THE COUNTRY.

Evening Star, Issue 3197, 20 May 1873, Page 3

THE COUNTRY.

Tuapeka.—-Of course the most prominent topic of conversation here is the Ministerial crisis. The action of the Council in condemning the mode in which his Honor chose his present advisers created no surprise; but the subsequent events have caused considerable dissatisfaction. The unpopularity of the Provincial Council, as an institution, the peculiar constitution, or rather exceptional disorganisation of parties, and the feelings of detestation entertained for the quondam idol of the goldfields, Mr Reid, have prevented public expression being given to the opinions of the people; but there is little doubt that if the present unsatisfactory state of affairs continues much longer, the inhabitants of Tuapeka will not remain silent. The conduct of Mr J. C, Brown, in joining the Executive proposed by Mr Reid, has been freely commented upon ; and if it were not that his constituents, recognising his services in the past, and placing confidence in his good faith, are waiting for further explanations before arriving at a verdict, the position of that honorable gentleman would, to say the very least, be rather unpleasant. The ways of politicians, like those of Providence, are admitted to be inscrutable, and ought not to be too closely inquired into ; nevertheless, wo feel curious to know how Mr J. C. Brown can reconcile his professions during the past six months with his action during the past two weeks. A solution of the present difficulty might bo found by his Honor commissioning Mr Shepherd to form an Executive. That gentleman possesses the confidence of his constituents to an alarming degree—so much so that, while recently addressing them, he, with self-abnegation somewhat similar to that Mr Reid told the Council he had practised, he carefully eschewed the centres or population, and cnose a locality bearing the classic appellation of Tinker's Gully, situated at the foot of the Dnnstan Range, as the scene of his post, or rather pre-sessional utterances. One thing is oei-tain that, if there is an appeal to the country, the reign of the obstructionists is at an end for ever. The eyes of the country have been opened during the last two years, and clodisra, with its able though misguided leader, is hated more than it was once loved. The difference between Mr Reid’s party and that of his opponents may be briefly stated. The former promises much and performs nothing; the latter promises little, but keeps its word.—The weather has of late been exceedingly broken. A large quantity of rain h»ff fallen, which will be of good service to the farmers, as it will soften the ground and lessen the labor of breaking it up. Oats command a fair price, but potatoes are rather low.— Mining is being prosecuted vigorously under favoring influences. The appeal in the great Blue Spur case is to be heard this week in Wellington, and everyone hero is anxiously awaiting the result. A new injunction was last week served on Morrison and party, who, by permission of the Court, were continuing work ; but, I am informed, those gentlemen, not being afraid of the terrible punishment which the Supreme Court designates “attachment,” quietly ignored the document, and are sluicing away as merrily as ever. The attempt to amalgamate the claims of Hales and Co,, Clayton and Co,, and Morrison and Co., made by a gentleman from Dunedin, has, as anticipated, resulted in a comi lete failure. The Molyneux was last week lower than it has ever been within the knowledge of white men, but the recent rains have no doubt raised it. Good accounts are being received from Campbell’s; some parties there are making little piles. The Chinese population in Tuapeka continues decreasing.— Mr David M‘Donald is the successful tenderer for the construction of the Beaumont bridge, the amount of his offer being L4,4G3. There was LI,OOO difference between the amount of his and the next lowest tenderer’s offer. The work has fallen into good hands, and if no mishaps occur, in twelve months the punt at the Beaumont will exist only as a historical fact. Mr M‘Donald, with his accustomed energy, has already commenced operations. Our Town Council have resolved to borrow a large sum of money for purposes specified in my last letter. The amount has not yet been fixed upon, but will in all likelihood be about L 7,000, a sum which, judiciously expended, cannot fail to be productive of much good to the good town of Lawrence.—The sittings of the Supreme Court take place on the 9th inst. There is one local mauvai* sujet to try, and I believe the two Clyde cases will be heard here. —Through some mismanagement, the usual readings did not come off on last Friday night, greatly to the disappointment of a large number of peonle, many of whom came from long distances.—Property continues rising in value. On Saturday fast Mr Hay sold the property of Mr M‘Ncil, Colonsay street, consisting of house and land. Deducting the value of the house, the land brought L 4 per foot—not so bod for land in a back street. —Active competition is expected for the work for constructing the Tuapeka railway, judging from the number of contractors who have inspected the line.—ln the Resident Magistrate’s Court, business has been remarkably slack, scarcely a case having been heard for a month. There is an important case yet undecided before the Warden’s Court, affecting, as usual, the Blue Spur, particulars of which I will forward at its conclusion. —In my last letter a mistake appeared. The area of land Eurchased by Mr Spedding for L4OO was twentyve acres, instead of seven, as printed. I may mention that some time ago some sections in the same locality were sold at from Lll to Ll3, and property has been rising ever since.—Anew church is to be erected by the Congregationalists. The pastor of that church, the Rev Mr Menzies, is widely and deservedly liked, and though all deplore the number of churches here, yet few will refuse to subscribe to the new one. —A petition. Las been forwariletl to tbe Provincial Government by the Blue Spur claim holders, praying that an engineer be appointed to take the levels of Gabriel’s Gully, with the view of finding an outlet for the tailings which are at present threatening the properties in Ross place, Lawrence. Seeing what has been done at Naseby, the Government can scarcely refuse the request. —Another petition has been sent from the Gabriel’s Gully Q. M. Co. and the Clark’s Hill Prospecting Company, asking fpr the services of a geologist, to impart information relative to the strata of Wet hers tones Hill.