororu creek, thence along said creek to Ahuriri, from which it will follow the main road to Catlins. Thus a small instalment of the favours promised to tlie district will soon be received. But what of the remainder— the blasting of the rocks, the jetty, road formation, etc.?

On Monday last the pupils attending Warepa Public School presented Mr Robert Ayson with a concertina, etc., in appreciation of his kindness in teaching them vocal music. Mr Waddell, ih making the presentation, said that the instrument was the best that could be got in Dunedin, aud that ho knew of no one who deserved so well some public recognition of his services because the credit which Warepa got for its'' musical talent was due largely if not entirely to the untiring and unremunerated labours of Mr Ayson. Mr Ayson briefly thanked the children and retired amid deafeaning cheers.

The Warepa School Committee met on the Bth inst. Present : the Chairman Messrs Cooper, Christie, and the Cleric. Minutes of former meeting read and confirmed. It was moved by Mr Christie, and seconded hy Mr Cooper, and after a discussion, carried— "That the front of the plny-shud bo closed up, the ono half (15 feet) lobe with fixed work, the other half (15 feet) to be with doers nnde to slide in a groove on rollers." It was also moved, seconded and carried, — " That the Chairman and Mr Christie be appointed a sub-committee to have the same carried out." It was agreed to hold a soiree in connection with the school, and Messrs Milligan, Cooper, and Christie were appointed to arrange the same.

It is now some time since the Borough Council applied for certain reserves, and amongst others the blocks of laud at the end of Renfrew and Lanark -streets, between the railway and the river. The Government seem in no particular hurry in granting the request, but so far as at least the piece of ground referred to is concerned there can be no doubt that it will be handed over to the Council. Being liable to flooding it is of no use except for grazing purposes, but for this purpose it might be made very convenient for those of the ratepayers who keep horses or cows. The Council have only to erect gates at the railway crossings at the ends of Lanark and Renfrew streets and fence off tlie end of Glasgow street where there is no traffic ; then remove the gate that connects the ground referred to with the lower resei*ve. Were this done the holders of licenses would only havo to drive their cattle to the end of Renfrew street, when they would find their way to tho whole of the grounds. This would be a great boon to license holders. The expense suggested would be very trifling, and we are therefore glad to notice that Councillor Canning has taken action in the Council to have this at once done instead of waiting longer for a title to the ground.

A special meeting of the Presbytery of Clutha was held in the church, Balclutha, on Wednesday last. Tlie members present were : Rev. Charles Connor (moderator), aud Revs. Bannerman, Waters, M'Ara, Chisholm, and Allan. — Mr James Blackie, student in divinity, was examined by the Presbytery, preparatory to his entering on his theological course for another season. Mr Blackie's examination was sustained with approbation. — The matter of the Rev. Mr Boyd's resignation having been taken up, the deputation appointed afc last meeting of Presbytery, reported that they had visited the charge at Alexandra, and that the people acquiesced iu Mr Boyd's resignation, ih was moved by Mr Bannerman and agreed to, that the resignation be accepted and the charge be declared vacant ; also, that it be remitted to the Station Committee of the Presbytery to arrange with the Synod's Church Extension Committee to provide supply for Alexandra.— Mr Bannerman was appointed to visit the several congregations within the bounds with a view of calling their attention to the Sustentation Fund, with special reference to the altered arrangements adopted by the Synod ,in connection with the same fund. — The Presbytefy'then adjourned to meet on the third Wednesday of June at 12 o'clock.

A contemporary reports s that the survey of the Strathtaieri line of railway is being made with all possiblo expedition. There are now four survey parties engaged on" differeut parts of tiu* line. A rough survey of the whole line, and a detailed survey of its difficult portions, will be completed la-fore the next session of Parliament.

We have to call attention to the concert and dance to lo r;iveii'in aid of iho funds- of the Fife and Drum Baud ou Thursday ev9uiug. The programme will bo fouud in this issue, and it will bo admitted it is a good oue. The object of the entertainment is a most laudable one, and we trust the inhabitants generally will give it their hearty support.

We have to call attention to the concert and soiree to be given in aid oi tho school funds at Kaitangata on Friday evening next week. It is intended the concert shall prove a musical treat of no mean order, and the progamme has been prepared accordingly. We understand a number of Balclutha amateurs will assist, and we trust to see a large attendance.

Our Tokomairiro readers will regret to hear that Mr A. Jones, manager of the branch bank of New Zealand, Milton, is shortly to proceed to Nelson, where he will hold a similar appointment. We believe the state of his health has had something to do with Mr Jones' removal from Tokomairiro, where he will be missed by a large majority of the community.

