DUNEDIN.

Cromwell Argus, Volume I, Issue 16, 2 March 1870, Page 5

DUNEDIN.

(From our own Correspondent. ) Saturday, Feb. 2G, 1870. The past week in Dunedin has been barren of events. I seldom remember having seen so little stir ; and, 1 suppose, owing to the harvesting operations not being yet completed, the noble army of loafers seems at present very thin in numbers, In passing through "the town, one. again sees a fair sprinkling of clerical gentlemen, hi consequence of the present session of the Church of England Synod. The " Bishop Jenner question" has not vet been revived, and I presume they are'at last going to let him sink into oblivion. On Monday, the Charles Edward sailed for Martin's Bay, carrying, however, only two passengers, it being stated after her sailing that the Government did not see their way to promote immediate settlement. I suspect, however, that it was found a difficult matter to inspire intending settlers with the requisite amount of enthusiasm.

At the flax sales on Monday there was a decided decline in prices; indeed, unscutohed flax found no market at all, Mr Hepburn declining to sell at the prices offered. The best sample only induced a bid of £l6 10s. In order to insure a good sale for this commodity it is necessary for it to be got up in first-class style. The Dunedin market is of course very limited, the supply is fast increasing, and" none but good samples will realise good prices. With regard to the cultivation of flax, I was re-

cently informed by a gentleman from Auckland that last year he transplanted a root into maiden soil which had been broken op and mixed with bone dust and horse manure ; now the plant is 16 feet high, and the blades are five inches broad. Considerable interest is now felt concerning the culture of this plant, and it will be a subject for careful investigation and experiment what soil, situation, and climate are best adapted for its growth. The other night the bell at tlie so-called new post-office was tested for the purpose of a fire-alarm. The result of the trial was satisfactory; and if the bell wa, placed in a more advantageous position, I think it would answer admirably. Some improvement on the existing arrangement i 3 sadly needed. A few nights since, a small fire broke out in George-street, and the present alarm-bell was rung with so much effect that not one of the usually energetic Fire Brigade turned out. The spirit, truly, was there, but the tones of the present cracked tocsin were weak. I believe the post-office is soon to lie removed to the ground floor of the Government offices. The internal fittings are now

rapidly approaching completion. The offices are admirably adapted for the purpose, being both roomy and commodious. What is to be done with the old building will be a question for serious consideration. Perhaps some enterprising firewood merchant might go in for it: I should think it would burn splendidly. As for the rats, oh ! ye terriers of Dunedin, prepare ye for sport when th it stately edifice is removed ! I observe by an ajreettunb published in the last Government Gazette, that Mr Proudfoot is supported in his Port Chalmers Railway contract by Mr Ciaplin, the c >ach proprietor. The guago of the proposed line is stipulated to be 4ft. BAin. No gradient steepjr than 1 in GO is to" be allowed, and no curve sharper than 10 chains radius. The contractors are likewise bound by this agreement to start operations in six weeks from fie 25th January—the day on which t'.io djed waa signed.