DUNEDIN.

Grey River Argus, Volume X, Issue 756, 22 November 1870, Page 2

DUNEDIN.

(from our own correspondent.) November 14. There must be some peculiar magic in being able to write the initials " M.P.C." after one's name ; else why, whenever a [ vacancy occurs in the membership of the Provincial Council, should there be such a rush and scramble to secure the coveted honor. Only the other day we had a spirited contest for the honor of filling the vacancy in the representation of Dunedin, where three candidates strove tooth and nail against each other ; now there occurs a vacancy for the country district of Waikouaiti, and no fewer than four gentlemen start up, all ambitious of filling the vacant post. Had it been the beginning of a Council, or any distance of time from its termination, there might have been some rerson for all this eaijernes3 ; but instead of lhat the Council is about to expire, its ordinary course being about run, and only a special session, which is not expected to last more than ton days, is to be held before its dissolution. As I said above, this last election \\<i3 contested by four, two of them local -men, Messrs Pratt and Thompson, and two from Dunedin, Messrs Mills and Ure. The district is a wide one, and there are several polling places, from all of which the returns are net yet received, but Mr Mills polled so large a number of votes over cither of the other candidates

that he may be considered to have gained the seat. Meanwhile the Council meet 3 on Tuesday next for the despatch of business. Another election for the City Cunncil is also pending. Mr John Griffin, one of the members for South Ward, having resigned. Several gentleman have be«n named a3 possible candidates, but none are yet definitely before the public. The City Council has come out strong this week in tho way of borrowing. They invite tenders for LIO,OOO worth of bonds, to bear interest at the rate of seven per cent, per annum. This amount is proposed to be expended in completing the various streets and other works yet unfinished, ajul effecting numerous alterations aud improvements all over the city. A deputation of the Council " interviewed" the Superintendent this week about the widening of Princes street south, but it doe 3 not seem likely that this long-talked of improvement willever be carried out. There are too many conflicting interests in connection with the matter. The traffic on this part of the street will be very much lightened by the formation of Crawford street, which is now being carried on from the Jetty southward. One of those funny affairs — a Gift Auction — has been going on in the Masonic Hall for the last night or two. The gifts comprise a most miscellaneous assortment of everything, and the odd way in which they are brought together v productive of considerable amusement. It is for aiding the funds of St. Paul's Church, and during the two nights has produced about LIBO. The holiday on Wednesday was largely taken advantage of. The main attraction was tho Foresters' Fete at Vauxhall, but there were several others. The day was beautiful.. There has been no rain since Saturday last, when there were a few slight showers. The farmers all round are complaining of the want of moisture, the ground being quite parched. Grass is getting short, and if rain don't come soon the crops will Buffer heavily.