THE Grey River Argus. PUBLISHED DAILY. FRIDAY, MAY 10, 1872.

Grey River Argus, Volume XII, Issue 1180, 10 May 1872, Page 2

THE Grey River Argus. PUBLISHED DAILY. FRIDAY, MAY 10, 1872.

At the opening of the Kaiapoi Railway on the 29th ult., the Superintendent of Canterbury, who is also a member of the House of Representatives, and tho Hon. W. Reeves, Resident Minister for the Middle Island, interchanged compliments to a considerable extent, though sitting on different sides of the House, the former being in opposition, and Mr Reeves, of course, a Ministerial supporter. Though little was said calculated to throw much light on either Government or Opposition tactics, expressions were dropped of interest as showing, at least by straws tbrovmjup, in which direction the political winds from various quarters are likely to blow. The first subject that arose in the amicable duel to which we refer, was a remark from Mr Rolleston in proposing the health of Mr Reeves. The Superintendent, after saying that he had the honor of being one of Her Majesty's opposition, in other words opposed to the existing Government, (said — " We have amongst us this day a member of that Ministry, who is more intimately connected with us, and whose appointment is significant of changes, which sooner cr later, will take place in the constitution of the colony. I allude of course to my honorable friend on my right (the Hon. Wm. Reeves)— [cheers] — and whose name J am sure, as connected with this toast, you will receive with every mark of satisfaction. [Cheers.] There is no doubt in my mind at all that there are signs to be noticed of a change in the constitution as regards this island, and I have no doubt but that great changes are at hand, but I am not here to say what those changes are." What his Honor meant by the opening portion of the extract we leave our readers to imagine, but as to the latter there can be no question. The Colony is anxious for a change — is desirous of an abolition of the Provincial farce, and Mr Rolleston, whether favorable or otherwise, can read and acknowledge the " signs of tho times." From subsequent remarks it is probable that he is not prepared for v , the necessary?, changes that its most bitter opponents desire, but, at the same time, is resigned to the gradual extinction that the present Ministry seem bent on. He and Mtj Reeves appear likely, though starting from different points, to converge to one on this much-troubled Provincial question, and they afford fair samples of public opinion on either side. Some following remarks of the Superintendent will be endorsed heartily by the residents on this side the range, as far as present experience has gone, transposing Canterbury railway works for roads in the Grey Valley : — " Since Mr Reeves has been in the position he now holds he has devoted himself most assiduously to forwarding the works, the completion of which we this day celebrate, and since it has bean in his hands, he has done everything in his power in forwarding the works in progress." We have had very recent occasion to bear testimony to the truth of this compliment in connection with the road between Mia Mia and Reefton. In his reply, Mr Reeves, after explaining the causes that had led to the delay of railway construction, said— "What I want to point out is, that if it has taken twenty months of energetic efforts to make this twelve miles of railway, how long should it take, when I tell you we have in contemplation 250 miles of heavy railways, in addition to 150 miles of lighter lines now in course of survey, and the preliminary aurveys of which are not . yet completed. You will thus see the '< • unreasonableness of the charge of undue delay which has been brought against us. j Then, again, we are told that we have blundered, and that we have bungled in our dealings with the contractors. Gentlemen, you cannot expect me to go into the dealings of the Government with Messrs Br>gJen,.but I say that it is only right for the people of New Zealand to give their confidence to the Government, and believe that they are, so far as in their power, doing their best by the country." The explanation given at the time relieves us of the idea that all the railways will take an equal length of time to construct, but nevertheless we trust that the coal railway from Greymouth to the Brunner Mine will not be amongst the post-dated. The plans were ready for the contractor, a recent telegram told us; the Assembly has voted the money, and, amongst his other pleasant duties, we hope that the Resident Minister will very shortly give instructions for the work to proceed. If he would come and turn the first sod, he

