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Dunstan Times, Issue 522, 19 April 1872, Page 2

The news brought by the English mail, via S.:ez, comprises only two items of any public moment. The one of an unloaded pistol being pointed at her Majesty, by a man named O’Connor, the other, the committal of the plaintiff in the Tichbourne case for trial, on a charge of perjury, The Dunedin Mail, via Tuapska, was unfortunately lost on the 10th instant, between Alexandra and Butcher’s Gully; but we are happy to say was picked up and conveyed to its destination on the following Friday. Mr. Waebcr. of Cromwell, was lately proceeded against by the police for conducting raffles. The Bench in consideration of the defendant being a foreigner, inflicted the minimam fine of 20s. and costs. At the Resident Magistrate’s Court at Queenstown, a person was fined in the full penalty of 10/. for unlawfully ringing the Fire Bell. It was intimated that an appeal would be lodged. The Hon. Mr. Reeves informed a deputation which waited upon him at Inangahua, that the Government will introduce a new Gold-fields Act during the next ssscion of Assembly, stating at the same time that it would bo found to be as perfect an attempt at legislation as anyone could expect in the shape of an Act of Parliament. We would particularly draw the attention of our readers to the announcement of the entertainment to be given by the members of the Dunstan Band of Hope, on Friday evening next, the 26th inst, in aid of the funds of the Dunstan District Hospital. As the efforts of the performers are given for so desirable a charity, we hope to see present a large assemblage to assist them in their good work. We have received intelligence of the untimely death by drowning of a young man, named Joseph Edmundson, (better known as Majenta Joe.) in the employ, of Mr. Henry Campbell of the Wanaka Station. It appears that in attempting to cross on horseback the Hawea river whilst leading another horse, it being dark at the time, ■consequently it is only surmising the circumstance, he either fell from the horse he was riding, or was dragged off by the one he was leading and carried away by the rapid current. An unavailing search was made to recover the body. The deceased was well known throughout the entire Dunstan district, and was deservedly respected. We are directed to call attention to the Sale by Auction this day, of an agricultural lease, in the Wai Keri Kcri Valley, together with a mob of cattle, horses, agricultural implements, and other effects, in the estate of Mr. James Connew, under a Deed of Arrangement. George Fache, auctioneer. * A romance of the gold-fields came to light the other day at Sandhurst, Victoria, in the case Morwood v. Watson. Tha evidence showed that four years ago a twelfth part in the Golden Fleece claim was sold for 21. 10s., and now the value of the share is given at 10,000f.

We don’t know whether it is the altitude at which our Lake neighbors dwell, the wants of their district, or their political discussions'that bring such remarkable men to’the]front as have lately been advertising* their political capabilities!* our contemporary the Walcatip Mail. Last election for the Assembly, a -Mr. A. Smith from the Shotover cameforward and published perhaps'the‘"most unique election addresp ever given to the New Zealand public, reminding one of a stale dish of Carlyle and Emerson .combined. Mr. Mandertf now comes forward and says he does “ not think much honor attaches to the position ” of Councillor, which he seeks to fill; ■ Perhaps not but like to many others the coin might prove acceptable. And now from Bridesdale House,TLaTte Hayes, a Mr. A. M‘Bride cornea forward and issues the following address, which should be carefully studied and read. We should like to know “how such things can be”—what sins the New Zealand public 'generally have committed that such men should seek to become their representatives, or what future degradation beyond that already reached, politics in this New Great Britain may attain :—“ To the Electors, Non-Electors, and Residents of the Lakes District. Gentlemen, —As two vacancies have occurred for the representation of this district in the Provincial Council, I beg to offer myself to represent you. I now truly see that you are adopting the best and surest mode of obtaining justice from the Provincial or any other