The Grey River Argus. PUBLISHED DAILY. MONDAY, DECEMBER 23, 1872.

Grey River Argus, Volume XII, Issue 1373, 23 December 1872, Page 2

The Grey River Argus. PUBLISHED DAILY. MONDAY, DECEMBER 23, 1872.

Thb lively interest which is being taken in England and elsewhere in the important subject of discovering and developing new coal-fields has extended itself to the Colony of New Zealand, and, as usual, the Nelson Government occupies a position of "proud pre-eminence" in promoting an " enterprise of great pith and moment." In the midst of much evil but truthful report as to their opposition to the project of connecting Greymouth with an already discovered coal-mine — in defiance of dastardly ■ insinuations as to their neglect of the general interests of the Province — and irrespective of all respect for the votes of the Provincial Council — the two men who form "the head and front " of the Provincial administration, Mr Oswald Curtis and Mr Alfred Greenfield, are so impressed with the importance of discovering coal within the bounds of Nelson Pro vince that they have positively offered to pay a reward of one hundred pounds to any person who may indicate the existence of a "workable seam." Anything more magnanimous or munificent can scarcely be conceived, and the announcement of the fact should at once close the mouths of those who assert that the Nelson Government does not take an interest in the development of the mineral resources of the country. It is said that the Superintendent of Nelson is doing his utmost to obstruct the Colonial Government in, proceeding with the construction of a railway frorn^ Greymouth to the Grey Valley coal-mine, but can it possibly be the case that he would do so when it is found that he is prepared to risk the credit of the Province to the extent of a hundred pounds in the event of coal being discovered- — -. Where 1 Within so many miles of the town boundary of Nelson ! Here is the an. nouncemeni to that effect—an announce, ment whioh, m consideration of its im.

portance, we publish gratis, with a promise to relate to-morrow what is equally iirportant — the steps taken by Mr Curtis in connection with the enterprise of carrying coal to the port of Greymouth : — £100 REWARD. A REWARD oFoNE . HUNDRED POUND 3 will be given by^tho Pro^ vincial Government to ANY PERSONIvIio may DISCOVER a WORKABLE SEAM of TRUE STEAM COAL in an accessible position for transport by land to the Port of Nelson WITHIN SEVENTY MILES of the town boundary. The attention of explorers is required to the above expression, "True Steam Coal," as abundance of brown and other coal of inferior quality is already known to exist within the described limits. No reward will be given for the alleged discovery of any coal seam already known, and reported on. ALFRED GREENFIELD, Provincial Secretary. The near approach of Christmas reminds us of the duty of calling to the recollection of our readers the fcime-bonored custom (timehonored, we mean, since the Grey River Hospital had au existence) of sending in presents for the Christmas dinner of those who at that festive season have the misfortune to be inmates of the Hospital. It is to be hoped there will be no lack of liberal contributions this year, and we feel confident that all who send in their presents will eat their own Christmas dinner with a keener relish when they know that they have assisted in cheering the hearts of those who are unfortunate. The Superintendent, Mr Rugg, will be happy to receive contributions to-day and to-morrow. The performances which Miss Stephenson, Mr Burford, Mr Thornton, and others whose names are familiar, promised to give to the inhabitants of Greymouth during the Christmas holidays, are to have a beginning this evening at the Volunteer Hall. The pleasure of again witnessing Miss Stephenson'a young familiar face and glance will, no doubt, induce a large attendance of the susceptible, arid those who attend dramatic performances for the purpose only of receiving so much drama for so much money ought also to be present in considerable numbers, for the programme is a most extensive one. On Christmas Eve there is to be produced a play in which Mr Thornton takes a prominent part as author, actor, and artist, and which ought to attract large audiences on many nights. Much labor, skill, and taste have been exercised in its preparation since the last appearance of the company by Mr Thornton and others of the