The Oamaru Times, AND WAITAKI REPORTER. THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 1864.

North Otago Times, 29 September 1864, Page 2

The Oamaru Times, AND WAITAKI REPORTER.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 1864.

After all that has been urged in regard to the necessity of the expenditure of a reasonable amount of public money in this town and district, it is not difficult to sum the matter up with that brevity which, if it is the soul of wit, is also the soul of business. Briefly, then, Oamaru town and district, while they have largely contributed to the general revenue, have received almost nothing for its internal improvements, and are entitled to demand that their wants shall be attended to. The present requirements may be stated as follows : — Among the foremost, the town wants drainage and sewerage. As regards drainage, there is no natural outfall here for water — no discharge into the great natural receptacle, the ocean. The creek is prevented by an elevated sand bar from being discharged into the sea ; the creek is the natural outlet of all drainage ; consequently all drainage is stopped, and a quantity of stagnant water, not a quarter of which finds its way through the sand, is left to decompose and poison the atmosphere. What would l'emedy this would be a contrivance well known to engineers — a small tunnel carried seawards, with a valve opening to water flowing down, and shutting against the tide or the ingress of sand. Of course the lower part of the creek only would receive the drainage and sewerage, and the upper part would be kept as now, pure and

sweet for the use of the town. The sewerage already begun requires to be finished. On this subject we find, coincidently, that the same subject is agitated at the present moment in Melbourne. That city has an ample supply of water by means of the Yan Yean, but that large supply itself endangers the health of the population, because no means of carrying off the waste mater are provided. It has been proved there that too copious a supply of water may thus become deleterious and this is precisely our own case. Our creek brings down a large quantity of excellent water, but when that becomes dammed up at the foot it becomes a serious evil. We appeal to our readers whether the noisome smell which constantly prevails at the lauding place does not materially affect their comfort. There can be no question, besides, but that it must affect health, and must sooner or later produce disease among an increasing population. The Melbourne "Argus" of 13thinst. has the following: — The facts contained in the report upon the sanitaiy condition of Melbourne, are admiiably calculated to revive the agitation on tho old question of sewerage. This is a subject which has been constantly urged upon the attention of the public for many yeais past. On a variety of occasions, both hi and out ot season, we havo endeavored to arouse tho people of Melbourne to a pioper sense of the deficiencies of thoir city in the matter of diainago. We have explained the foartul extent of the evil, and the innumerable ways in which its injurious consequences are manifested. We have shown the excessivo mortality, especially of childien, which is directly tiaccable to it- the daily discomfoi ts, the hourly inconveniences, the constant ill-lieallli, which are cleaily attiibutable to it. Nor have we omil ted. while diagomsing tho disease, to point out also tho romedy. We have shown how easily a proper systom of undetground drainage might be constructed, and how lightly its expense might bo made to fall, if the citizens of Melbourne, only had tho will to set about it. Another point to which we have often directed the attention of our readeis, is the iuseporablo connexion between sy&tpms of water supply and of sewerage, and the impropi iety t of constructing the one without the other. It has been urged continually that the Yan Yean is likely to become a curse to us lather than a blessing, unless some means of carrying off tho waste water aro pioyidod. The report alluded to says on this subject: The city is amply supplied with water fiom the Yan i Yean, but complaints are continually made of its j quality during the summer months, when it would ' appear that it becomes deteriorated by decomposed vegatable mutter. In numerous instances I notice that so copious a supply of water is objectionable, in the absence of fit j anangements for carrying off tho waste. Again, the roads and streets require attention. Severn-street has to be made, other streets have to be formed, and roads have to ! be made or kept in repair. In wet weather the most of the streets get intj a state which greatly impedes traffic, and some of thorn aie almost iu a natural state— as, for instance, Wausbeck street, which is the commencement of the Duuedin road, and has to be traversed by the mail coach. Tync-streetalso requires to be substantially made up, both roadway and side-path. Several other streets have yet to be formed. In short, the town requires a considerable sum to bu devoted to present improvements, and a sum lor like operations yeai by year. The district roads also require attention, both main and branch. It is expected that at no distant date through communication will be opened to Can tei bury ; and (if it is not already so) the road connecting the Provinces will become an important tiunk road, and will require to be formed and kept up as other trunk roads are. One of the great requirements here is a jetty, or other sufficient accommodation for landing and shipping passengers and goods. This is a subject of the greatest importance to the district, and as a Government Engineer has completed a survey, it is to be hoped that his report will induce tho Government to authorise the necessary expenditure for this pm pose. "We must urge again the justice of this district having appropriated for its use a moderate sum annually out of its own contributions to the Exchequer, for its necessary public works— such sum to be judiciously expended under the direction of the Government itself, or boards or officers duly authorised. What is required, then, may be thus summed up : 1st. A sum to be appropriated for necessary public works in the town. For this purpose £3000 at present stand on the Estimates, but have not yet been handed over ; that amount would bo gladly received as an instalment. 2nd. The sum requisite for erecting a jetty or other proper means and appliances for landing and shipping purposes. 3rd. Attention to the district roads, and a sufficient sum to maintain them in good repair. 4th. A grant yearly for carrying on public works in the town and district. The above is a brief but comprehensive summary, but when other particulars are inquired into, the several subjects referred to in the memorials of April last, are almost every one open for agitation, just as they were at the commencement of last session of Council, and have now to bo kept in view. Although a select committee reported on the subject and recommended the execution of several public works, nothing has been done, so far as we are aware, to improve the state of matters as they existed six months ago. A public meeting is to be held on this subject, when we have no doubt that appropriate sentiments will be uttered, facts brought forward, and representations made ; and we hope that it will not be long before the justice of the claims of this town and district are recognized by those with whom rests the heavy responsibility of fairly and equitably i administering the public expenditure.

