The Dunstan Times. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 31, 1869.

Dunstan Times, Issue 402, 31 December 1869, Page 2

The Dunstan Times.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 31, 1869.

Beneath the Rule of Men entirely just the pen is mightier than theswoßD

Seven years have now passed away since a newspaper was first published on the Otago goldfields, and we have no need to remind those of our readers who then settled down at what is now the Incorporated Town of Clyde the very many changes which the Dunstan District has experienced since the time of which we write, and when an unpretending sheet the Dunstan News, afterwards merged into this journal, was issued from a small office between Sunderland-street and the Camp. The busy bustling days of the early part of 1863 contrast strangely with those of the present; Clyde had scarcely gained a name then, and perched up as it was in a narrow rocky gorge, it only seemed to have acquired its position from the fact, that it was the furthest accessible point that could be reached by wheeled traffic from Dunedin, calico was then the chief component part of its building materials, while e/erything else was of the most primitive description. Equally so was the case with the gold workings, shallow sinkings in gullies, or on the hanks of the rivers, or fossicking among the rocks whenever the Molyneux was low enough, was pretty well the extent of mining en-

terprise, and til though we may be met with the reply that, they we r e the good old times, we have no hesitation in saying that both in a pecuniary, moral and social sense, the position of the miner and business man has vastly improved. -Individual earnings are larger, there is less danger to life and limb in the prosecution for the search for gold, while mercantile transactions are made upon a much more secure basis ; whoever hears of failures in business upon the Dunstan now, no mercantile collapsa has afflicted us for the last five years. Numerically we are smaller, but this arises from the fact that we have all settled down into our own proper spheres, we are rid of the excressences of society, and those who remain, are busily and profitably employed, and instead of our paucity of numbers being an instance of retrogression, it is an evidence of our prosperity. In mining operations, improved mechanical appliances have tended verv con siderably to dispense’wilh manual labor, and that wondiously powerful agent, water, is so thoroughly under the command of the miner, that he has become merely a directing agent, his skilled manipulation of the liquid element is so perfect, that mother Earth, freely yields up her treasures at his bidding. The era of quartz mining has just dawned upon us, but, without being sanguine, there is every reason to believe that this new industry will at no distant date prove an inexhaustible source of wealth, time must however necessarily elapse before we experience many of its beneficial effects, we cannot bore deep down into the bowels of the earth, through hard and almost impenetrable rocks without a considerable expenditure of time and labor, nor can we erect ponderous machinery to reduce the hard rocks to powder in a day, or a week, or a month. To develop a quartz mine, is a work requiring patience, perseverance, and a large outlay of capital, and a long weary period of toil must be submitted to, before the labors of the quartz miner meet with any compensating reward. We must therefore for the present content ourselves with the assurance, that we possess within us the germ of a new industry, and which, in the process of time will emerge from its chrysalis state into the golden butterfly of our dreams.

We claim that the local press has exercised a very beneficial influence over the fortunes of this district, and notwithstanding that ignorant prejudices may be against us, the fact is unquestionable, that when a newspaper possesses sufficient good tact and ability to properly direct public opinion, its advocacy is listened to, and the community in which it is published, progresses. A newspaper is a powerful engine for good or for evil, it is the .peoples’ mouthpiece, by its means, they make their wants known, and assert their rights and independence. In a country district, it is the chronicle of its existence, its pages are its history, and from the tenor of its columns, the scrutinising and distant reader is enabled to judge of the intelligence and social standing of the people amongst whom it is published. Landing in a strange place, the first inquiry of the intelligent stranger is for a newspaper, and in nine cases out of ten, he draws correctly from it his first impressions of those with whom he is to become associated. This knowledge has guided us in our career, we have not only striven to do good at home, but we have endeavoured to make ourselves respected, and our influence felt at a distance, and whenever circumstances have permitted us doing so, we have improved our paper, and it will still be our endeavors to keep in advance of the requirements of the public, fully believing in the modern proverb, that “ not to advance, is to recede.” The path of the journalist is not necessarily a smooth one, the same difficulties beset him as do those following other occupations, he is equally a laborer in the vineyard, and with other toilets deserves his penny of the Master at the c ose of the day. We owe a duty to the public, and the public likewise owe a duty to us, and so long as we watch over and guard their interests, we are entitled to their support. This has always been accorded to ns, and we trust that the same mtitual good understanding will still continue to exist, which has now stood the test of a seven years trial. We dismiss this subject, wishing onr readers all the happiness that a Now Year can bring.

