THE Mount Ida Chronicle FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 1873.

Mount Ida Chronicle, Volume IV, Issue 238, 26 September 1873, Page 4

THE Mount Ida Chronicle FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 1873.

Lsr another part of our present issue appears a notification", extracted from the 'Provincial Government Gazette,', to the effect that the special claim of ten acres granted to Mr: A. M'G. Brown, situate about a mile and a-half from JSTaseby, has been cancelled, and that the ground is now open for occupation by holders of miners' rights. The notification being one of a somewhat unusual character, we have taken some trouble to look the matter up, and now offer to our readers the result of, our enquiries. It appears that about two years since, Mr. Brown went to a .considerable expense in opening, up a piece of ground on Surprise Hill, and then applied to the Government, under clause 12 of the Goldfields Act, 1866, for a special claim. The clause runs thus : —" It shall be lawful for the Gover- " nor, upon application being made, to " grant special claims of greater area " than may be determined by.the Ee- " gulatipns to be made, for the pur-, " pose of carrying on mining opera- " tions under circumstances of extra- "■ ordinary difficulty, or involving the " expenditure of considerable sums of " money, or for the encouragement of " enterprise in prospecting new ground, "or as a reward for the discovery of " new gold workings'; and also to pre- '" scribe the terms and condition's upon •" which any such special claim may be ■" held, occupied, worked, and. forfeited." This power, though vested in the Governor, has been; under the 109 th clause of the Goldfields. Act, 1866, delegated to the Superintendents <of Provinces, and it is under this clause that the special claim has been granted to Mr. Brown. Mr. Brown, no doubt, made out a good case, and though we have not been able to see the memorial ( upon the faith of which'-Mr. Brown's application was granted, stiil sufficient is apparent to demonstrate distinctly that the clause has been tampered with, and undue advantage taken of its provisions.

Enquiry satisfies us on this point, that'from the day of the grant—two years, or nearly so, since—nothing had been done by Mr. Brown to carry out the implied conditions of his contract —for contract it certainly was. Without attempting to. guess what Mr. Brown's propositions were, we come at onc.e to the conclusion that, for a period of over two years* this ground has never been worked, directly or indirectly, and has been regarded by its holder as a, freehold rather* than a special claim within the meaning of the Act. Some few months since a number of miners were desirous of working this ground, and applied to the Warden here to institute an investigation and report thereupon. The enquiry took place, and there can be do opposition to the fact that, from the day of the grant (two years since) up to that? time, no pick, shovel, or for}?: had been introduced into this special claim. Our opinion, therefore, is, that the action taken by the Government is a right one, and should have the effect of giving holders of "special claims" to know that the right conferred bears with it its responsibilities. We have dwelt somewhat at length upon this subject, with the knowledge before us that there exist, in this locality, certain other " special claims " liable, as that of Mr. A. M'G. Brown, to forfeiture. j Our opinion is, that any advantage ! to be taken of the special chrm clause! should be duly advertised in the local papers, which would give every fair and honpst opponent an opportunity of raising his voice pro or con. The subject is an important one, and the action taken by the Government should show to the holders of special claims gene 5 rally, that, although they possess specialities, there are attached thereto equal or corresponding responsibilities. We are noF"desirous of intruding or interfering with a system already in existence. At the same time, we think' that the present action taken by the Government should put the holders of special claims on the qui vive, otherwise" their claims will fall' to the dust,

and their interest therein become valueless.and,extinct. The matter of special claims is becoming an important one, and we invite our brothers of the pen to see the clause thereto appertaining used but not abused.

.English mail will close at the Naseby office on/Monday, the 29th instant, at the usual hour.

The local Hospital has heen a very great boon to this, district, and has heen kept, so far, singularly free from the introduction of abuses that so often, after the first blush of a new institution, creep in unknown and generally unsuspected: One evil, however, is-in-creasing very rapidly, which, pointed out in time, may he put a permanent stop to. It appears to be considered that the wards of the Hospital are public property, and therefore benefitted by as much inspection at all times as the public can find time to give. Accordingly, the doors are always opening to unannounced visitors. In a sick ward there are always cases of those who, having received a severe shock from sudden accident or disease, have their nerves in a peculiarly irritable state—their chances of recovery being very much affected by the quietness that is able to be preserved. Nothing could be more injurious to them than for a strong, healthy visitor to come in with a sudden noise, and seat himself down on a neighboring bed with the kindly though mistaken motive of cheering up with talk and joke some friend a little out of sorts—never dreaming that he is annoying and injuring some live or six other patients. The doctor cannot be unaware of the evils we complain of, and will be driven, unless there is a considerable alteration in the mode of visiting, to make stringent rules—absolutely forbidding any persons who are not ministers of religion to be admitted, except by ticket, an hour or two once a week. There can be .no doubt that the difficulty of keeping good servants has been increased by the constant worry and annoyance of this public invasion; and thus, of course, the expenses have been and the efficiency of the management seriously impaired. So much evil thus has very easily arisen from such a small matter.