The report lately issued by Mr. Eccles, the hon. secretary of the New Zealand Industrial Exhibition, together with that by Dr. Hector descriptive of the different northern Provinces — their resources and probable contributions — are documents of no small interest. They show that the forthcoming Exhibition promises to be highly successful, and indicate in some measure how its action is likely to be beneficial to the colony, The lloyal Commissioners have only been twelve months in office, during which they have been zealously employed, and now report the progress of their work : — Immediately after their appointment the Commissioners placed themselves in communication with his Honor the Superintendent of the Province of Otago, with reference to the promise of his Government to provide a suitable building for the Exhibition, and the Coivmission have great satisfaction in acknowledging the wise liberality with which the promise hah been carried out by the Provincial Government, which has resulted in placing at the disposal of the Commissioners a permanent building, that, so far as size goes, will not suffer in comparison with any of those elected for Exhibition purposes elsewhere, in carrying out their promise, the Government have availed themselves of the skill of W. Mason, Esq., who has also acted as the architect of the Commission in all other matters. The foundation was laid by hia Honor the Superintendent with much cei oniony, on the 17th February, 1801, and the building is now very nearly finished. The floor space in the present building amounts to 37,700 square feet, and the wall or hanging space to 12,444 square feet. Judging by the demands already received, it is not probable that this space will be sufficient, though at the International Exhibition, 18G2, the whole of the Australasian exhibits only occupied 4550 squaro foet of floor. The Commissioners theiefoio requested Mr. Mason to pi epare designs for tompoiaiy buildings as might be roquued by way of annexes to tho piesent btiuettue, and requested be would especially bear in view the necessity for very strict economy. Whou Mi - . Mason's designs wero complete, teadeis weie advertised for, and a responsible contractor was found ready to erect a wooden and glasa building of substantial character, 80 feet wide, at £118 103 8d per section of ton foet in length. By designing and obtaining tendois foi tho^e teiniioi avy buildmgb in lengths or sechions of ten feet, the Commissionon aio enabled to eiect just so much as they may find xequibite and no more. As soon as the Commissioners aie fully informed of tho amount of machinery to be exhibited in motion, a machmeiy annex will bo erected to contain it, and such 111 umgements made for tho supply of power as may be icquibite. At the very outset some of the reflex benefits of the Exhibition are already experienced in Duncdin, for it has given employment to a number of people in a dull season, when work was scarce ; and the position of the building has led to a marked improvement being made in its neighborhood, particularly in the const! uction of new roads; and that neighborhood, formerly rather unsightly, has suddenly advanced in appearance, the health of the neighborhood has improved, and property has been enhanced in value. The report goes on to narrate the appointment of Mr Morrison as London agent, and his exertions, that gentleman having been authorised to expend the sum of £1000 in furtherance of the objects in view. On communicating with her Majesty's principal Secretaries of State foi Foieign Affaus and tho Colonies, Mi. Mouison w.is enabled by the kindness of Ea.il Russell and the Duke of Newcastle, to make tho objects of the Exhibition widely and officially known — to foreign eounhies through tho Bnti^h Mmisteis acci edited to their Governments, and to liutish colonies thiough their Governois. Mr. Morrison has foiwaided to the Commissioners replies fioni the Mmisteu of vaiious Foreign Poiveis, intimating that the intention to hold the Exhibition had been ma.de known in then lespective States In Pans, Eatl Husaoll kimliy officially appointed Mi 1 A. S. Giant agent for the Exhibition, ami Mi Mouison placed a sum ot nioiioj at lus disposal for expends. JVJi. Moiiison also appointed Mr P. L Smimonds. a gentleman who, by vanous import in t woiks, has show 11 ins intoiest in colonial development, and who was. the Deputy bupeiintendent of the Colonial Depaitment of the lutei national Exhibition, 18tW, as sub-agent, .indMi Sunmonds has paid visits to ail the pnneipal manufactui in<r towns of England, and many ot those of Belgium and Germany, explaining the objects of the Exhibition. In January, 1864, the hon. the Colonial Tiea&urer, Mi Reader Wood, visited Dunedin on his way to Eng laud, and in an mteiview with Mr Wood, the Connnisbioneis lequosted him gen « ally to act on their behalf, and to aid Mi Monison with bis counsel in oairying out lus duties as agent, fuither empoweiiu# Mi Wood to authoiise Mr Monison's expending such fin ther sum as ho might deem absolutely necessary ; and' by the last mail the Cemmhsioneis received a communication from Mr Wood, in k which he anticipates availing himself of that power, by authoi ising Mr Morrison to draw foi a further sum ol £500. Agents have