FRIDAY, JULY 9, 1875.

Dunstan Times, Issue 690, 9 July 1875, Page 2

FRIDAY, JULY 9, 1875.

The large quantity of gold winch the Northern Escort has just delivered in Dunedin points pretty plainly to the fact that gold mining in Otago has received a considerable impetus, while, from whatever the causes may be, our leading industry has advanced a considerable stage. The successful prosecution of quartz mining at Cromwell has, as a matter of course, tended very materially to swell the amount, yet the alluvial districts show a decided increase, and we must attribute much of this to the fine open weather that has lately prevailed. Still, the march of improvement made in all descriptions of mining lately, has largely contributed towards bringing about this highly satisfactory result; and there is every reason to believe that we shall still go on improving, while our progress will be marked by a corresponding increase in the yield of the precious metal. In respect to quartz mining the aspect of things could not look more promising, and there seems quite a new era for this branch of industry staring us in the face. Bendigo and Oarrick never promised better, the difficulty being now one of crushing power rather than of material to crush. The reefs at the Arrow and Skippers have also partaken of this beneficial change, while, at the latterplace especially, recent discoveries are described as being something extraordinary, and the coming spring and monster cakes of gold promise to be almost svnonomrus when applied to quartz mining. In the manipulation of the alluvial deposits there exists considerable improvement also, and now that the preliminaries have been so successfully overcome, we are beginning to experience the reward Hydraulic mining has made wonderful strides ; and, instead of our American Cousins astonishing its we can astonish them. In this particular branch of mining the Dunstan district stands unrivalled. The workings under the Dnnstan Mountains are upon a most elaborate scale, all the very latest improved appliances being largely in use. Mr Michael Kett, of Alexandra, has shown what can be accomplished in that quarter by an improved system of work; and as soon as Messrs M'Nally, Hastie, and Co., at the Wia Keri Keri, get into proper working order, we may fairly attribute to the Dunstan district especially, the position of being on the fair road of increased prosperity. A similar good fortune appears to prevail almost everywhere else, as everywhere there exists increased confidence in raining enterprise, and capital is coming forward where, heretofore, it was unobtainable. It is pretty evident that our miners have come to a more thorough knowledge of their business, and for this favorable change in our circumstances must be fairly attributed some share of the praise to the

“ fourth estate,” which has paid considerable attention these last few months to the development of the goldfields.

In no previous year have the roads between the Dunstan and Dunedin been in such a disgraceful condition. The highway to the metropolis of the Province, via Mount Ida and Pigroot is in a really shocking state, and unless something like a change to dry weather sets in,-travelling, must speedily, even if it has not already reached that stage, become absolutely impossible. People outside of the Province will scarcely believe that although it is thirteen years since gold was first found at the Dunstan, there is net a road to it yet, and here we are in the middle of the winter of 1875 almost in the position of residents in a beleagured city unable to get either out or in, our enemy being nothing more than mud. This semi-aqueous compound setting at nought all our efforts to liberate ourselves, as at the present moment a journey to Dunedin is almost an impossibility, and if accomplished is only so with great danger to life and limb. The system of repairing roads in Otago is wrong in the extreme, and things will never be better until work by contract is substituted for day labor. It is no argument that whore x-oacls have not been made, contracts cannot be let to repair them. To keep certain portions of road drained from water, and the ruts filled up, can be better accomplished by means of payment by results, or rather for work done than the present ridiculous and wasteful system of surface men. It is quite evident that notwithstanding the large annual outlay for roads that, they are getting worse and worse every year, and the difficulty may be accounted for thus. Nothing is done to keep up the centres of the roads, and instead of these being raised so that the water may drain off, they are all hollow, and whenever there is a heavy fall of rain, are converted into little creeks, or when this is not the case the waterlays as it falls until churned up by the passing traffic with the soil, the muddy admixture assumes such a de' sity and almost unfathomable depth that travelling becomes next to impossible- How Mr Henry Nettlefold gets through with his coach we are almost unahle to divine, and we can only account for it that the .vehicle is fairly dragged through the miles of quagmire by main strength rather than driven in the ordinary manner, or what we understand, as stage coaching. From Clyde to the Lakes things are but little better, the road by Gentle Annie and between 4rrowtown and the Shotover, is something shocking, and were it not that Messss Ord’s teams are so admirably appointed, they could not possibly make their journeys The driver, Mr Thomas Parsons, informs ns that he will be required to leave one hour earlier in the morning to enable him to keep anything like time. Tip to the present Mr Oi-d’s coaches have made their journeys with almost unerring punctuality, arriving at their several stations with the regularity of a clock, but we fear that unless there is a charge for the better this cannot be accomplished very much longer. The principal cause of all our troubles must be attributed to the pernicious system of day labor adopted by our i-oad Engineers, and until one of contracts is introduced things must remain as they are. The Provincial Government may attempt to throw dust in our eyes by promising us railways, but they will take a long time to make, even provided they can borrow the money to construct them, which is very doubtful, while, after all, we must have roads as well, and as these require to be made out of revenue, the Sooner some sure efficient manner is introduced to deal with the work of construction and r-epairs, the better it will be for the interests of the Province generally, Between Dunedin and Queenstown, there should have been a good metalled road years ago ; it is really disgraceful that things should be in the state they are, and we can only attribute it to bad management, and a want of knowledge of the work to be done.