On Friday last a meeting was held at the Upper Kyeburn/ to take into consideration the desirability of obtaining a bridge over what is known as German Creek. Mr.' de Lautour, who was present, told the meeting that the Government had given a promise that, if the district would raise £4O, either in cash or labor, a subsidy of £2 to £1 to that amount would be given. After discussion, the meeting agreed to accept the offer, and the following gentlemen were elected a Bridge Committee, to take charge of the movement: —Messrs. Slorach, Macintosh, Beer, Hardacre,. Archer, J. Pew, W. Williamson, Sharkey, and Blanchard. The Upper Kyeburn, in setting so good an example of combining for a purpose of public utility, deserves the thanks of the district. They will, in this case, reap their own reward, by obtaining a first-rate road, and thus saving a lot of work which hitherto has had to be done by packhorses.

Messrs. Keene and Duuward have got a weU-slabbed shaft sunk, on their ground at the Kyeburn, a considerable depth. Last week they had reached the casing immediately above the coal, and would have probably now been putting out black diamonds, only they were detained by a heavy land slip above them. The whole of the. ground above the coal seams is treacherous, and the late wet weather has not, as may be imagined, improved matters. Mr. Macready, we hear, intends soon to put in a drive lower than his present one, and cut round the hill towards his house, letting drays come up to the pit's mouth, instead of having to load in the creek bed, as at present. This should be a great improvement, and facilitate the work of loading.

Judge Chapman delivered judgment last week in the case of Hutcheson v. Teschemaker. It will be remembered that the poll was not held at the place gazetted, but a few hundred yards away. On this ground Hutcheson applied to have the election—which, by the casting vote of the Returning had given Teschemaker a seat in the Provincial Council—declared invalid. The Court declined to interfere, on the ground that it had not been shown that, if the irregularity had not taken place, there would have been a difference in the result. Both sides had to pay their own costs. We draw attention to the mail tenders called for in another column. We fail to see why so.few days notice is given. It is hardly a mode likely to be conducive to' economical mail services.

The Secretary, of the School Committee acknowledges the receipt of £8 17s. from the Treasurer of the. Naseby Dramatic Club, bemg proceeds of the entertainment given on the 22nd instant, in aid of the school funds. The usual monthly meeting of the Naseby Volunteer Fire Brigade was held at the Criterion Hotel on Monday loth insfc. Present Capt Inder (presiding), Lieut. Millar, Foreman MChregor, Cogan, Langmaak, Smith, Chapman, Morrison, Hall, Eccles, and Costelloe. Apologies for absence were read from Messrs. Brookes, Kirby, and Colletfc. The minutes of last meeting were read and confirmed. Mr. Morrison consented to act as Secretary during the absence of Secretary D. Pipe. Proposed by Mr. Millar, seconded by Mr. Smith—" That the Secretary be requested to write' to the Naseby Municipal Council, asking them to take over the managemenfcof the.Brigade, together with all the

property belonging thereto." Carried. The meeting then adjourned to the 29th inst., when ifc was expected the reply from the Council would be received. It will be interesting to those who watch the results of acclimatisation to learn that last week a sparrow was seen at Mr. Adam Craig's, at the Kyeburn. There could be no doubt as to the identity of the little foreigner. Much to the delight of those watchin?, he made himself quite at home among the' bare willow branches. A cock pheasant has also been seen for some time at Messrs. W. and J. Sanders'station. Friday last a special mail was made, up and forwarded, at the request of the Municipal Council, to Pigroot, to catch the coach returning to Duuedin on Saturday. The coach had been delayed below by the floods. On Saturday the Dunstan coach at last managed to get up with the mails, or. some of them. An extra coach had been put on from Palmerston to help to carry a portion, but it broke down twice, and did not reach here till Sunday. There was quite an accumulation of papers and letters four mails having been detained the previous week. It is to be hoped that the postal authorities will insist on the mails being forwarded in future, even although it may be deemed imprudent to cross the coaches. Mails can be forwarded as far as the Manuherikia, however flooded the rivers may be, without the least danger to life. All that is necessary is pre-arrangement, and a free use of the telegraph wire.

