OCCASIONAL NOTES FROM THE METROPOLIS.

Cromwell Argus, Volume 2, Issue 93, 22 August 1871, Page 6

OCCASIONAL NOTES FROM THE METROPOLIS.

Dunedin, August 17. More Chinese ; and the cry is " still they come !" The Noord Brabant has landed her precious freight of 400 of these heathens, and such has been the expedition used in their despatch into the interior, that there are not a dozen left in Dunedin. Their arrival has been a perfect godsend to the earners, many of whom have been unable to obtain loading of any sort for several weeks. " It's an ill wind that blows no one any good." Probably the carriers are the only persons who have any reason to be thankful in the present case, for it is now generally looked upon as an ill wind that has blown to our shores the large number of Chinamen who have landed during the past month. On Wednesday the Rev. Father Moreau, prior to his departure for Wellington, was presented with an address from the Protestant inhabitants of Dunedin, expressive of the very great respect and esteem in which he was held, and also of regret at his departure from among a community where he had laboured for ten years, during which time he had gained the goodwill of all classes and denominations. Father Moreau leaves Dunedin with the good wishes of everyone ; for a more kindly, unostentatious, benevolent, and liberal-hearted man never breathed.

The Dunedin Water Works Amendment I Act, which comes befoi'e the Assembly for approval or rejection this session, is exciting considerable attention, and with just reason. Several of the clauses are of a most iniquitous nature, and are indignantly opposed by the police. The City Council has also taken active measures to have the bill opposed in the Assembly. By the proposed Amendment Act the Water Works Company would have the right to demand the rates six months in advance ; to issue distress warrants for dis-

training on the goods and chattels of parties whose rates are in arrear, without the Company giving notice of its intention, or without even previously summoning the parties in arrears ; if more water happened to be used than the Company thought proper, to charge the householder for it, whereas if less happened to be used, no abatement of rates would be made ; and various other equally unjust attempts to over-reach the citizens are contained in the Bill. With the strong opposition that will be brought to bear on the Bill, it is not at all likely that it will become law.

For the seat in the Assembly rendered vacant by the resignation of Mr Henry j Driver, there are now three candidates in the j held, viz., Messrs Edward M'Glashan, W. H. Cutten, and the gentleman who has just j resigned, Mr Driver. How the election will j go, it is difficult to say. Mr Cutten's heavy | pecuniary interest in the Dunedin Water \ Works, and his presumed connection with the Bill I have just mentioned, were the sole j causes of his defeat when he lately contested the seat for Bell Ward in the City Council ;! and the objection will no doubt be urged i against him in the present contest. Mr j M'Ghuhan is not popular; while Mr Driver's assurance in coming forward in his j present position is looked upon as unprece- '< dented and unapproachable. Aucanum.