We understand that Mr Thomson wrote recently to the Minister of Public Works, representing to him that the railway works between Balclutha and Cliuton were proceeding very slowly, and urging him to push the contractors to proceed with the work. Jn reply Mr Thomson has been informed by Mr Macandrew that the contractors have received notice that the work will be taken out of their hands unless they proceed with it .expeditiously ; that the Government have been constantly urging greater alacrity, and that they are exceedingly desirous to have the work finished.

The nomination of candidates for the representation of Port Chalmers in the General Assembly vacated by the resignation of Mr Reynolds took place on Tuesday, when Messrs Green and Dench were nomiuated. Mr John M'Laren wished to nominate himself, but not being an elector the Returning Officer, much to Mr M'Laren's chagrin, could not receive the nomination. The general impression is that Mr Green will score an easy victory. The prominent and most creditable part he has for many years taken in public affairs in tho province clearly points him out as the most desirable candidate, and it is to be hoped no local jealousies will interfere to such an extent as to prevent his

return

In another column will be found a report of the inquest into the i-ecent burning of Williams' Coach at the Waiwera, about which so much' sensation was indulged in by ouv Danedin and Invercargill contemporaries. It will no doubt be somewhat disappointing to them to find thafc some dozens of infernal machines were not displayed to the Jurymen .and proved to have been the cause of the terrffic explosion which was said to have occurred on the occasion. As it is the inquest has let the wind out of the sensation and what was all along believed here is now pretty well confirmed — viz., that no explosion or infernal machine occasioned the burning of the

coach,

The third match of the season between the Bruce and Tuapeka Cricket Clubs took place at Milton ou Saturday last, and resulted in favour of the Bruce team by four wickets. The scores were : — Tuapeka : First innings, 32 ; second innings, 40 • of which Johnston made 14, and Davids 11. Bruce made 23 in the first innings, and 53 in the second with the loss of 6 wickets. Matheson made 21, Do war, and Ness 10. Downes and Johnston bowled for Tuapeka. Downes took seven wickets for 41 runs, and Johnston seven wickets for 31 runs. Moore who bowled for Bruce, was very successful, talcing 14 wickets for 33 runs. Matheson took four wickets for 23 runs. The visiting team were entertained at dinner at Bastings's White Horse Hotel.

The nomination and election of a member for South Molyneux Riding of the Clutha County Council in room of Mr James Brugh, deceased, took place at Port Molyneux on Monday. Mr J. 1-1. Jenkinson was ihe only candidate nominated, and was therefore declared duly elected. There was a good attendance of electors. A number of questions were asked of r Jenkinson, all of which were appaieutly answered in a satisfactory manuer. Mr Jenkinson animadverted very strongly upon the attempt by Captain Mackenzie to deprive the Riding of a member, especially under the circumstances that there was at the time a vacancy in the Riding, and that the other member was not present at the meeting of the Council. He (Mr Jenkinson) considered it was necessary to consider the boundaries of Ridings, and w ould be in favour of an equitable adjustment of the same, but this should be done in a straightforward manner. He would endeavour to do justice to every portion of the County, and he certainly would do his best to prevent anyone taking advantage of a chance that might arise for doing an injury to South Molyneux or any other Riding. A vote of thanks to the Returning Officer concluded the proceedings. The Tuapeka County Council is at present erecting a County hall at Lawrence at a cost of LSOO. The building will afford the following accommodation : — Large hall for meetings of members • offices for chairman, clerk, and collector ; besides a large room for the draughtsman. Hitherto the Couneil has been located in the Town Hall, and has paid rent at the rate of LBO per annum, but it appears they were under the impression they had not sufficiently exercised their borrowing powers, and therefore raised a loan to raise another hall. One would imagine that the sole object in view was to get into debt, as the Town Hall might have afforded sufficient accommodation for all the requirements, of the district for many years to come. However they do things in their own tvay in Lawrence, und outsiders have no right to complain. It has occurred to us that the time is approaching when town and County buildings should be provided for in Balclutha. Were the Borough and County Councils today their heads together a plan of building might be adopted that would afford accommodation for both, and perhaps also for an Athenaeum. As to tbe funds, the example of Lawrence might be followed, and re course had to borrowing, or we daresay such a huildiDg might easily be erected by a joint -stock company. Of course it may take some years to consider over the matter and we might as well begin now,