company who have remained in Greymouth during Miss Stephenson's starring trip up-country, and those who have had opportunities pf judging of the excellence of the scene-painting say that the play as a whole is certain to excel anything that has yet been produced wpon the Greymouth stage. The Alhambra brought some live stock to the West Coast yesterday, consisting of four hares, imported to the order Mr C. prince. Five were shipped — two bucks and three does. The four which have come to hand have arrived in healthy condition. They will probably be offered to the Acclimatisation Society, the members of which will, no doubt, be able to find a place in which they may be turned out without the risk of meeting enemies in form of man or dog. But for the brave and active conduct of Mr Arnott, carpenter, a man would probably and fish, and who finds his profession so profitable that he gan afford to indulge in stimulants of a Sunday, was so much subdued by his favorite atimulaoi yesterday that he selected as a sleeping-place the waterside plank of the wharf. lv his sleep he seems to have dreamt, and in his dreams he dropped oS the wharf into the river. A boy witnessed Uls accidental immersion, and wisely and promptly informed others of the accident. Mr Arnott, carpenter, threw a life-buoy towards the man, and slid himself down to the water's edge, where he seized the old man as he was sinking, and enabled him to keep afloat till further assistance was given from the shore. With this assistance, the "old party" was abstracted from the river, and Mr Arnott was also removed from the position in which, but for his prompt presence, a fatal accident might have occurred. An Archery Club has been established in Wellington, but it labors under the disadvantage of being short of bows and arrows, although the members have bought up all stock in the city. The Mayor of Wellington has celebrated his re-election to office by giving a lunch at Osgood's Metropolitan Hotel. Besides the Councillors, there were present his Honor the Superintendent, the Provincial Secretary, and the Hons. Messrs Bathgato and Reynolds. Mr Edmond de Montalk, of Wellington, Bachelor of the University of France, an accomplished gentleman and able linguist, has been appointed by the Governors of Nelson College, teacher of modern languages in that institution. The sheep runs in the Wanganui district, from the Patea to the Turakina rivers, are stated to be overstocked. The Chronicle says that if the present dry weather con* tinues many will have to dispose of a large portion of their stock for what they can get. In reporting the races at Wagga Wagga, the local paper says that "in a monotonous interval, two ladies of essentially pugnacious characteristics tried conclusions upon the course, and sparred brilliantly for a few minutes." The caterpillars &re already making sad havoc with crops both north and south of Auckland, and many a fair field of oats has had to be mown down to save even a remnant from destruction. The pheasants and insectivorous birds are doing some 'good to keep down the hordes of crickets and caterpillars with which this Northern Island abounds, but their numbers are quite insufficient to cope with the armies of grubs swarming around. The ship City of Auckland was the bearer of 25 tons of Taranaki iron sand, which is the first large shipment made from Auckland. It is intended by the exporter to make regular monthly shipments of about 100 tons. A stone wall 18ft high is being built i-ound Mount Eden stockade, Auckland, so to render more difficult the escape of prisoners. Mr Simmonß, rector of the Nelson College, at the annual delivery of prizes, and in { allusiojl to- a speeoh by the Superintendent, thanked Mr Curtis for his address, and especially for that portion of it which referred to the teaching of the English language at the College. He had taken much trouble with it because he believed it to be the noblest of anguages, and one which should form the most attractive study for Englishmen, although he was sorry to say many of them were very ignorant of it. He had been much disappointed to find that more prominence had not been accorded to it in the examination for. the University scholarships, and trusted that for the future the Council would insist upon the examination under this head being most searching. It was more important for an Englishman to be thoroughly acquainted -with his own language and

