By Electric Telegraph

Mount Ida Chronicle, Volume V, Issue 304, 26 December 1874, Page 3

By Electric Telegraph

(Prom our own correspondent.); Dunedin, Thursday Evening. The first sod of the Ocean Beach Railway was turned yesterday. A splendid salmon trout, weighing seven, pounds, was caught in the Lower Harbor. At the Waste Lands Board, Gellibrand's application to purchase, .as tenant's fee simple section t and 12, block 10, Strathtaieri wa» referred to the Government. Glenn com. plained of the priqe paid for section 4, Kasebv. The price fixed by the Board was £lO an acre -, fwhile £3 per quarter acre was charged!. The receiver of Land Revenue was instructed- toreceive at the rate of £lO an .acre. George Russell, architect, died from an* apoplectic fit, brought on by drinking. The ' Times' protests against the action of Victoria in sending SulliTan back nere aSr most unfair under the circumstances.

The opening of Ohinemuri is now regarded as a certainty, and will take place in about a fortnight. M'Lean's success, after Mackay's apparent failure, is another proof of ins skill in Maori negotiations.

An interesting Chinese article is printed on our 4th page. Owing to the general holiday observed throughout the Province yesterday, there being no news of importance, our "ordinary Friday telegram is this week omitted. '"

Tbe'Dunstan Times' heara from Tinker'sthat the Christmas washings up of the various claims are exceeding the expectations of owners. 800 ounces is the result of one, and 600 ounces from another, whilst the other claims are looking proportionately well. The entertainment announced by Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Sfc. Tincent took place in the Masonic Hall on- Monday and Tuesday evenings last. The inclemency of the weather on Monday prevented, many from attendin!.'-, but on the following evening the hall was well filled. " Shetches of Life and Character" were ably delineated—the clever - artistes receiving most enthusiastic- encores. This entertainment is one of the-best and most enjoyable that has yet visited the up-country-districts. ,

Yesterday was kept almost as. a close holiday in Naseby. The morning was .fine,, but, in the afternoon the rain fell very heavily,, spoiling the enjoyment of the few who had ventured out for short excursions. Orb Christmas Eve, and all through the. night, the Christinas Carols were well sustained throughout the town, to the enjoyment of many who appreciate an old English custom. At midnight service was conducted at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Naseby, at which church-services were also held by the Eev. Father Eoyer on Christmas Day. The Eev. E. Williams officiated at the usual Episcopalian service for the day at the Masonic Hall.; All the services were fairly attended.