Fiklay next the 16th instant is fixed for the Nomination of Candidates to occupy the Mayoral Chair for the ensuing year. Beyond rumor, which has it, that the once coveted seat is likely to go a hegging, we have not heard a whisper. We however hope the proceedings on the day of nomination will give the lie to rumor, and prove that though trade is dull, our fellow citizens have faith in good times coming, and are determined to keep intact the whole of the Institutions they enjoy, more especially that of self government The completing of the Bridge, supplying the Town with water, making of roads, utilizing, tree planting, and otherwise dealing with the Corporation reserves may strike many as Being duties too onerous to tackle in a honorary position. Bather than a deterent against aspiring to office, it should bo an incentive, and in that light wo must fain wish it will be viewed, and we reiterate the hope there will be some loyal spirits at the eleventh hour found prepared to contest the honor.

In the Resident Magistrate’s Court, Clyde, yesterday, there was only one case, that of assault, and in which the accused was mulcted in the penalty of 10s and costs.

The Tuapeka Times is credibly ii formed that a Telegraph Office will shoitly he opened at Havelock,

Wo noticed, on Wednesday evening last, that there was not such a largo number attended the meeting of the Quadrille Club as on former occasions, but, no doubt the inclemency of the weather debarred many from participating in the enjoyment of a dance. The Band, as usual, was a full one, and performed their part to the satisfaction of all present. Wo must decline inserting “ Publicola’s ” third letter on the late Drury v, Aitchison libel ease. The subject having been sufficiently ventilated. Although purposely withheld by the Cromwell Argus, everybody must be fully aware that Mr Faoho did not give up Mr Aitohison’s letter until he had, through the columns of the Dunstan Times, signified his intention of so doing failing an apology and the withdrawal of the offending letter by the writer. We understand that a suspicious firo took place at Tinker’s Gully, on Thursday last, resulting in the total destruction of a cottage occupied by Mr Robert Scott. A destructive firo took place on Saturday night last, at Flexmau’s Tannery and Wool scouring jftemises, Kaikorai Valley. The buildings and stock were insured for LSOOO, the damage, however, is estimated at LSOOO over that amount. We notice by the Guardian that Mr Wm. Shanly, of Cromwell, storekeeper, filed a Declaration of Insolvency in the District Court, Queenstown, oa the Ist of July instant. The usual Monthly Meeting of the Dunstan District Hospital Committee to have been held on Tuesday evening last, lapsed for the want of a quorum. The adjourned meeting will be held on Monday evening next. The severe, hard frosty weather we have had for the past fortnight, has impeded in a great measure mining in the district, staying the flow of the water in the races. This has been more particularly the case where the races take their rise high on the ranges; however, as a rule, where the race head was in low ground, there has been an uninterrupted flow. The work of forming and 'metalling the road at the north end of the town, wo are highly pleased to see begun. The system adopted is that of laying down a good depth of rubbl ■ stone, to bo afterwards covered with gravel, is the proper one to make a good road, and we would give credit