also been acting in the principal cities of Victoria, New bouth Wales, and Tasmania ; and the different papers printed by the Commission, containing full information, have been circulated thoughout the world. One of the Commissioners — Dr. Hector — was deputed to visit the other Provinces, steps were taken to obtain a number of essays on subjects connected with the Exhibition, and the Provincial Committee of Otago have employed both an honorary and a paid secretary to promote its objects in that Province. The report concludes with describing the numerous obstacles which intervened, but expresses the determination of the Commissioners to putibith ihn greater energy to meet them, and appeals to local committees " with whom alone rests the responsibility of "the due representation of the industrial " resources and capabilities of Now Zealand, " to spare no efforts to ensure as complete a " collection as possible." Tne report by Dr Hector is not only full in regard to the results of his expedition, but gives a graphic description of the different parts of the North Island which he visited, affording lull information as to their resoiuces with a hint or two ns to their geological formation. The resouic^s of Marlboiough, he says, are as yet only partially known, and hardly at all developed. He thinks, however, that it will contribute specimens of gold, wool, and varieties of wood, and observes : — The fine quality of the timber in this district, and tho great faeiht^-s which the deep-water Sounds affoul for shipment, and tho establishment of small detached settlements, will lead to an extensivo timbor tiade. I was only able to spend one day at Picton, and from thence proceeded to I-lavelock, which at the time of my visit consisted merely of a few dozen tents, giouped in tho usual manner of tho townships that spring up in connection with digging**. Fiom Havelock I proceeded overland to Nelson, spending a couple of days in branching off to the south, in order to visit the Wakamarina Valley, where some thousand diggers are at work. This valley, which has an extent equal to that of tho Curdrona, in the Province of Otago, has proved moderately auiiforous. The geological formation is similar to that of the Wakatip Lake, which, though well prospected, has never atti acted a large number of miners. Gold undoubtedly exists in considerable quantities, but from its patchy distribution the diggings will in m.iny cases cause temporary disappointment. Following up tho beautiful valley of the Pelorus Eiver, 1 entered tho Pioviuce of Nelson, crossing the Mongatapu Hill, which is the representative of the real " backbone" or axis of elevation of the whole island. It consists of serpentine and allied rocks, identical with thoso which I had previously observed to occur on tho west coast of Otago. The famous Dun Mountain, which has given ribo to so many speculations, is situated on the axis, and lies a few miles to tho south of the bridle track by which the mountain is crossed. The labor expended on this track, and the engineering skill and enterprise) displayed in the biidges, i\hich have been constructed across small, difficult, but romantic gorges, speak highly for the entorpiising spirit of the Nelson colonists. At Nelson I found that his Honor the Superintendent and the mouthers of tho local committee took a

cordial interest in the success of the Exhibition, and wore prepared to insure the proper representation of the extensive mineral resources of that Province, and which, so far as ia at present known, are probably greater (with the single exception of gold) fcb.au those of any other Province ia New Zealand. We continue, in the words of tho report, Dr Hector's progress from Nelson to Auckland :< — In passing from Nelson to Auckland by the West Coast, I was able to spend a few hours in Taranaki. As this beautiful Province is at present reduced to an area of a few miles, whore there is only a scattered garrison town virtually in a state of siege, it cannot be expected to take part in the Exhibition. His Honor the Superintendent has, however, promised that at least there will be snmjdes of the iron sand, which occurs so abundantly on the coa&t, accompanied, if possible, by a case of articles manufactured fiom it. There was nothing else which he could suggest aa a probable article for exhibition. At Auckland I was glad to find that although much had not been effected beyond the issuing of advertisements and circulars by the Committee, yet it was intended to onter into the matter with spirit;. A New Zealand Exhibition would be truly incomplete if the natural products of the oldest and most highly favored Pioviuce were not well represented. His Excellency tho Governor takes a warm interest in the matter, and intends to be a verv considerable exhibitor of Maori manufactures and ciuiosities, rare and inteiesting works connected with the aborigines ; and if the Commissioners think it advisablo he would be glad to oxbibit a selection fiorn a collection of curious M.SS. which he is forming. His Honor the Superintendent of Auckland is fully impressed with the importance which the success or faduro of tho Exhibition wdl have upon the development of New Zealand, and is anxiously that Auckland should be well repiesented. In