The Evening Star. THURSDAY, AUGUST 13 1874

Evening Star, Issue 3580, 13 August 1874, Page 2

The Evening Star. THURSDAY, AUGUST 13 1874

There are many singular anomalies in the carrying out of works undertaken by Governments in these Southern Colonies, which would be looked upon as grave mistakes were they committed by men in their private concerns. The latest illustration is the want of forethought and preparation for the large influx of immigrants brought into the Colony at a season of the year when the demand for labor is the smallest. When some years ago the Provincial Government committed a similar error, and two or three hundred unemployed were walking about the streets discontented, we drew attention to the necessity for some mode of employing them reproductively ; and suggested that the Government should always have gold-work-ing reserves to place them upon. The advantage of such a plan would be that immigrants would have a systematic training in mining, and be prepared to fall back upon that, should a time come when employment was scarce in their own trade ; or should they have an inclination in that direction, they would acquire sufficient knowledge to enable them successfully to follow mining as an occupation. We believed then, and we still believe, such a plan would have proved most beneficial to the country ' } but instead of its finding acceptance with the Provincial Executive, it was looked upon as visionary. The objection was raised that a few thousands would be required to be laid out which were not voted in the appropriations, and men who never saw the woi-king of a mine decided that so simple and ready a plan was impracticable. Others said it was no part of the duty of a Government to enter into mining speculations—a maxim which no one will dispute—and it was concluded that the plan proposed was a mining speculation : and so the matter ended; trade revived, all new comers found full work at full wages, and with the occasion the idea was for-

gotten. But, as was certain to be the case, a time has come when immigrants are coming in faster than winter’s work absorbs them ; and Mr M'Kellar, Acting Provincial Secretary, informed a deputation that the Government had to “as it were invent works” which would “ last a month or so.” The question, therefore, is again raised; and since “invention” is required, why not invent some kind of employment that under good management will recoup the cost of working? We know well gold workings in quartz cannot be improvised, and therefore, as we have no machinery of that class immediately available before it could be constructed and set to work in a likely spot, the necessity will have passed away. This probability does not, however, render the consideration of the subject unnecessary, as it is by no means improbable that a recurrence of the labor difficulty may take place before another year goes by. As to the objections then; We see no force in the theory that Government should not mine for gold. It is employment of so peculiar a character as not to be competitive. It interferes with no other class of industry, reduces no man’s profits, affords the means of enabling men to earn their bread, and thus tends to foster that independence of spirit so essential to Colonial success, instead of inducing a sense of degradation and dependence through eleemosynary aid. And supposing a small outlay of a few thousands were required for a quartz-mill or two that could be kept profitably running, months after hundreds of tons of quartz had been raised by labor now employed on works returning no income, the cost of necessary machinery would not be greater than the money at present spent in keeping a number of immigrants a length of time in absolute idleness. Nor do we consider the least advantage of such a plan would be the training that would be given to a large section of the people in one very important branch of Colonial industry. There is just now a tendency to overlook gold mining. It has not proved a paying speculation to investors in Dunedin, who, we are sorry to believe, have been very unfairly treated by up-country schemers, It cannot be denied that in many instances unprincipled men in all the gold-producing Colonies have obtained under misrepresentations capital which they have contrived, by one means or another, tp possess .themselves of, not caring who yvere the losers. This is partly owing to the limited knowledge of gold mining that directors and, too often, managers of mines have, and which would be to a great extent obviated were there a regular mining school under Government direction. Too little importance is attached to training in these matters. It seems to be thought that nothing move is wanted than muscular strength to use a pick or shovel ; that any man can look after an engine and crushing machinery; and that the simplest mechanical and chemical appliances are sufficient for the extraction of gold from its matrix. The experience of older nations and of thoroughly trained miners contradicts this. In Otago there is reason to think the want of mining knowledge has been the cause of failure in thousands of instances. Stone that elsewhere would have been made to return handsome dividends has been crushed to a loss, and the consequence is that gold-mining, which has been the means of developing the other resources of the Province and the Colony, is now looked on coldly and almost neglected. Mining knowledge would not only guard against loss to the capitalist but to the miners themselves, and weuld be available both for the development of our goldfields and of our coal and other minerals. We cannot but regard the action of the Cjrovei’nment as supine, in not foreseeing the necessity looming upon them of providing for so large an immigration at this season. Had it happened ten years ago, there would have been more excuse ; but now the telegraph advises of the departure of a ship, and the news reaches the authorities in less than ten days afterwards : yet no foresight has been displayed. The necessity for providing work seems to have come upon them just as suddenly as if the agents had advised and the ship with her living freight had brought the letter. It is plain too that the theory of private enterprise being equal to supplying fhe need for habitations is proved untrue, and is likely to remain so, so long as those who would be willing to build hav£ no security for interest on outlay of money. Perhaps instead of guaranteeing five per cent, on a Polynesian scheme, some such inducement to building suitable cottages might find ready response.

