The Dunstan Times FRIDAY, MAY 2, 1873.

Dunstan Times, Issue 576, 2 May 1873, Page 2

The Dunstan Times

FRIDAY, MAY 2, 1873.

Beneaththe Paileof lien entirely just the pen is mightier than the sword.

As our representative in the Provincial Council and General Assembly is improving the interval between the present and the opening of the parliamentary campaign for ’by visiting the various outplaces in the district, and as it were addressing his constituents in their own homes, electors have every opportunity afforded them of ascertaining their Member’s views upon any political subject, while at the same time, they can personally represent any little grievance or requirement. ’ resources of the Dunstan are more various than any other district, but they have not been developed to the extent we should have desired, while in the pursuit of many industries we are behind our neighbours whojhave less natural advantages. So far as gold mining is concerned, we have accomplished much, and there has been no lack of energy in the prosecution of this important branch ofindustry, still, there are certain adjuncts to it, and which tend to make it more permanent and remunerative. The principal help is of course agriculture, and experience has proved not only in New Zealand, but also in Australia that, wherever gold mining and agriculture have gone hand in hand, there the .communities have beemnost prosperous; the happy combination of these two, makes employment less desultory, a field of labour is always open, and workmen seeking for something to do, have no need to turn back or tramp on to some other place. A temporary dullness of trade, a falling off in the yield of gold, or an'ocoasional bad harvest is not felt with such severity as where the employment of the people is confined to any particular branch, one

industry is sure to bo prosperous, and -absorb the-surplus labour of the others, In Victoria, Ballarat and Bendigo are instances of this; the liberal opening up of lands in the vicinity of these .great gold-fields has made them cm. po’iums for vast" inland districts—capital has flowed in, and whether in mining, manufacturing, agricultural, or other pursuits, no branch of indus'try fails for the want of a necessary supply of labor or capital. From the central position occupied by the Dnnstan and its large consuming powers, it is highly desirable that more land should be thrown open to tire agriculturist. This present season we are particularly short of everything in the shape of farm produce, flour we produce none, oiir brewers have to seek elsewhere for barley for malting purposes, while we have not grown half enough horsefeed, or even, the simple article of potatoes. The loss the district suffers by importing so much of everything that it should produce itself, is something considerable, and could the greater part of this money only be retained amongst us„ its beneficial effect would be most apparent. It is all very well for the pastoral tenants of the Crown and their adherents to say that, the country is unfitted to the purposes of the agriculturist ; we will allow there are great sandy plains, still, there are plenty of nooks and corners under the ranges where manyprosperous farmers mightbe located, and ply his vocation much to his own advantage, and that of the district. For the growth of wheat we possess a very large area of available land. This cereal answers the climate much better than oats, as it will make a great proportion of its growth in the winter months, during which time it has attained sufficient strength to withstand the drought and heat of the summer, and we fully believe that were a flour mill established a large area of land would be taken up and sown with wheat, while there would be a strong agitation for more to be opened. Mr. Shepherd has always possessed liberal views on the land question, and we feel assured that during his travels round the district his practical eye will detect the great disadvantage we are suffering from in the shape of a limited field for agricultural settlement, and the loss sustained thereby. Now is the time to make an effort in this direction and lessen, as much as possible, the great drain upon our resources which we suffer to purchase that which we should produce for ourselves. In roads and tracks much is wanted, and once more we are threatened with a suspension of traffic by muddy and dangerous roads. The loss sustained by the district last Winter was something serious, and, to all appearances, will be repeated this. The Provincial Government have done a little in the shape of repairs, still that is not sufficient, and we see but little chance of much being effected to do any more good this winter. The Dunstan District has been terribly neglected in the matter of road making, There have been but very few improvements effected for the past six years. It has contributed largely to the revenue during this time, and but little has been returned in the shape of public improvements, whether we have not been sufficiently alive to our interests or not, is a matter of conjecture ; however, there is one thing certain, that the most clamorous generally appear to get most. A little less modesty in asking will no doubt avail us much. It is clear to all that we hove suffered neglect, and it is our duty to impress upon the member the necessity of securing for his constituents a more liberal share of the public expenditure.

The arbitrators, Messrs. T, L. Shepherd, M.P.C. and J.C. Chappie, and the umpire, John Beighton, appointed to award compensation to Mr. J. D. Foraud for cancellation of certain Agricultural Leases in the Wai Keri Keri Valley, met on Tuesday last. Having visited the ground and examined a number of witnesses, they came to a decision fixing the award at 220/. Wo regret tohavejto announce the death of the youngest daughter of Mr. Daniel Scally, of the Nevis, which occurred on the 30th ultimo. The funeral will take place to-day (Friday), at the Cemetery, Cromwell. We notice the return to the district of Mr. Benjamin Knight, after a lengthened tour through the New South Wales Goldfields. Mr. Knight says there are doubtless many rich claims on those fields ; but, for every successful miner, there are thousands dragging out a miserable existence, and, from his experience, he must give the palm to Otago for being the best field for the working miner. Mr. Knight was connected with dredging on the Molyneux from the first, and wo surmise his return is in -some way connected with the steam dredge conto nplated being placed on the river.