to the head under whose supervision the work is being done. We understand that Mr W. Grant, the contractor for the Bridge, is gathering together a large quantity of the lime stone, which abounds on the west side of the river, and purposes erecting a kiln large enough to burn sufficient for his own use, and supply the public wants. A difficulty, we believe is in obtaining a suitable site for a kiln. We however think that is to be overcome. The Rev. Mr Dewe on Sunday last conducted two Divine Services in the New Church of England, Roxburgh, and on both occasions had largo and attentive congregations. At the Evening Service fully one hundred persons being in atten iauco. On Sunday morning next, the Rev. Gentleman conducts Divine Service at Alexandra, as per notice in another column. The question of building a new Church of England at Clyde, and which has been the theme of discussion_off and on for the past seven or eight years, is again on the tapis. Prom the earnest manner the subject is received on all sides, and by the very liberal promises of support offered, no more opportune time could possibly be for the Vestry to step in, and aid by their weight and counsels what has been so well begun. A pretty careful estimate of income and outlay has been formed, and we feel but little or no difficulty would be experienced in carrying out successfully the work if the matter is taken in hand. Complaints reach us occasionally of the nou-delivery of papers to onr sub sciibers. This week we have two such complaints. We are entirely at a loss to account for their miscarriage. We would, however, assure our friends that nothing on our part will be left undone to ensure the regular delivery of their papers to them. Mr Green, Secretary for Works, in company with Mr Arthur, Provincial Engineer, who have been making a Departmental tour of the Southern portion of the Province, arrived at Queenstown during the week, which place they left for Cromwell yesterday morning. They may then fairly be expected in Clyde within a day or two at the furthest. After seeing the interior of the country in raid-winter, Mr Green will be able to carry back with him into his office a few experiences that will doubtless be of great value to him, and of benefit to up-country residents. We aro requested by the Treasurer of the Danstan District Hospital, to acknowledge the receipt of thirty shillings on behalf of the Institution from Mr D. Robertson, of the Balmoral Hotel, Mauhnerikia, being the amount realized by the sale of the first load of coal carted into Alexandra, by him from a newly discovered scam. Neology.—Some people are great in ncology—have, in fact, a mania for inventing new words, mostly silly andabsurd in their character. The Waikato Times, of a late date, has in its telegraph columns a number of clippings— new'B in brief—under the heading of “ Sissorgrams," a word that ought to qualify its inventor for penal servitude.

A gentleman, well-known in Invercargill, was having a “yarn ”on Saturday last, in the shop of one of our merchants. The root --a lofty one— was adorned, after the orthodox fashion, with flitches of bacon, and in the midst of the discourse one of those dropped head of the astonished visitor. A good boll-topper was hopelessly stove in, os the result, and immediate recourse to the hatter became necessary. It is cause for congratulation that felt and not bone had to stand the brunt of this sudden “fallin bacon.”—Weekly Times,

