DUNEDIN.

Dunstan Times, Issue 661, 18 December 1874, Page 3

DUNEDIN.

(from our correspondent.) Dunedin, Dec. 14th.

The Transit of Venus, so far as Dunedin observers were concerned ended very unsatisfactory, with the exception of a few minutes shortly before 4 o’clock, nothing whatever could be distinguished. YVe have not experienced such a continuation of cloudy, damp weather, and yet no large rainfall for some months. Everything in the shape of agricultural and horticultural produce is consequently in a very backward state, and I hear this is tire ease for some distance up country, especially towards the south and west.

The opening of the Southern Trunk Railway is looked forward to with much interest ; and, from what I can learn, were it not for the slow progress made at the Chain Hills tunnel, the line might he opened to Balclutha in a very few weeks. The ground through which this tunnel is being pierced, especially that at the northern entrance, is of a very slippery nature; hut, when taking into consideration the plentiful appliances at hand, together with the conveniences for carrying on any description of work there should exist no cause for any serious delay. I saw the ground, some short time ago myself, and I really must say, that had Messrs Brogden’s army only been a party of miners they would have made but light of the difficulties. In bringing iu the Ovens’ Water Race, at ManuheiiIda, and the Scandinavian, at St. Bathans, there were almost equally as had slips to he encountered as what is now the case at the Chain Hills Tunnel. I see, by a report in the Daily Times, that the tunnel will be ready for the passage of trains in about six mouths, but I have very little confidence in this statement. An experienced miner,should he able to put a tunnel through anything, let it be soft or hard country. Supposing the soil composing the Chain Hills is ever so soft and slippery, there was no necessity to make an extensive open cutting before proceeding to tunnel. The arch should have been started from the very first, when slips would have had no existence. The delay in opening this line is very vexatious, and so many interests being bound up in it very severe losses must occur.

Colonial manufactures have taken a very important direction at Tokomairiro. At one time we used to set down “Toko” as a dreamy, sleepy’, old identity sort of place, but the very reverse seems to be the order of things at present. His Honor the Super, intendent, amidst demonstrations of joy, lit the first glass oven at Mr White’s Pottery, at Milton. This enterprising gentleman has established an industry, the future value of which it is impossible to contemplate, and from drain pipes, garden pots, and milk dishes Mr White has gone into fashioning of cups ami saucers, and other highly useful domestic ware. There should be none that will not rejoice that Mr White will shortly bo the recipient of a bonus for the establishment of new industries. Tokomairiro also possesses an extensive wood manufacturing and turning firm. The establishment of Mr Wilson is built on a quarter of an acre of ground, and within it is contained some of the best improved machinery for wood fashioning. Some of the Dunedin firms must look to their laurels when the railway is opened. The “ Real Mackay ” Coal Pit will prove a great source of wealth to “Toko.” The article is a really first-class one, quite equal to your Nevis coal, said to bo the best m the Province. Here, again, railway communication will prove of considerable benefit, especially to the poorer classes iu Dunedin, who will be enabled to have jolly good blazing fires at a very small cost. 'The Green Island coal is sorry rubbish, and is about one-half clay ; burnt in a grate it is oftentimes difficult to say whether the fire is alight or not. Scientific men and sanguine Walton Park coal owners are pleased to assert that Green Island coal is the best in the Province. In this opinion I beg most decidedly to differ ; ono ton from the “Real Mackay ” is at least worth two from Green Island for whatever purposes it may he used. Other extensive deposits of coal are said to exist at Tokomairiro. It is really refreshing to find the “ old identities ’’going a-head at last. The Comet case has at last been settled. On Tuesday last the Resident Magistrate, Mr John Bathgate, gave judgment in the case of Aiming v. MTlroy, for the sura of L 35 and costs. This decision decides the thirty other suits pending. The affair, however, does not end here, as Mr MTlroy brings an action against R. B. Martin and Co. , for a large amount. Mr Bathgate’s decision has been appealed against. The appeal cannot be heard until March, a very hard case for the poor diggers, who paid their money in good faith for a passage to the Palmer.

The ceremony of inducting the Rev. Lindsay Mackay into the pastoral charge of the congregation of the First Church took place on Wednesday last. A crowded attendance was present. A soiree, and meeting afterwards, held in the Church, concluded the proceedings.