literature than with Greek c Latin, although he believed very much in fh'ese, the latter especially, as leading to a ipre complete understanding of English, notwithstanding that there were some few exeptions such, as John Bright, and Hugh Killer, who were perfect masters of English vithout knotting much of the dead languages The Thames Advertiser expects that Sir Georgo.Groy will pay Ma/fast visit to the Thames Gold Fioi<v^»o occasion of St i John's Day celebration^Hfrtbo laying of the { Masonic Hall foundation stone, on the 27th * instant His Honor the Superintendent is 1 likewise to be present, and many Masonic i brethren from Auckland; , The following is stated to be the number of persons employed by Mosrs Brogdea and Co. on the various railways for which they i have contracted :— * , Auckland and Mercer Railway ... 512 Napier and Pakipaki Railvay ... 29 Picton and Blenheim Railway ... 168 Wellington and Hutt Railway ... 120 Dunedtn and Clutha Railway ... 284 Invercargill and Mataura Railway ... 150 Total ... ../ 1263 Besides these there are ab»ut 50 gangers. Me George Cotterell, says the Nelson Mail, has sufficiently recovered. : from the serious illness which unfortunately cut short his highly -successful Australian, career to be able to once again appear before the public. We (MarlboroitghA'cws) have been informed that wheo-tJiaJketch Ocean Bird waa at-the_bar7onhev recent trip from Nelson, whilst some of the crew,.,with Mr Bulliff, the pilot, were in a boat'takmg soundings, they saw a large shark appsoiching. They immediately pulled to the vessel, the shark following them alongside. It appears that the monster, which was estimated to be ov.er 30ft long, male a darji at a porpoise (that had previously been caught) hatiging from the stern of the vessel Some idea of the strength of the monster may be formed from the fact that, after behg harpooned, he carried fche line underneath the vessel, completely turning her romd as if a steam tug had made fast to her. It succeeded, however, in getting off the iarpoon. The " Flaneur" in Sji&aey, in reference to a letter which appeared in the Oamant Times, advocating compulsory marriage aa a means of populating and colonising the country, preferable to retaining the services of a paid immigration agent, says : — " I don't see why not. It seems to be the fashion of the day to njake everything involunbaty—s no pompujsion, only yon must V Compulsory education; c'Qn}puloo*y--vivooia<i-tion, compulsory teetotalism— why not comV pulsory matrimony ?" Two gentlemen, well-know j. residents of the Thames, whose feelings on the subject of honor are of the most refined and sensitive description, were on tie point of settling a personal difference by ihe time-honored but now criminal resort to deadly weapons. It appears that the disputf arose out of a trivial matter in connection wlh a rivalship for the hand of a young lady ii a gallop at a recent ball, but the disputarts came to serious earnest— seconds havinj.been chosen, and time and ground arrangid. The timely interference qf spine seasible friende, who learned the approaching faplery, however, prevented the mischief. In spite of the Great Harp affair, there are many good judges in raining matters who believe that Goromandel will yet give a gqod account of itself. ! The Aucklaud papers record the death of Mr - James Mitchell, Jate manager of the Otago claim; . The de&eased was a single »««*.w T -4C ofcage.vaAd: ;was~wlttqlr J ""ma. and rospoot^r JSjs e3^pSFlßffes*SSlf practical miner was large. He arKved in New South Wales from California in 1852, and was afterwards at Ballarat and other diggings in Victoria, where he follbwed the calling of a miner with varied success for many years. Shortly after the breaking out of the Thames he wefrt there, and, after working in several other claims, was selected on account of his long experience and good character for the responsible position of manager of the Otago mine. He had been in ill-health for some time, and was suffering from internal ulcers. Latterly hjls medical attendants gave but faint hopes of his" recovery, and his death did not take either hiaiself or his friends by surprise. t Mr Reader Wood, in his speech to his constituents, said : — '? When he arrived at Wellington, which w*s some days after the session had begun, he found that daily meetings were being held by the Superintendents to try and get a share in the control and management, of the public works, and the distribution of a share of the expenses of those works handed bver to the Provincial Governments; . Hady the, purpose of the Superintendents be.ej} single, they would doubtless have been successful. They had a double purpose. Hisfhearers no doubt knew that when they tried to till two birds wfth one shy they goneraUy missed both. That was the case with the Superintendents, One party tried to obtaia the power, and at the same time give afatal r blow to the Government, and the other party were equally anxious to have tie power sought, but desired to keep ths then Government in their reats. So they had two objects in view, and trying too much they missed both." " " ; Mr Dodsoa, , of Suburban Nelson, one of the oldest local settlers, met with q. serious accident last Friday, by which one of his legs was fractured in two places, near the ankle. It was occasioned by his feet getting entangled in the tether of a restless cow. Dr Squires was speedily in attendaucs, and the sufferer is progressing as favorably as could beexpectea^brisideringhis age and the nature of the accident.'''' ,.-..! " The report of.thermariager ' of the Canterbury railways states,tiiat " when one of the JEng^ues was recently stripped for repairs, the boiler was found $ohe nearly eaten through with rust in several places." ?h(j rsal cause of this was, the Pifes says, thas the engin,e had been allowed td run for something lfke five years without having the boiler examined — instead of being examined once every year —and when it was 1 at last done, the smith's hammer went through the plate at the first tap. Of course it tf as merely a chance that the boiler had not burst, and some frightful catastrophe happened. Suppose that this had occurred, anc( ten or a dozen persons been killed, who would have been held responsible? . The reporter for the Nelson Mail recently went to a church; bazaar, and, though a bachelor, was introduced to the doll department. Writing Ms reminiscences of the dolls, he says :— One of these, more attractive in its appearance than the others, was, upon my expressing admiration of its placid features as it rented there in a dreamy attitude, talfen hold of by one of the stallkeepers, who appeared to understand its anatomy, and on p' judicious pinch being applied to a sensitive part of its body, ifc languidly opened its; eyes and uttered in the sweetest of tones the word •' Papa !" Never having been so acaosted before, I hurriedly left the spot, for my experience of bazaars led me to the conclusion that if once a little oue was heard applying to me so endearing a term I should immediately be required to make large purchases of tiny frocks, embroidered petticoics and fancy pinafores, not to mention »ther garments of a more mysterious nature with which the next stall —the proprietors) of which had loaded it with materials of a nature highly useful to I parents of large families— abounded.