The Wellington correspondent to the Times says,—The general idea is the session will bo a limited one, five weeks being the fimit usually assigned. A quartz reef at Gympio has turned out two crushiugs'of stone which yielded in all 3,0940z. Idwt.—the first of 29 tons for 1,09‘10z ; the second of 344 tons for 2,0000z. Idwt. Mr Wiltshire is announced to walk at Oamaru 250 miles in 109 hours, and binds himself to walk no more than two miles and a half in any hour. According to an instruction issued to Crown Land Rangers by the Waste Lands Board at its last meeting, miners have no indulgence to remove timber except from within the limits of thefr claims. The present month is an open season for shooting hares in a part of the Shag Valley District. By a telegram in another column it will bo seen that the General Government Executive have resigned, and that Dr Rollon assumes the Premiership, and Sir Julius Vogel, Post Master General. The ball hold in the new Town Hall, Lawrence to commemorate the opening of the building was a most successful affair, about fifty couples being present. When the line of railway to Balclutha will be opened is likely to be a long unanswered qu -scion if the following is to be relied on : The Daily Times says—“ We are sorry to learn from the Bruce Herald that the subsidoncc of the railway lino where it passes through the swamps a ,short distance this side of Stirling is very serious, and will probably involve a great deal of further trouble and expense. The posts by which the levels are indicated show that the lino has sunk between three and five feet in places, although it has been several times made up to the required level. The swamps seem to be almost bottomless, and in one place a wooden culvert, that was built some months ago, is said to be twelve feet down in the mud.” A petition is in course of signature to the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Hokitika, praying that a fire rate of sixpence in the pound be struck upon ali rateable property. We the Guardian are informed that 1,345 shares in the National Insurance Com pany ware sold in one line during the past week, at 245. net. Referring to the projected establishment of a paper mill on the east bank of the Mataura, where raw material for the manufacture abounds, the Southland Times states that there will be no delay in commencing the works. The machinery is in course of construction, a practical manager is on the spot, and the company will aim at securing the bonuses offered by the GeGeneral and Provincial Governments. An Auckland paper says—^“ Counterfeit sovereigns have made their appearance, and tradesmen must therefore be cautious in dealing with those coins One was pissed on Messrs Fleming and Stevenson, of Orehunga. The coin was a very good counterfeit, one side being the exact counterpart of an ordinary sovereign, but on the other side, the word “ Hanover ” went right round the St George and the Dragon, and the latter had three heads. Counterfeiting has been attempted to a great extent in the South, and it looks as if the “ smashers ” had extended their enterprise to this province. The Grey River Argus says :—Another splendid crushing has taken place at the Lyell. At Maloney’s prospecting claim, CSOozs of meUed gold have been obtained from a crushing of 70 tons of quartz. This will give the handsome dividend of L3CO per full share. V riling on the subject of the proposed refund of gold duty by the Provincial Council of Otago, the New Zealand Times coicludes :—“ We may say, however, notwithstanding what the Government has been ‘advised,’ that in addition to the adverse opinion by Mr Stout, one of the most competent and experienced lawyers in New Zealand has also expressed the opinion that an injunction would lie against the provincial Treasurer, restraining him from making payments for the purpose contemplated, under any Appropriation Ordinance by the Provincial Council; and further, that it would be competent for any member of the community to apply for an injunction In short, he holds that the Judge would not hesitate a moment in granting an injunction. It is a mistake to suppose that the Provincial Legislatures have the power to divert the revenue out of its legitimate channels. We trust, however, that the subject may not be revived in Otago.” Wo understand that Mr Bay ley, Sheep Inspector for the Oamaru district, has been appointed Chief Inspector for the Province, in the room of Mr Logie ; and that Mr James Murison succeeds Mr Bayley in the charge of the Oamaru district. In our advertising columns we publish the balance sheet for the year ending 20th June, of the Clyde Brass Baud, and wo think the Committee are to be congratulated on having so far successfully discharged their duties. The best thanks of the public are due to the members of the Band themselves for the prompt and willing manner in which they have always como forward, when asked to do so, to lend their valuable aid to any scheme of public amusement, their only reward, the knowledge that their efforts were appreciated. Many an otherwise dull evening has been enlivened by the ever welcome strains of the band, and wo trust so deserving an Institution may long flourish among us. To this end we would call on our Townsmen to come forward liberally during the ensuing year, and help by their subscriptions to maintain onr band in its present state of efficiency. The expenses are necessarily somewhat heavy, and as the exti ancons a d extended to the band during the past year is not to be always depended on, we would urge on all who have not already done so, to call on the Treasurer and give as they can afford.