The Escort on .Monday last took down the following quantities of gold :

The dissolution of ‘the Provincial Council would, it seems, necessitate Mr. Macandrew’s risignation of office. This difficulty has been attempted to be met by a proposition that the whole of the Members resign individually, this necessitating a fresh election without a dissolution. A circular to that effect has been presented to the different members. This was signed by about twenty members but. as the others declined the proposition, and as it stipulated that all should sign, no effect resulted. On Friday last, in the Provincial Council, the question of “honorarium” to tr embers was again mooted, Mr. Shand bringing forward a motion to the effect that it should be paid this Session. Mr. Reid proposed, as an amendment, “ That the resolution of last Session respecting the honorarium be adopted as the resolution of this Session; that no claim made under this resolution shall be binding unless made within one month after the termination of the present Session.” On division, the amendment was carried by a majority of twelve. At the same fitting it was announced that Mr. J. L. Gillies had been appointed Provisional Treasurer in the room of Mr. M‘Lean, resigned. Subsequently his Honor, the Superintendent entered the Council Chamber and formally prorogued the Council.

On Monday Inst an accident oc curred to a party of three who were proceeding from Clyde to witness the races at Alexandra. Messrs Ryan, Fowler, and M'Ooimochie were tra veiling in a buggy, and when going up the ascent out ot Motion Town Gully the horse gibhed, and at length backed the vehicle over the bank. Mr. M'Gonnochie escaped unhurt, and Mr Ryan received but trifling injury, Mr Fowler, however,.fared much worse, having sustained a very severe sprain of the wrist, and was moreover severely shaken-and bruised. Nothing daunted, the party took advantage of a passing vehicle and attended thoraces as they had intended. Upwards of four columns of the Daily Times of the 25th instant, are occupied by the report of the case Henningham v. Driver. The ease arose out of the well known charge of criminal libel laid by Mr Driver against the proprietor of the I'icjio. Damages were laid at 5000?., for malicious prosecution. The jury, by direction of his Honor, returned a verdict for the defendant.

An exciting foot race took place on the Alexandra Race-course on Monday last, the first day of the races, betweenW. Jenkins and J. M'Naughlon for 10/., M‘Xaughton getting three yards start in one hundred. A good deal of money changed ham.s on the event, and as a rule, the knowing ones were the losers, as the favorite Jenkins was nowhere, M'Naughton getting home first with some yards to spare.

Mr. Fache reports having sold a few horses at Cromwell on Monday last, but the prices realized were not very satisfactory. We are given to understand that his Honor the Superintendent has refused las sanction to several tradesmen who have applied for permission to hold Art Unions of Jewellerv, consequently Mr. Barlow’s Art Union of jewellery that was to have taken place on Feb. 14' th, has been withdraw!!.

We regret to learn that Mr. IT. Burton, of the firm of Burton, Baothers, Photographers, who was on a tour of the goldfields has been compelled through i 1 health to return to Dunedin, we believe it is his intention immediately on the restoration of his. health to revisit the District, when we would advise those, who have not had their likenesses taken by him to do so, as his pictures are most excellent and life like.

Mining operations have been stopped during the Christmas holidays therefore we have nothing new to report since our last issue. The miners from the ranges, a great number ot whom came down to spend their holidays speak very favorably of their prospects, we never remember such a general expression of confidence in the resources and stability of the District as at the present time.

From Queenstown we learn that a shock of earthquake was felt there in the afternoon of Christinas Day, and it is said to have been noticed in other parts of the country.

Information reached the Police at Cromwell on Monday last that the body of a dead Chinaman had been found at the Bannockburn-. Sergeant Cassells at once proceeded to the spot and made an examination of the body ; from the absence of any marks of violence, he concluded that death resulted from natural causes. An inquest was held before V. Pyko, Es., Co’oner, and a verdict returned of " fimnd doad. 1 ’

j Boxing Day in the Cromwell District was spent most jollily, there being hack and foot races, and other sports at the various centres of population, Bannockburn, Kawarau Gorge Lowburn, and Bendigo. At the Low burn, Mr. Perriam gave a first class programme, and in recognition thereof about one hundred and fifty people wore present. The principal events of the day were two foot races, the first between T. Farley and a stranger named Millar, three hundred yards, for 10/., the stranger getting ten yards start. Both men came to the scratch in professional attire, and ran a good race, the distance being covered in thirty five seconds, and won by Farley. The second race was between Farley and O’Regan, one hundred and fifty yards for 20/., O’Eegau giving five yards. This was a good race, and was done in nineteen seconds, Farley again winning.