addition to the Auckland Committee, he has appointed sub-committees in y.uious parts of the Pioviueo. and ho intends to superintend the collection and exhibition of products from those districts, in which he feels a lively lnteieit. In Hawke's Bay, he says, there is an efficient local Committee, and the district being essentially pastoral, it will afford specimens of wools from a variety of breeds of sheep, and probably of a very superior kind. In Wellington, His Honor the Superintendent has appointed an influential local committee, and as great inteiest is taken theie in the success of the Exhibition, the Commissioners may feel assured that the resources of the Piovince will be well represented. It embraces the pastoral di&tt ict of the Waii erappa Valley and the coast langes, and the fertile and hilly grounds in the neighborhood of Port Nicholson, and the extensive and wooded plains of which Wanganui is the centre. This indicates that the piincipal exhibits will be of wool, timber and ngiicultutal products. A valuable collection of aiticles from the New Zealand Society will also be sent — maps, plans of pioposed harbor impi ovemonts, lighthouses, and other engineeiing woiks, water-color, and other sketches illustrating New Zealaud scenery, and aiticles of native manufacture and curiosities. The exhibition of a Now Zealand budt steam-engine will probably be a unique and most interesting contribution from this Piovince. The Province of Canterbury is now preparing rapidly for tho Exhibition, and, if fairly lepiesented, will, I believe, contribute evidence of greater entei prise and advancement than any othei Province in New Zealand. It has the great merit of possessing the first locomotive l ail way, and the illustrating of the woiks connected with tint great engineeiing enterprise wdl form one of the most sterling features in the Exhibition. It is pro • posed to exhibit, for instance, an immense section of tho tunnel that is in tho comae of construction, with specimens of the locks for every few feet that has been parsed through. The geological strata, and mineral resoui ces of the Province, ai a to be fully illustrated by most elaboiate maps, sections, and collections both of scientific and economic inteiest. Maps and plans showing the system of survey, and land sales, proposed railway, load, and telegiaphic routes ; topogiaphical features of the country; huibor impiovements, aichitectural designs for public buildiags aie to be furnished ; albo specimens of lithography and engraving. Dr Hector has given in this report a very good idea of the contributions of the Northern Provinces. He gives a short recapitulation, of theni as follows : — MarlboHougii may be expected to send— Gold, wauls, timber, and cabinet, woods. NelsOXOies and metals —gold, platinum, and osmidium, copper, lead, iron, chrome, plumbago, minerals in gieat vanety. Useful and ornamental building materials. Maibles, seipentinos, freestones, limestones, cements, flagstones, and slates. Coals of several qualities and associated rocks and fobbils— geological specimens. Timber and ornamental woods. Flax, and machineiy for its pi eparation. Giain, malt, and hops. Wools and woollen manufactures. Suivey, maps and plans- topo 0 raphical aud geological. Mining plant. Engineeiing works, plans, and models. Fiue arts. Taranaki - Iron sand ore, and articles made therefrom, maps showing the original pi ogress of the settlement, and the injury done by the Native War. Auckland— Timber of great variety. Ores, gold, and copper. "Volcanic locks. Sulphur. Kami gum. Coals. Fossds and geological specimens. Maps, plans, &c. Cabinet work. Manufactuies and imported articles of interest. Maori aiticles. Hawke's Ba\ — WooR Specimens of woods. FossiJs and objects of natural history. Maps, plans. Fine aits. Agncultuial products. Maori ai tides. Wellington - Timber, ornamental wooda. Wool. Agncultural products. Machineiy. Geological and natural history specimens. Plans and maps, topographical aud geological. Engineering plans and models. Woi ks of ai t. Maoii aiticles. CxVM'EUBURT--Wools. Engineering works, sections, and models. Railway plant, tunnel, budges, &c. Geological specimens, maps, plans, and sections. Topographical maps. Aguoultutal pioduce. Manuf ictures, saddlery, cabinet work, &o. Lithogiaphy. Woiks ot ait. We have a Ies5 clear view of what Otago is about to do; but as the floor space demanded for this Province is 15,000 feet, exceeding that of all the other Provinces conjoined, it is to be hoped that it will come out as strongly as it promises to do. The Province of Southland has only applied for 300 feet of floor space. It is stated that among other articles which it will forward will be preparations of native flax, and some hopes appear to be entertained that a discovery has at last been made by which it can be produced in a marketable shape. Since the above was written the important information has been received that the Commissioners have made arrangements to hold a show of live stock of eveiy description, in the grounds adjacent to the Exhibition building. The Commis&ioners will appoint judges and give awards to the exhibitors of the best stock shown in each class. This will be the not least interesting portion of the Exhibition.