Our last week’s issue contained an extract from the Mount Bcnger correspondent’s letter to the Mofnimj Star, containing a rather severe stricture on our Clyde telegraphist. for his apparent want of feeling. Upon making enquiries we find that the message wished tp be passed through the wires, was opened as an ordinary telegram, no explanation being given that it was urgent, and as the office was not open for receiving messages, the time being Sunday, about half past twelve a.m. The customary signal was given, “wait,” meaning wait till the office was open. Now, as this statement can be borne outjby the -Queenstown telegraphist, who was in his office at the time, and distinctly remembers the circums l ance, wefeol 'called upon tojenter intqthis/ex plauation,’and at the same time] to 'express our regret that thc|correspondent, before he penned anything damnatory of the character jof a’publie servant, did not make himself thoroughly aware of the facts of the Case. 'Statements- o'f£tliiss as a two-edged sword*: they [not [only tend to bring an efficient officer into unpleasant contact with his superior, and [may be cause his Tremoval, but are likely to withdraw that confidence from a public servant which it is imperative he should possess, and it is to regretted that.it appeared. Mr. Honywill, the Clyde [telegraphist, is an old public jervant, thorongldy up to the routine of fins'office, and we feel assured that, had the Teviot operator; but have opened his message with “ urgent,” or any other expression that 'VwouldfShave convoyed that meaning, every attention would have been paid to it. For ourlown’part, we exonerate Mr. Honywill from any blame, and say the onus, if any, must rest with JMr. Hale, the Teviot operator, for not being more distinct in his communications. No little excitement was caused in Clyde yesterday afternoon by the report of the sudden[death of Mrs. Maui, the wife of a miiier, who is now an inmate of the Dunstan Hospital, suffering from/an affection of the eyes. On making enquiries wo gleaned the following particulars. The deceased who is a woman about forty years of age, and to all appearance was strong and healthy, [had, just after walking from the Hospital, called upon Mr. Atkins, and whilst conversing with him, suddenly exclaimed, r I am dying, and Jay back on the[couch on which she was sitting. Mr. Atkins immediately went for assistance, but before anyone arrived life had passed away. An inquest will be held to-day. We would call the attention [of miners and others to the advertisement in another column, notifying that the extended claim and water-race known as Blackwell and party’s, is for sale. The claim is situate on the Rough Ridge, about midway between Black’s Diggings and the Mauorburn, and, in the possession of a party, if systematically worked, would prove a valuable property. The water-right is a never-failing one, and duringjihe driest season has a good supply of water. The property is valuable, and well worthy of attention. The nomination of Councillors in the place of Messrs. Feraud and Patterson, resigned, took place at the Town Hall, Clyde, cn Tuesday, the 29th ult, at noon. J. IT. Cambridge. Esq., presided, andcallen upon the Town Clerk to read the nominations received. There being but two, namely Mr. C. P. Back, for the East Ward, and Mr. John Cox, for the West Ward, the Mayor declared them duly elected. Both gentlemen, in a few appropriate remarks, acknowledged the honor conferred upon them, and promised to work for the interest of the town and district during their term of office. The customory vote of thanks to the Presiding Officer terminated the proceedings. The ramfallj of last week has made no material difference in the supply of water for mining. The earth was so parched that the rain, as it fell, was instantly absorbed. It has had, however, one good effect, that of laying the dust on the roads, thus rendering travelling more endurable than it was. On Wednesday evening last the Town was enlivened by the members of the Clyde Brass Band performing in Sunderland street. We cannot too highly praise the whole of the members of the above in devoting their time to the pleasure of the inhabitants, and it is to be hoped that when they have matured their plans, and properly arranged for a series of evening’s amusement, the public will not hang back, but make the same a great success. We believe that shortly they will issue a programme, and we have no doubt but that one and all may look forward to some really first-class entertainments. A six-furrow-plough is now in use in the Oanraru District, and to all accounts it performs its work most admirably. A contemporary speaking of it says It was drawn by twelve bullocks, attended only by ore man, keeping itself straight by its great grip of the ground and the guide wheels. It was working in very bad ground compacted almost to the solidity of a road —having been heavily trampled by cattle for years—and was, notwithstanding, making excellent work, quite as good as could be done with a double-furrow. It breaks up four acres per day for the cost of one man’s wages—the bullocks being content with the natural pasture and a little oaten hay. while horses for like work rc- : quire to be kept in condition by a liberal supply of oats Then, again, there is a large saving in wear and tear of harness and cost . of shoeing; indeed, it would seem that the plan adopted by Messrs. Gifford and Clowes, is about the cheapest that could be devised ( for preparing the land for sowing.” A school house is about to be erected at , Timaru, at a cost 2500/., sufficiently Largo to acccmnnodate 600 children. i Dr. Carr, the noted Phrenologist and ! Mesmerist, has lately added tcetotalism to [ his other themes. The N’elson Colonist, ! says:—“ Everywhere that he has introduced ! the subject, and commented upon it, his • remarks have been favorably received, and j have created an excellent impression.