We regret an error crept into our advertising columns last week. The terms for the services of the entire horses Young Quicksand and Lord Lovatt should have been £3 and £3 10s. of which £llos. and £2 are to be deposit payments. We learn that a movement to get a post office established at Welshman's Gully has been set on foot. This has been long wanted. Indeed, it has been a matter of surprise to us that the inhabitants of this thriving little township have so long borne uncomplainingly the inconvenience they have been put bv to. e . J

**» The foot-track leading to the Presbyterian Church having been worked away, church goers on Sunday next will take the •■■'path through the wicket at Mrs Lawson's or keep the road round the Manse. Db Soeley admits he made a mistake in saying it was the Dunedin Hospital in which a dead man had got up and walked. It was another institution—one, says the Dr., requiring the utmost care and watchfulness. The Gtovernment have refused to grant a Committee of Inquiry into the hospital management. It will however be insisted "upon when the Provincial Council meets. We hope to see a very radical change made in the management of this institution. Bad cannot very readily be made worse. The Naseby Council had under consideration the matter of mail tenders on Wednesday night. It was agreed to ask that tenders should be called to bring the mails to Naseby in one day, so as to be able to reach Cromwell in two. No one supposes this, or anything like it could be effected in the winter months, but that is no reason why it should not be done in the summer—when it would be a matter of no difficultv.

The weather experienced this side of the Pass gives no idea of the snow that fell on the other. So much snow has not been before experienced at Maerewhenua—lying in some places from two to, three feet in depth. This will be a great boon to the district, although at the time unpleasant. We anticipate that the water supply all through the district will, this year, be very good. Our telegrams show the position of matters at Wellington. Probably the difficulty will be tided over this session—the whole question of borrowing being opened up prior to the general elections, as an election cry that the two parties will go to the country upon. For there are two parties, the same as ever, although it suits the one just now to pretend to be disbanded. Merely new tactics—skirmishing instead of acting in column. Fabmebs should have a good look at Messrs Mullholland and Co's horse Lord Lovatt. This is the second year of this horse's services in Naseby, and no doubt his owners will be recouped for keeping so good a stamp of animal in the district. He has lots of weight, symmetry, and bone, and has improved the •stock of every district in which he has been located. Young Quicksand is a horse likely also to prove serviceable to those desiring to rear a good stamp of trotting cobs and light harness horses. Both animals are to be at St. Bathans on Tuesday next, and should be visited by all interested in the improvement of our breed of horses.

The Dramatic Club gave their entertainment on Monday night, in aid of the School funds. In spite of the wet afternoon, the Hall, was well filled—the alteration in prices being thorougly appreciated. There can be no doubt that so high a scale of charges is a mistake for any amateur entertainment, because, the satisfaction of those who go is marred by the knowledge of having paid too dearly for it. No one grudges Is. for an evening's downright fun. This was afforded on Monday night, and the details of management being much improved, left little for the most captious to complain of.

This customary meeting of the Waste Lands Board was held last week. Present—Mr.Thomson, Chief Commissioner (in the chair), and Messrs JButterwcrth, Bastings, and Clark. The minutes of last meeting were read and confirmed.

The following business was brought befoi'e the Board: The plan and report of the district land officer on the application of the Church of England, Naseby, to purchase section 19, block lI.—To go to auction at upset price of £6, survey cost to be paid by purchaser in addition. .

Otago has to be congratulated that she has another kind of mining representative in the General Assembly to those she already possessed. The member for the Dunstan is not now the only claimant for mining honors since: he of Wakatip came to the fore. All Dunstan wrath was expended on poor Mount Ida; but, having -found a man of different calibre, he is trying to fight before he cries.— " Peccavi!"—' Star.'