would meet with a cordial welcome. Dropping the railway subject, Mr lleeves referred to what might be termed the political vaticination of Mr Rolleston, in proposing the toast, and, in doing so, questioned the probability of early constitutional changes, saying: — "The Superintendent has on this, as on former occasions when I have heard him speak, spoken of changes which he seems to think are imminent in the constitution of the Colony. In what lam about to say I wish it to be distinctly understood that I am not stating the mind of the Ministry, bub simply as a private representative of the people, expressing my own opinion. I do not believe that such changes are imminently hanging over the Colony. If I understood his Honor aright, 1 gather from his speech that he thinks changes of a constitutional nature hang over the Colony, but if he thinks so I beg to say I do not. It is a maxim of constitutional Government nob to go a-head of public opinion, and I fail to see that there is any j expression at present of public opinion on \ the matter. Before the Government came to any opinion on the matter, the public must have done so, and that is not the case." We can only speak positively as far as local feeling is concerned, but we do most emphatically question Mr Reeves' conclusions as to the general contentment under Provincial rule as far as this part of the Colony is concerned. We have already given sufficient proofs of this without adducing them again. The trimming, for really it is nothing else, we regret. Provincialism is doomed, and whether the "happy despatch" is accomplished by the gradual process already attributed to the Ministry, or by the more rapid process foreshadowed by Mr Rolleston, its end i 3 not far distant, and, like those who have outlived their time and been a burden to themselves and their surroundings, the Colony will congratulate itself on "a happy release." In speaking to the toast of his health, the Superintendent, referring to this Coast, made the following pregnant remarks :— "lt must never be lost sight of that we have large natural resources, the wealth of which at present we are unaware. Communication must be established between the coal and mineral producing districts of the Province, because, unless I read the reports appearing from time to time in a wrong light, there is much to be derived from our resources in the; West Coast. [Cheers.] There is a large amount of reef digging opening up there, and I would desire to impress upon you very strongly the fact that we cannot isolate ourselves ; and the railway we have thi3 day inaugurated will bring us, through its extension, well on to the opening up of communication with these large and valuable Gold Fields. This, it appears to me, should be our aim, to push forward our communication, and thus utilise the large resources placed atour command." We need not comment on this, but can only hope that the communication referred to will bo perfected. One satisfactory feature, however, is the importance that the Grey Valley is evidently assuming in the eyes of persons at a distance. Mr Stafford, ex-Premier, was also present, but most carefully abstained from com mitting himself to any political opioion, though he, be it observed, did not question the hint thrown out by Mr Rollett m, and may therefore be supposed to have endorsed the opinion expressed by that gentleman, who is, as he declared himself, one of the Opposition. He paid the following compliment to the House of Representatives, which, coming from such a source, is entitled to considerable respect : — " I may say, as a colonist of thirtyfive years standing, and a member of the House of Representatives for eighteen consecutive years, that honesty, disinterestedness, and public-spiritedness, have hitherto been the characteristics of the General Assembly of New Zealand, and I trust it may longcontinue so." Altogether, the few extracts we have been enabled to give afford at least food for reflection, and will be read with interest by all who take an interest in the political advancement or the political condition of the Colony. The annual legislative battle will commence within a few weeks, and any scraps that can enlighten the public as to what may be expected cannot Ml to be other than valuable. -

A parade of the Greymouth Rifles took place last evening, at the Volunteer Hall, and it is expected that Colonel Harrington will inspect the corps this evening. Two medals will be presented this evening to members, and the district prize money will also be handed over. Captain Hamilton, referring to it, said that the Greymouth Rifles would take just lialf of what was allowed to the County. About the only cheerful thing witnessed yesterday, was the revival of the good old English game of football in the police paddock. A few of the athletes of Greymouth mustered in the forenoon and had a glorious contest, alike to their own satisfaction, the detriment of their shins, and the amusement of the spectators. However damaging to the understandings football may be at times, it is, without doubt, a manly sport, and we hope the club proposed will flourish. The season is favorable, a good ground is available, and everything is in its favor. Clubs in Nelson, Wellington, and other places do well, and afford healthy amusement and excitement. Why should they not do so on the West Coast of this island ? The coal and bread cases to which we have already referred, will be heard in the Resident Magistrate's Court to-day. There are several charges of various kinds to be brought forward. Miss Clara Stephenson and Mr Bnrford, assisted, as heretofore, by the amateurs of Greymouth, will appear to-morrow (Saturday) evening again. The pieces selected are "The Outlaw's Bride," and "The Dead Shot." They have been stopped in their performances owing to the hall being required last and this night for volunteer uses. We understand that the Masonic Ball Com" mittee meet this evening at Gilmer's Hotel for the purpose of receiving applications for tickets. The Thanksgiving Day in Greymouth cannot by any means be considered a success, if success consist in people being jubilant and signs of holiday keeping abundant. One of the most miserable days that has been spent for some time was got through yesterday in this town. The gorge wind blew steadily to add to the cheerfulness of the occasion, every shop was shut, the public houses were closed up as on Sunday, there were no sports of any kind to enliven the occasion, there were religious services of the quietest, but, fortunately, shortest description, and taken altogether the Governor's proclamation fell far short of expectation, if a holiday with its accompaniments was the idea. A football match certainly was got .up, but with this exception, the day produced some of such brilliant examples of Mark Tapleyism, in being jolly under creditable circumstances, as would have delighted the heart of the late

