NASEBY.

Dunstan Times, Issue 678, 16 April 1875, Page 3

NASEBY.

—o—(from our own correspondent. A tender for the erection of the Taieri Bridge has at last been accepted by the Government—that of Messrs Farquhar and M ‘lvor, the -sum being L 3.457 15s. The generosity of the Government had been judged a little too harshly in my letter of two weeks since, although tho time that •lapsed between the calling for tenders and the acceptance was sufficiently long to justify the district in complaining. It will be the means, when erected, of placing in uninterrupted communication with Naseby, and the main Dunedin road, three townships, and a tract of as fine farming laud as there is in the Province. It will draw a good deal of the up-country traffic through Hyde and Hamilton, and will afford greater facilities to these townships to vend the produce, which they will presently be providing, now that farming is a fart of their inhabitants’ means of living. In will also he the moans of drawing attention to the large amount of excellent land through which it passes, which is capable of providing homes, occupation, and livings for thousands of families, and for many other reasons will be a great convenience, and benefit to the district. Mr R. H. Browne, C.E., late Inspector of Works, in connection with the head-race and sludge channel has received the appointment of District Engineer, vice Mr Deuniston, transferred to the Railway division. Mr Browne has long been favorably known in connection with our branch of the public works, and his abilities are considered of a good order. He will, it is supposed, still continue to supervise the public works here, and it is hoped, with the extended power, which he will no doubt possess, the works will proceed with more quickly. The appointment has given great satisfaction. The lecture announced to bo given by Mr B. Gordon took place on the night notified, but was cot a very great success, the attendance being but limited. The chairman had to apologise for the lecturer, who, he stated, had not had sufficient time to prepare and connect his lecture. Tho Hospital Committee wall not much benefit by it —they v ill do well if they clear their expenses Our Municipal population is at present divided into two sections, the Masonichaliers, and the Town-hallers, The Ma sonic Hall has been let till now at the rate of L2 per night, and is the property of shareholders. Of course it was to their interest to decry and oppose the building of the Town Hall, and owing to the improvidence with which the erection of the Hall has been conducted, they drew a good number of the burgesses to their side. Tho immediate cause of contention is the fixing of the rates at which tho Town Hall is to be let—the Masonic-halier’s representative in the Council objecting to the minimum rate of letting ; his motion, however, could not even find a seconder, and the Townhallers consider themselves in the ascendant, because the soreness of having to pay interest on the money borrowed to build the Town Hall is beginning to die away. No doubt this will bo so, for there are other methods of procuring money for this interest than by increasing the taxes, Municipal reserves, which can easily he procured, will more than do this. But the Council were a long time before they would apply for any reserves, notwithstanding the constant drumming they received from the local member and the paper. They have now applied for some, but do not seem very particular whether they get them or not. The indebtedness of the Municipality is nothing in comparison with that of others. Look at Cromwell, Clyde, Oaraaru, Port Chalmers, and others—they can borrow, and paylntorest without fooling oppression, because these Councils look about for means to meet the same. Our Council, however, have no originality, and cannot even do as a great many others are doing. It money is short, they settle down with a sigh, and say,—“ Well, wo shall have to add another 3d to tho rate.’’ They are like the Hindoos, who will sooner lie down and starve than exert themselves for a living. A little disturbance has been created as to the locality for the 5,000 acre agricultural block on tho Messrs Sanders’ run. The rnnholdcrs want the land to be taken on the high ground near tho township, and tho people want the land on the low near the Taieri, which is far preferable. A public meeting is to he ca’led to decile v.hioh is best, and agitate accordingly.