The Chief Postmaster notifies that the steamer Vietorine is expected to leave Auckland at 12 noon on Saturday, the 15th inst. Telegrams for the Australian Colonies or Europe via Java Cgffile, will be received at the Dunedin Office for transmission to Auckland up till noon o’clock of the 15th jnsf. At a meeting of the members of the Hand and Heart Lodge, last evening, for the purpose of electing a medical officer, Drs Bikewell, Borrows, Dole, and JPergusson offered their services. Dr Borrows was elected by an overwhelming majority. By the Omeo a fine chesnut colt arrived, on its way to Mr John Shield, of Wanganui, who purchased it from Mr John Jdoffp,tt, of Victoria, the letter gentleman having imponed it from Upglq,ad. The colt is named (Jladiator, and is by Nuncio, out of Nuncia— Nuncio by Ellis, out of Fatima. A meeting of the Dunedin Jockey Club was held last evening at the Empire Hotel - Mr John Stephenson in the chair. A sulv committee was appointed to draw up programmes for the spring meeting, on St. Aa'dyejy’s Day, in November next, and for

the annual meeting in March next. It was stated that the amount at the dispos'd of the committee for the ensuing year will exceed that of former years. A coroner’s inquest on the body of the man Walker, who was drowned near Vauxhall on Monday afternoon, was held to-day. According to the evidence of the survivor, the boat was upset in attempting to force a dog which was in it to swim, A verdict of “ Accidentally drowned " was returned. The Phoebe yesterday took with her 2,000 trout ova for the Provincial Government of Taranaki, and a similar quantity for the Acclimatisation Society of Wellington. These are presents to the respective Provinces from our Acclimatisation Society, which still retains enough to stock our own streams. Mr Wiltshire still continues his feat of walkmg against time, and judging by the attendance, the interest evinced is considerable. Mrs Wiltshire in walking her 827 th half-mile fainted, and bad not rallied in time to allow her to complete the distance within the hour. In accordance with Dr Bakewell’s recomendation she has ceased walking. Mr Wiltshire, so as not to disapoint those present, walked an extra mile on his wife’s suboumbing. There was a large attendance at the Princess Theatre last evening, when “The Great World of London” was repeated. The entertainment passed off successfully. We were pleased to perceive that the hint thrown out in our notice of yesterday was taken by the representative of Arthur Blessington, who dressed more in accordance with the character he sustained. M. Beda went through his performances on the trapeze to the satisfaction of the audience. Miss Vivian and Mr Hooper's double dance was loudly applauded ; aud Miss Martineau received an encore for her rendering of a pleasing little ballad. The Press Dramatic (Jlub give a performance to-night in aid of the Scott Scholarship Fund—the comedy of “ The Serious Family ” and the farce of “ Urgent Private Affairs” constituting the programme. “ The Great World of Loudon ” will be played to-morrow evening, for the benefit of the author. The monthly meeting of the Volunteer Fire Brigade was held last evening; Capfc. Wain in the chair. The resignation cf Mr John Hughes was accepted, he having been appointed Superintendent of the Fire Brigado in Auckland. The Brigade deeply regretted the loss of so old and efficient a brother fireman, and it was unanimously re solved to present Mr John Hughes with a silver call and chain, together with an illuminated testimonial, the same to be presented on Saturday evening next, at the Engine Station, at nine o’clock sharp. A letter from Mr Alexander R. Hay was received, enclosing a cheque for LlO, with thanks for the valuable services of the Brigade at the late tire. The Secretary v* as in*ti noted to acknowledge the same with thanks. Mr A. vioir, Manse street, was elected an honorary member, and Messrs T. avya, Hastie, and Bryan were proposed ; working members. Mr Atkinson was elected : hranchman in the place of Mr John Hughes, resigned. The resignation of Mr Frank Gillan was accepted. The quarterly meeting of the All Nations Lodge, JSp, 2(}, 1.0. G.T., Port Chalmers was held last night in the lodge-room, • Masonic Hall. After the usual business was , over, during which seven new members were i initiated, the reports of the various officers ; in charge were read. SThe treasurer’s repon showed a most satisfactory state of affairs, there being to the credit of the Lodge a sum ■ of LlB 7s (id in the bank after all cbarge> were met. The secretary’s report showed the membership to be 105 in all, 28 of these ; having been initiated during the quarter. These reports being adopted, the Lodge prepared for the installation of the officers for the new term. Bro. R. N. Adams, D.P.W.C.T., assis|#d by Bro. Young as G.W.M., and Bro. as G. W.G., installed the officer §, who wepe as follows Bro. Thos. Look, W.O.T. ; Sigter (River, W.V.S. ; Bro, J. E, Monson, W.S. j Brq. T. J. Thomson, W.T.s.j Bro. James Baird, W.T.; Bro. Rev. JDr Spooner, W.G. ; Bro. P. shea, W. M. ; Bro. Marr, sen., J.G. ; Bro. Menelaus, 0.5.; Sister Monson, R.H.S; Bro. W. Moir, L.S.; Bro. Cameron, W.A.S,; Bro. Miller, W,DM. A vote of thanks to Bro. Adams for the manfiep in which he had fulfilled the duties of L.D. was unanimously given and responded to, and a similar vote to tfie rpfiiring officers closed the meeting. The Fourth School, present carried on in the Oddfellows’ Half, will fie peipoyed to the new school buildings on Monday next,. The monthly meeting of the Loyal Orange Lodge Star of Otago, will be held in the Oddfellow’s Hall, to-morrow evening, at 7.30,