Council, by sending ‘ men closely associated with your own interests, so that what benefits them must also advance you. Our electors should be careful to select men possessed of talent, coupled with years of experience, and eyes that have not been blind in viewing the many improvements in these latter years that illuminate and' adorn the mother country, causing it to be the stranger’s home and the tourist’s admiration. Now, this colony being of Nature’s roughest cast abounding in deep ravines and -rugged mountains—every man who has the welfare of the country at heart should use his utmost exertions to improve its fugged paths, to bridge its deep and dangerous waters, so as to open an easy communication between man and man, andalso in]order that the. necessaries of life may not be too dear on arrival at their destination. This Province has no very great army to maintain, and no navy to support; consequently there should he more money coming from the Provincial Treasury than really is received from it. Dunedin seems to bo the guiding star of this province, and, what is worse for the rural districts, it deals out to them their own hard-«arncd money in such miserable pittances! that, if men’s minds were not hardened to such injustice, it would prove more than human nature could bear patiently. It is stated that the Council will meet at the end of the present month ; but what they will find to do is difficult to con-jcctjj'-c They may he luciuly .'called to-, | gether to pass the Estimates ; but, as there ! is no cash in the Treasury, the utility of going through the forms of voting money is open to question. There are many things that the pruning hook could be applied to ; but this, I hops, will he sufficient for the present. lam not a warm-hearted Provincialist ; but I hope to sec the day when two Governments will more safely and economically legislate for the Colony than eight are now doing. In conclusion, Gentlemen, if you think mo worthy o£ being your representative, I shall do my utmost to raise the dignity of the Provincial Council ; and if it does not open its ears counsel of wise men, the sooner it is a thing of the past the better.t-Gentlemen, I remain Yours respectfully, —Alex. M‘Bride. Bridesdale House, Lake Hayes, April sth 1872.” 11 . The Garrick Water Scheme at length appears to be about to be carried out :—By the Dunedin Evening Star oi the 12th instant, the difficulty of the proprietor’s ininterests is cleared up, and that the amount of money expended by them, 4c. 11s. 6d. each, is so he reimbursed them on their relinquishing in writing all right to their shares, and that the work of construction is to be at once started. Mr. R. A. A. Sherrin, of Quartzville, offered to construct a section of the race, equivalent to a 1000/. for half payment in cash, and one half in shares. By the Cromwell A njus of the ICth instant, wo learn that Mr. R. E. Dagg, of Cromwell, lias undertaken to construct the first eighty chains, (but on what terms is not mentioned) and will begin operations ] without delay. The turning of the first sod is announced to take place to-morrow. The Daily Times of the loth instant says: it necessary to complain of tardiness in the delivery of the English mail hy the Post Office-authorities in Dunedin. It affords us much pleasure, therefore, to he able to testify to the despatch displayed by them on the arrival of the mail—or rather mails—jnstto hand. Notwithstanding that the mail was a double one, and that it arrived at a very inconvenient time, the Post Office clerks sorted the letters and papers with a celerity that is deserving of high praise. We hope it may frequently be in our power to pay them a similar compliment.” The Mew Zealand Gazetfee of the 4th instant notifies that Mr. W. M. Hodgkins been appointed as the Revising Officer for the Electoral district of the Dunstan In the same issue, Mr. A. D. Harvey has been appointed Registrar of Marriages, Births, Deaths, &c., for the same district. A bankrupt in Auckland recently informed the Supreme Court authorities that he could not appear to pass an examination as he was “ off to Japan.” A contemporary suggests that instead of the term “whitewashed” being applied to those who find it necessary to go through the Court, that process for the future may not inappropriately be designated “ Japanned.” Caledonian shares on the Thames are now quoted at 20/.