At a recent meeting of the AcclimitisaJ tiou Society, the Chairman said that the Government, at thejnstance of the Southland Society, had proclaimed a shooting season for Southland, and now wanted this Society to recommend what months should be the shooting season for Otago. It was resolved that the season be from March to [ June inclusive. It was also resolved that the Council should recommend the shooting season for cook pheasants should be from the beginning of June to the end of July, within the area from Waikouaiti to Horse Kongo, and for a distance of ton miles from the coast. By advertisement in a JDunedin contemporary a Clyde company have called for tenders (to be posted not later than to- * day) for the construction of a pneumatic tube, steam-engine, punt., &c„ and as the 1 party possess a river claim from which, by means of the old system, goodly returns were secured, we may anticipate that this improved method of working will prove highly successful. 1 With the following remarks, made by the Oreymouth Star, wo think all newspaper 1 readers will coincide When a news- 1 paper publisher feels himself called upon to • print such an apology "as that written and 1 published by Mr. Richard Cuming, of the Boss News, it is high time he entertained some idea of altering his avocation. The ' apology is to Mr. Warden Aylmer, of Ross, and reads as follows ‘ Sir, Referring to a leading article in my issue of the 3rd instant, written by myself, wherein ' I made certain statements and comments ' respecting your conduct as a magistrate, I beg to retract them all as being false a n d ' malicious; and 1 have further to apologise ' to you for the gross libel contained therein, J and to express my deep regret that I should havejso farjforgotten myself as to have inserted in my paper, not only upon the oc- ' casion alluded to, but upon many previous occasions, that which was untrue, and ealeu- j Intel to defame and injure you.’ ” Recently, at Eyreton, in Canterbury, two | little boys, aged six and seven years respeotively (sons of Mr. James Spriggs), were poisoned by eating toad-stools. The father * was away from homo, and Mrs. Spriggs 1 left the children in the house, in order to 1 obtain some medicine. Haring her absence ‘ a little sister ran to the school, and told Mr,£Knowles her younger brother had a fit ! and was dying. Emetics and .castor oil 1 were administered, and Mr. Knowles rode off to_.Kaiapoi, to obtain the assistance of 1 Dr. Trevor. Oil the doctor’s arrival, he 1 pronounced the case a very serious one, bat both boys, in a few days, were much better-, 1 though not’out of danger. Quito a sensation was caused in Geelong ' a short time since through the marriage of a very ancient couple. The bride had reached the mature age of sixty when she fell in love with a well-to do farmer residing in the Steiglitz district. The latter is said to be about 85 years of age, and is in the habit of wearing his walking stick crossed behind his back to keep his shoulders erect. The marriage was celebrated at the house of the bride in the presence of about a dozen of friends, whoso united ages accumulated to nearly a 1000 years. After the marriage ceremony, religious services wore engaged in, and a variety of appropriate hymns were sung, one of the most conspicuous airs being the Ohl Hundred. An action in the High Court of Admiralty in England has just been commenced against the owners of the Murillo by the owners of the Northflcet, to’rccover damages for losses sustained by the fearful collission off Dungeness. The claim is for 14,000/. A prior suit was instituted against the steamer for 15,000/., but it was changed to the present suit, not against the ship, but against the owners. The usual course is to arrest a vessel, and bail is lequired to be given before she is released. In this suit the proceedings are against the owners— hi personam, as it is termed—and they are called upon to appear--When the last mail left England, a Board of Trade inquiry had commenced, and evidence, it was said, would bo produced to prove that the Murillo was the vessel that run into the Northfleet. In his charge at the Supreme Court, Christchurch, on April 7, Judge Gresson said:—“ The most remarkable feature in the present calender, is the number of cases of forgery. There are no fewer than eight cases of forgery and uttering. I regret veiy much that notwithstanding the frequent occasions on which 1 have been obliged to observe, from this place, upon the facility with which the cheques of strangers are cashed by storekeepers and publicans, that practice still continues. I hardly think that if they considered the enormous expense they put the country to by their carelessness in cashing cheques for persons who are utter strangers to them they would continue the practice. It may be said that there is some excuse for storekeepers at a distance from town, or from the bank on which the cheques are drawn, and that, possibly in such instances,'there is a certain amount of pressure brought upon them to cash a cheque, but if that be an excuse—it is to a certain extent, perhaps—it is an excuse that does not certainly apply to the case of persms living in the town where the bank is situated who cash cheques for stranges. It is no answer to say that the bank is closed at the time the cheque is presented. That of itsslf is a suspicious circumstance. If a person presents a cheque after banking hours, it is quite sufficient to suggest an inquiry bring made as to its genuineness, and no injustice is done to the person by being told that he must wait until an answer can be obtained from the bank on which the cheque is drawn. It is really becoming a very serious matter—the enormous expense the country is put to. Here, for instance, is a case from Tiraaru, where the country is put to very groat expense from the facility by which cheques are cashed.— N'elson Colonist. The Now Zealand Gazette notifies the appointment of the Hon. Julius Vogel, C.M.G. as Premier, Colonial Treasurer, Post Master Genera’, and Commissioner of stamps.