A second criminal information against James Aitohison for libelling Mr E. A. Drury' the Cromwell correspondent of this journal, was heard in the Police Court, Cromwell, before Messrs Loughnan and Jolly, J.P.’s, and resulted in a dismissal, the Bench saying that the evidence of signature to the objectionable letter not being sufficiently strong to send the case before a higher tribunal. Now that case has boon heard, and as far as we can see, there being ni chance of further proceedings, we venture to say that the writings objected to by Mr Drury, were of a most slanderous and damnatory character, unwarranted, and we unhesitatingly assert, penned in a spirit of malice, with the view of injuiing Mr Drury in'the estimation of everyone, and without the slightest shadow of foundation. Mr Drury, by the actions he has taken, has cleared his character of the imputations cast on him ; and we should hope the man Aitcluson has been taught such a lesson as will cause him to study better the person he would next throw mud at, than he apparently did Mr Drury. At the last sitting of the Waste Lands Board, Mr Bradshaw for George M’Loughlin applied for an island on the Clutha above Rooky Point. Refused. Wo have to acknowledge receipt of Reports of Professor Black, and of the Otago University as laid%efore the late Provincial Council, also, other papers. The following paragraph is going the round of the papers An amusing inoilent is reported by the Bruce Herald to have occurred in a Southern Presbyterian Church lately, A certain lady of extraorpary strength of lungs persisted in singing the last psalm at double the speed of the precentor. Many wore led astray- some singing with the precentor, and others gallantly following the lead of the lady.” Perhaps she had left her baby at home ?

In a late number of the Australasian we find it said :—“ We would draw attention to the action taken by the Government at Home of late years in reference to the turf. The first blow has been struct at the listhouses and betting-shops, and a very decisive blow it was. But there is another to come yet, and it is a mere question of time, unless in the interim race committees and clul a obviate the necessity for it. The next move will be to suppress all public betting and betting in public places. There is a very strong party in Great Britain who regard all racing as sinful. The party is strong, and is growing stronger. It is gaining recruits every year; and when it feels its power sufficient, from that moment all betting in public houses is doomed. Some people ridicule the idea of such a thing happening in a British community. Other reforms have been ridiculed also, but have, nevertheless, been carried ont. The total suppression of all public betting is, in our opinion, simply a matter of time. Betting quotations in the Press will he forbidden, and all allusion to the state of the odds. TattersaU’s will be shut up, and a bookmaker will not dare to open his month in a hotel for fear of a hundred pounds fine. There will he no ring in the saddling paddock, and if before a Melbourne Cup some adventurous Thompson or Goyder offer to lay a wager on the race, he will quickly find himself an inmate of the police-van and lodged in durance vile. When that time comes handicaps will he run ou their merits, •and the public handicapper will he better appreciated. All horses then will go for the money, as there will he nothing else to go for. There will be no waitists, as there will be nothing to wait for, and only those persons will patronise the turf who can enjoy racing for racing’s sake, apart from the excitement and hope of gain which now influences nine-tenths of those who flock to see a race run.” TELEGRAPHIC INTELLIGENCE. —e— Dunedin, July 6. The Vogel Ministry has resigned. On Saturday Dr Pollen was entrusted with the formation of a Government and succeeded as follows:—Dr Pollen, Premier ; Sir Julius Vogel, Post Master General; Major Atkinson, Treasurer. Sir D. M'Lean, Sir J. C. Richardson, and Mr Reynolds hold their original portfolios. W. W. Vause, Postmaster of Alexandra, p'oaded guilty, and was sentenced to three months’ imprisonment, without hard labor, on a charge of embezzlement of Government money.