lamented CharlesJDickens, could he have aeen tbem. A fleet of fishing craft enjoyed themselves, or rather their occupants did, in. catching herring and cod on the verge of the' bar s with an excellent chance at times, thanks to the unskilled oaismen, of going over it, and affording substantial suppers to the prey they were pursuing. A few unemployed niserables wandered away and cheated themselves into the belief that they were enjoying themselves ; others, wiser, stopped at home and dozed the day away. Never 'was there a more miserable holiday. It seemed rather, on walking up the street, that the shops were shut, because some .great funeral was about to pass, and as though their proprietors were waiting anxiously to open the doors and resume business. Anything much more funereal and further removed from festivity could not well be. At the churches, though the ministers did their utmost exhortation, they failed badly to get anj thing like appreciative congregations. At Trinity Church (Episcopalian), the incumbent reckons his congregation at fifty, but admits that he may have overrated them, and that the number may i;ofc have been so large ; at the Scotch Church there were ten adults and four children ; and the Wesleyan thanksgivers numbered six, all told. Atthe Catholic Church, owing to it being Ascension Day and a festival, the numbers were larger, but, if we are- correctly informed, no mention of the Thanksgiving matter was made. Altogether we may congratulate ourselves on having got through a dull day, a ceremony that was worse than absurd, and on having taken an active part in the interruption of business, that these times can ill afford . It is, however over, and let us hope, senseless observances of the kind on such occasions may be discontinued. Excepting to make everyone uncomfortable, if yesterday is to be taken as an example, their cessation is a consummation most devoutly to be wished. The match between Drake and Twohill promises to excite considerable interest. The instalments of the stake have been regularly paid j both men are in vigorous training, and the friends of both are equally confident as to the result. There will be two booths sold for the occasion, and the admission money to the course will be a shilling. In addition to these matches, L2O will be given by a committee as prizes in other events. The great success that has attended fishermen in the Grey of late, has encouraged a large number of , persons to follow the " gentle art," equally alongside the wharf, off vessels lying alongside, and in every possible " coign of vantage " for piscatorial purposes. The number of boats now constantly hovering about the entrance of the river is large. Yesterday there were more than a dozen, and though the weather was not as favorable as might have been wished, some very good hauls were made. On Wednesday evening one parfcy of four caught near 120 fish within the hour, fishing over the bar with ordinary lines. The captures chiefly consist of rock cod and herring, some of them of a large size ; a few of the more lucky ones have secuied some splendid flounders. '. A family at the Thames has been poisoned by eating some barracouta imported from Dunedin. The fish are believed to have been moonstruck. The Clyde Presbyterian of Alexandra and Clyde and surrounding districts have resolved unanimously to call the Rev. A. Blake, M. A , to be their Minister. The Otago Daily Times says : — " Some member of the genus ' larrikin ' or ' rollicking ram ' was kind enough to make us a present in the shape of one of the balls which mark the premises of a pawnbroker. This he bowled into the passage leading into our office, and then, not wishing his liberal character to be known, vanished with remarkable celerity. The owner of the "golden ball " cm have it on application at the police station." With regard to the Sau Francisco mail contract, as lately arranged between Mr Yogel and the Victorian Government, the Governor in his opening speech to the Victorian Assembly on the 30th iilt, sard— "A contract has been entered into in concert with the Government of New Zealand for subsidising a line of steamers from Melbourne to Sau Francisco, subject to your assent: a subsHy.will. be asked also for a line of steamers to Europe by way of the Cape of Good Hope ; and a proposal made to connect Australia with Europe by a colonial service running from Melbourne to Ceylon, whence two great postal lines run to England an-l France." On this the Argus, of May 1, says :— "Concerning the contract entered into with Mr Webb for subsiding a line of steamers from Melbourne to San Francisco, we.can say nothing until we know the terms of the compact. Providing these are reasonably favorable to this colony, we should certainly accord praise to the Government for having seized the opportunity of securing regular communication with a country with which we are- likely to have very extensive commercial transactions.', According to the Tuapeka Times, Waipori is no Paradise for barmaids. We know by experience no lively scene of nature is there for human residence, and this tends to make men hard in heart and careless. Surely no one can live there except for the sake of gold, &c. Here is what our contemporary says : — "It is stated that considerable difficulty is experienced in procuring barmaids for Waipori. The cause of this difficulty is a league, which has been formed amongst ladies of the barmaid profession, each member of which is pledged not to take an engagement at Waipori. This Barmaid League was established in consequence of it being discovered that the bachelors of Waipori although amorously, are not matrimonially inclined." -, The latest example of « ' servantgalism "in 'Auckland is related 1 by a local paper as follows : — " We were shown yesterday an ' amusing letter which had been received by a gentleman who advertised through the. columns of this paper for a nursegirl, for ' Mount Albert. The letter stated that the applicant would accept the situation at 10a per weekj but objected to the children." . A stranger who did not understand the high state of morality which exists in Victoria might be puzzled to account for the fact that, on 4th May, there were no fewer than nine persons lying under sentence of death. This is tolerably well fora population of 750,000, when it is remembered that the criminal court of Melbourne sits every month, and that assizes are held at the principal gold field| towns three or four times a year. In the official Gazette of Victoria the following notification has appeared : — " The Government having received information encouraging the belief that diamond drifts exist in various parts of the colony, especially near Warwick, Nanango, and Agate Creek, Gilbert Eiver, it hereby notified for general-.informa-tion that they have decided upon offering a reward of LlOOO sterling, subject to the sanction of Parliament, for the discovery of any diamond field or drift upon the following conditions, viz. .•—•'The reward will be payable to the person or party who shall first make known to the Government the existence of a diamond drift or field, and be paid on satisfactory evidence being placed before the Government, showing that no less than 1000 persons are profitably engaged on the field in mining for diamonds." • What has become of the host of sharebrokeis ? says an Auckland paper. Has the L 25 license fee frightened them out of the market, or have they taken advice from tha old motto of Me siitor ttftrct crqtidam, and