Anyone possessing a grain of sense can see the assembling of the Parliament is akin to a farce. The Colonial Treasurer is the main— I may say the only figure in the political foreground. He prescribes political medicines as he deems most beneficial to the country, and nauseous as they may taste, his followers swallow them because they believe in his political medicinal knowledge. This ; was noteably manifest in the passage of the Provincial Loans .Bill. I believe scarcely a member in the House, save Macandrew, heartily approved the Bill. Now it has been well said if Macandrew loved New Zealand much he loved Otago more. The Bill may possibly obtain benefits for Otago, but how it will affect the Colony as a whole is another question. (And here allow me for once to express an opinion of my own : I consider the Provincial Borrowing Bill a retrogression in Colonial policy, and a Bill that should be cast out utterly as an tmclean thing.) There is a difference between an expression of opin : ion and a declaration of truth. Now the country should learn this fact, that many, many of the members who voted for this Bill, held similar views to mine, but considered the Premier's presence superior to their own. More than one or two Otago members have told me when discussing' the merits of the Bill "I'm going to suDporb the Ministry." "But"—l would interject "Oh" would be the reply, "If you discuss the merits of the Bill that is altogether a different thing." No impartial honest reporter can tell his employer that he is satisfied with the conditions of the parties in the House. As the turnpike-hat-ing clergyman from Wairarapa said the Opposition has neither vertebrae, head nor tail. I have a profound admiration for the strong, mentally or physically, but there is a fear of' their becoming blind and canymg away the gates of Gaza on their shoulders. We should import and pay a qualified leader of an Opposition of a legitimate character, if one could be found in the country. The Colonial Treasurer has earned and deserved every honor he possesses, but the Colony lias, no one to" pit against him. I have heard frequently in the South doubts expressed as to his political honesty and self-seeking. I am thoroughly conviuced the man is honest as he is strong—that it would pay one of his mental calibre to be otherwise ; but I abhor utterly the Provincial Borrowing Bill.—' Star.'

Beiow are the acceptances for the Christchurch Spring Meeting. The following horses have been accepted for the Cup:—.Revoke, Earl of Lynne, Tambourini, Calumny, Lurline, Emmeline, Deception, Castaway, Templeton, Tattlei-, Malvina, Papapa, Spritsail.—Fpr the Handicap j Grossip, Fancy, Malabar, Mabel, Tambourini, Banjo, late Mystery, Emmeline, Deception, Alice Grey, Barbarina, Muscatel, Talvina, Kakapo, Taringa.—For the St. Leger the following horses have accepted : Hypather, Revoke, St. Albans, Penserosa, Earl of Lynne, Emmeline, Deception, Azucena, Harmless, Eiaterina, Castaway, ShortweiVht, Templeton, Taringa, Kakapo, Spritsail, Papapa, Muscatel.-

The following are the weisrhts for tbe G J.C. Handicap, as fixed by ..Mir-'Hustler :—C.J.C. Handicap of 150 sovs., added to a sweepstake of 10 sovs. each, hft for acceptors. Entrance 5 sovs., to go to the fund. Acceptance, with sovs., on the dayof general entry, and 5 sovs. at post. Distance two miles—Mr R. Ray's b g Tambourini, 9st 81bs ; Mr Redwood's Malvina, Bst 61bs ; Mr Mallock's ch m Gossip Bst 41bs; Capt, Hutchison's chin Mabel, 7st I2lbs ; Mr Mallock's b m Fancy, 7st 71bs ; Mr R. Morten's br c Barbarian, 7st 41bs j Mr R. Ray'jj b g Banjo, late Mystery, 7st 2lbs ; Mr J. H. Luun's gr m Alice Grey, 7st; Capt. Hutchison's eh g Malabar, 6>t lOlbs; Mr Nosworthy's b c, by Traducer, dam Emmeline, 6st 51bs; Mr Nosworthy's b c, bv Traducer, dam Deception, 6st 51bs ; Mr * Redwood's Kakapo, 6st slbs ; Mr Ked wood's Taring a, 6st; Mr Brazon's bg MuscateS, by Golden Grape, dam Betty Martin, 6st. Rseebeinq- to the late mail detention, the Guardian has the following •—The down Dunstan coach, with ten passenger?, has been detained at Pigroot since Friday last, owing to the Shag River being flooded. Mount Ida and the surrounding neighborhood has in consequence received no mail since Tuesday week. Mr Devine was to make a start from Palmerston yesterday morning, en route for Pigroot. We are informed that the road i 3 in a wretched state' Hoimdburn.Hill in particular. Harry Wefctlofold, the driver of the down coach, requested a gentleman who started from Pigroot this week, for Lkmeclin, in the event, of his safe arrival, to teli Devine to hurry tip, and bring a few 'stnigbl -jackets and a supply of tucket', both of which they were deficient and in need of at Pigroot.