DUNEDIN.

Dunstan Times, Issue 263, 10 May 1867, Page 3

DUNEDIN.

(ritcoi a co?.REsroXDrsT.) May 4. The feeling of indignation consequent on the appointment of Mr Bradshaw as Agent for the Goldfields has somewhat subsided in favor of the newer excitement attending the meeting of a new Council, .and the Superintendents opening address. On Wednesday last, at mid day, the twenty-third Session of the Provincial Council of Otago was declared open. With the exception of the delegates of the Provincial Government, Messrs. Hughes, Brown, and Shepherd, now on a tour through the goldfields, and three others all the members werspt'cse-1. Mr. W. H. Reynolds was appor ted Speaker, and Mr. 11. C. llaughton Chairman of Committees. The opening address of his Honor was listened id with marked attention. It touches upon most matters of importance which affect the prosperity of the country. Departmental retrenchment, which is so much needed, and for which fcricS, both loud and earnest, hare been

heard throughout the country, is amongst the primary topics. His Honor hoped that the scheme to lie submi ted to the House on that question would he assented to. Railways took a prominent place, followed in due course by Acts and enactments to be brought before the House during the present Session. Particu'ar mention was made of West Coast tracks, his Honor stating that the sa- ction of the Canterbury Government had been ob' tabed to cut a track through that province to the Haast. Next follows the action taken by the General Government in regard to the Goklfields, hi< Honor stating that it was impossible to discover why the Goklfields shou'd be treated as distinct from any other interest. Feeling assured that the attempt was neither intended nor calculated to 1 ennfit tha miners, and to test public opinion, an Ordinance would be brought before the House to provide means by which the votes of the whole province could be taken oh the matter. The address concluded with a i-eference to separation. It particularly mentioned that the desired result must come from the Imperial Legislature ; but, meanwhile, many concessions might be cocured from the Assembly, which, though short of separation, would materially rcJress many grievances under which we now labor. The address was received, and ordered to be printed. It would be a piece of presumption on the part of your correspondent to attempt a criticism on the address-; but. as I live Under a government which allows freedom of expression, so long as that expression is not libellous, I must say that I endorse the opinion of Mr. M'lndoe, who, in concluding his remarks on the repl}', said that he " considered it did not embody the action taken, or proposed to be taken, by the Government, and that, as a whole, it was a most attenuated thing, and devoid of bone or muscle." The police are bus'ly employed investigating the charges of arson against Wilson and Switzcr. Public opinion is very strong on the matter, and there is no doubt but that the affair will bo well sifted. It is truly an ill wind that blows nobody good, instead of the ram shaky wooden erections destroyed by the (ire. we shall have a handsome pile of brick buildings in their stead.. The Fencing Ordinance has passed a second reading. Such a measure hr.s been long'ceded, and will be productive of much good. It is reported that Mr. Postmaster Ha'l will visit Otago, for the purpose cf explaining the relative positions of the Gene* ral and Provincial Governments.