The attempt of the Queenstown Corporation to introduce Trout into the District lias again failed, we regret to say that only one fish out of sixty nine was la dod alive. Our Lakes’ correspondent says that this District would benefit equally wdth the Lakes by the successful introduction of trout into the waters of the Wake-tip. We fully agree ™ith him, and mink that the three Corporations of Clyde, dhj xandra, and Cromwell mig" ts;■ ml 50/. each less wisely than in 1 king a third attempt to in trod me * 0 t into the head waters of the lv.awiu.~u and Clutha.

A congregational meeting was held in the Churoh of England on Wedneaday evening last, when Messrs. M* Pherson, MTveown, George, and Thompson were appointed as the Cora mittee of the Presbyterian Church, Mr. Thompson to act as honorary Secretary and Treasurer. A committee meeting was Iml | immediately after, when it was resolved, that a Presbyterion Church Service should be held in the Caurch of England at 3 p.m., on each alternate Sabbath, ;nd that the Committee wait on the Church of England Committee and ascertain on what terms the Church can be had for a lortnightly Service It was further resolved that in future monthly collections be taken at the time of service, and that the meetings of Com mittee be held on the second Monday in each month. This concluded the business of the meeting.

The fair seasonable showers of rain that have fallen lately, have had a wonderful effect upon the crops, the which now shew every indication of being first class. The farmers are all elated, and look forward to a most prosperous season.

By reference to our advertising columns it will lie seen that a-one-sixth share iu the celebrated Golden Crown claim will be offered for sale by public auction, by Mr. George Fache, at the Cromwell Hotel. Cromwell, on Wednesday next. As this claim has obtained excellent prospects, and is supposed to be one of the best in the Bendigo Gully district a keen competition may be anticipated.

The reports Dom the Serpentine continue favorable. Hastie and party have got out a good quantity of stone, and intend sending a few tons to one of the crushing machines as a trial prior to the erection of machinery. The next claim, the Long Looked for, have struck good leaders, and are content with their prospects. All work is, however, suspended during the Christmas holidays, but, in a very short time, wo hope to have something definite to communicate to our readers.

Friday last was the day appointed for the nomination of Councillor to fill the vacancy for the Bridge Ward, Cromwell, when only three persons, including the Returning Gilmer and Town Clerk were present. Mr. Dawkins was declared duly elected.

A vocal and instrumental concert was given at Cromwell, on Wednesday evening last, the object being to form the nucleus of a fund for the erection of an Athensenm Hull. The entertainment was got up under the direction of Mi*. Simpson who is well known as an amateur of more than ordinary ability, and consisted of concerted pieces most ably performed by Mr. and Mrs Simpson and Messrs. Whetter and Escott. Mrs. Corse ■sang seyera songs with an amount of feeling that quite won the sympathies of t he audience. The gen Unman voca lists, Messrs. Luscombe, Baird, Bate, Arkell. Garrett, Fenwick, Tippett and Howson all exerted theillselves to their utmost, and with signal success, but it would be invidious for us to particularise where all were so excellent. Suffice it to say that a most pleasant evening was spent by the whole of the ' cry large mlniber of visitors, and that those who have so kindly devoted their time and talent toward the most laudable object in view deserve the hearty thanks, not only of those who had the pleasure of listening to the concert, but of the public at large.

We have received a copy of Wise's Almanac for the year 18/0. It contains an ample directory for the Province, Gardeners’ Calendar, and a vast amount of useful information. The work is exceedingly well got up and is highly valuable as a book of reference. Mr. M. Marshall has been appointed agent for the sale of this almost indispensible publication for the Clyde district.

Cromwell 1430oz. Odwt. Clyde 354oz. Odwt. Alexandra 302oz. 3dwt. Teviot 353oz. Idwt. Blacks 856oz. Odwt. Dunstan CreeklOOSoz. Odwt. Ida Valley 13oz. 8dwt. Mount Ida 2004oz. Odwt. Total ... 6407oz. 12dwt