The new shift at present being sunk by Mr. Holt oh his : coal reserve is down one hundred and thirty feet, at which depth water has been struck. The windlass power being too tedious, preparations are being made to erect a whim, which we may expect to see completed within a couple of weeks. An active canvass of the district in aid of the funds of the Dunstan District Hospital is being carried on, and we are happy to hear with satisfactory results. Mr. Sherrin has undertaken the canvassing of the Garrick quartz reef ; Mr. Marshall, of the Bannockburn, steps are being taken to form a Local Committee at Cromwell; Mr. P Harrington takes charge of a list for Gennan Hill ; Mr. Greenback is actively engaged in Drybread and that neighborhood, and many other gentlemen have the good work in band. We sincerely hope them every success, as the funds of the Institution at a low ebb, and the calls upon the charity arc unfortunately heavy. From Bendigo Reefs we hear that renewed activity has set in with the late timely rains. The Cromwell and Cold ough Companies’ batteries are both in full work, and the full compliment of hands are again employed. The reef in • lolcloughV • claim is looking better than ever, at a depth of one hundred and thirty feet from the surface is is three feet wide, and carrying very good gold. The Aurora Company have made arrangements with a party to take their claim and plant on tribute, and work was commenced on Monday last. The Alta Company’s plant is still inactive. The Butcher’s Gully reef is again in full operation. The shaft lias been thoroughly drained, and on Monday last the work of rising stone was resumed. From specimens shewn ns, we augur well of this undertaking, and we are happy to say our opinion in this respect is supported by that of many practical men and old residents in the district. From the annual return of land sold in Otago for the year ending the 31st of December, 1870, we find that of Town lands 645 acres 2 roods 20 poles, and of Country; 21.872 acres 6 roods and 10 poles were sold, realizing 28.892/. 12s. Bd. That 1778 acres 2 roods and 8 poles were set aside for public reserves, and 9,699 acres 2 roods and 16 poles were set aside to Natives under the “ Native Lands Act. In many of the Provincial papers we notice advertisements of impoundings, the days of sale, and other particulars, the question has often been asked of us why we do. not give publicity to so useful a piece of information. We leave the question unanswered, and would recommend our interrogate; s to bring the subject under the notice ■of the local member, Mr, T. L. Shepherd, who announces his intention of addressing.- his .constituents at an early date. Cyrus Ha l ey has been sentenced to imprisonment for life forthe attempted murder of Mr. Russell, at Auckland. The following are the names of the winning horses for the following races, which took place at Timaru on the 10th and 11th instant. —Timarn Cup, Mr. Patterson’s Burgundy, 1 ; Mr. Walter’s Slander, 2. Hurdle Race—Nicholson’s Jennie, 1 ; Goodman’s Medora, 2. For this race the betting was two to one on Medora, South Canterbury Handicap—Waiter’s Yatterina, 1 ; Walter's Young Dainty, 2. Tradesman’s Plato Handicap Walter’s Slander, 1 ; Jones’ Prima Donna, 2. Publican’s Purse— Walter's Yatterina, 1 ; I raser’s Hector, 2. The School-house at the hotover has been appointed as additional poSEng'phvce for the district of the Lakes for the election of members of the Council. We have to acknowledge the receipt from the Government printer of appendix to journals of the House of Representatives, for 1871, also a batch of other Parliamentary papers. The Maoris who have been recently paid for tbeir land on the West Coast are “ knocking down” their money in a fine style. The IFangantti Chronicle says:— “The ladies have been going in heavy for riding-habits, tall hats, &c., and have been thronging the photographers for photos of themselves. Their money is fast finding its way into onr storekeepers’ hands. Recenaly over forty guineas was paid fora buggy and’tum out complete, and 30/. for a dog cart—the former purchased by a lady. In an article on onr trade with America, the Mew Zealand Herald, says :—“We find that the total flour export to New Zealand from California during the last six month* of 1871, was 500 barrels, out ,of a total of 135,042 barrels. No wheat was sent to Now Zealand, although the wheat export for the period named amounted to 680,485 centrls. China and Central America are the largest consumers of Californian flour; Great Britain was the largest consumer of Californian wheat, of which it received 650,489 centals during the period stated. Nearly all this wheat was carried in British bottoms as return cargo, over 50,000 tons of English coals having been carried outwards. It will he seen, therefore, that New Zealand wheat growers need not fear the Californian farmers.” The Lptt’efon Tinus speaking of planting forest trees .-—“ Those who are engaged in planting trees would confer a great benefit on the public if they would plant, in addition to blue gums and poplars, a quantity of English oak and ash, with some sycamore The timber from these trees is suitable for a variety of purposes, especially for cooper’s work, for which there is a great difficulty in getting suitable timber.” The Walatip Jihad, as an on dil, says that steps are about to be taken to present Mr. C. E. Haughton with a testimonial, in recognition of his long and faithful services in behalf of the interests of the district. The Arthur’s Point Bridge is not likely to be constructed for some time, as the plans for the structure, if carried out, would cost twice as mnch as the sfim voted by the Ifcpt Provincial Session,