gone, some of their last and some of their ■ goose? From whatever cause, it is patent ] that the majority have disappeared some-, where ; the places that know * them once , know them no more. To those of the same ' kidney, however, who have no last or goose to fly to, we would commend a migration to the Grey .district. . There reefing, is a.coinr paratively new industry, and an adept at floating companies might do a good stroke. For legal managers, mining agents, and such like, the Grey district of the West Coast now offers/ unusual advantages, for by last advices the local residents were completely in a fog with, regard to all matters connected with the. manipulation of gold quartz-mining companies." It has been decided, says the Hokitika Star, to despatch a survey party, headed by Mr Browning, .to the, head waters of the Kokotahi and the Hokitika Eivers. This is a step in the right direction ; and Mr Browning's present knowledge of the principal features of the country will . doubtless be of considerable assistance to him in acquiring further information concerning a large dis-. tfict which, for anything which is knovyn to the contrary, contains unlimited mineral wealth . The report furnished by Mr.Bro wning a few days since has doubtless been read with avidity by those who have the interest of this district at heart, and the adoption of any line of action which will add to the extremely scanty knowledge we possess of the country comprised within that large tract, known as the Hokitika Valley, 'will be hailed with general satisfaction. As the winter season has already commenced, the. survey party will doubtless have to endure considqrv able hardships ; but there, is every probability that under so skilful a leader as Mr' Browning discoveries, will be made of no ordinary importance. i . ' " Atticus" in the Age says :— "The atyry which has gone the rounds of the country press about Mr Ireland receiving a large sum of money in addition to his fee from a Ben-, digo client, and presenting it to Mrs., Aspinall, appears to have no foundation in fact. Either Mr Ireland did not get the money, |or elss he seems to have thought that a selfpresented testimonial to himself was the most useful purpose .to which it could be applied. lam glad that Mrs Aspinall is now in a 'position to help herself. Those who were the readiest to laugh at her husband's' jokes seem to ha?e been the last to offer any assistance when it was most needed. A strange story is told of one gentleman, a client of poor Aspinall, and who owed his acquittal from a serious, charge, to his own undoubted innocence in the first place, but in the second to the skill and eloquence! of his advocate. Medicius felt quite certain that Aspinall was not mad, and that all he wanted was proper treatment. He would like to see him. The officials at the Yarra Bend were quite willing. Accordingly, Medicus called, and saw bi3 quondam advocate. "Do you know me ?" "Of course 1. do. I got you off that time ; but don't you think yourself that you richly deserved hanging ?" Medicus did not half like the allusion. "Ah, poor fellow," said he to the resident surgeon, '• I'm glad I saw him ; but he's very bad. I am afraid the case is quite hopeless." ■; _•■-••.■■■.-•■■■■ ,