"We beg the attention .of our readers to an advertist inent calling a public meeting here for Tuesday next for the purpose of considering the public affairs of th, town and district. All have an interest in the impor tant topics to be brought forward, and it is highli desirable that the meeting should be a large and influes tialane. | /nVe have heretofore adverted to the fact that there i no organization of any description in this town f<j extinguishing fire should it unhappily occur. Nowtheii are a good many wooden houses and places of business and it is very desirable while public affairs are i; agitation that the subject should not be overlooked. I would give the inhabitants a feeling of security wer there a fire-engine in good working order near at hand and a small brigade trained to work it. Once th: engine was here no difficulty need be anticipated fci regard to firemen ; volunteers would soon be found fcj such a useful work. The cost of getting an engine an] erecting a shed for it, would not be a very heavy ont The course usually followed in such cases is, that tl town should purchase au engine and apply to tl Government for a small grant towards the relative ez penses. The people of Queenstown applied to tl Provincial Council and were successful in obtaining grant of £100 voted for such a purpose, but continger on their purchasing an engine ; and an intimation has ju_ been made to them that the money will be paid over z soon as the engine is procured. The subject is an in portant one, and we hope will receive early consider ation. "We think that on such conditions the inhivti tants of Oamaru would be inclined to purchase a fiie engine, and they might make a similar application for grant-in-aid to that made by Queenstown. Th possession of an engine would not only give security ba it would probably dimmish the rate of insurance b decreasing the risk. Fire Insurance CompaiLe generally contribute liberally to such objects. The successful competitors entitled to receive a priz of £20 for the most eligible plan for the English Chuisi here aro llessrs Eumsey and Jackson of Dunedin. Tfc plans, which are still on view at llessrs Traill, Eoxbj aud Co.'s, are well worthy of inspection. They cob template a structure in the Old English stylo. Th estimated cost of the whole is £3600; of the port.o; first to be erected, £1500 ; the whole accommodate when complete will be for 430 sitters ; and of rh portion first to be erected, 250. "We have been asked repeatedly what causes ih heavy smell of decayed animal matter which prevail over the town at certain times. There are two caue from which it arises — first, the Creek, which has n mode of discharge save by filtering partially thrOvigi the sand and by evaporation, becomes stagnant, je loads the atmosphere with effluvia ; ard, second, th large quantity of seaweed which is thrown ashore, con tributes its quota when decomposed If Oamaru is t be maintained in the high state of health which it en joys, these miisances will require to be abated. As vr take it, the dischaige of the Creek is part of tb sewerage of the town, and the Town Board should no omit from their plans that of opening up a propt outlet for it, by which the other sewerage outlets wil be promoted. As it is at present, the creek at its temi nation contains an immense quantity of festering amna and vegetable matter, and is worse than any open se .va becaxi&e it is stagnant and has no free outlet. Th weather as yet is not hot, but is becoming so, and ever day will add to the evil mentioned. As to the kelp o seaweed, it ought to be removed at this season for if own sake, since it is lecognised by agriculturists as valuable manure ; but, at all events, it ought to I periodically removed, being a great obstruction at th landing-place, as well as a nuisance. As this towni rapidly inci easing in population, sanitary ineasun cannot too soon occupy the attention of the Tow Board. Let us take an example from some of the eitis in the colony, which, by neglecting ordinary rules an precautions, and omitting to carry on sanitary mea<niK to keep pace with their increase in size and popula fcioi are now glowing more sickly and pestilential ever year. y We are informed that Messrs. Dalgety, Rattray ai Co. are about to erect spacious new business premises i Dunedin, and that the material to be used for the froi is Oamaru stone, a portion of which was shipped fro this port yesterday by the Geelong steamer. A slight accident occurred at the beach between 3 at 9 yesterday evening. The City of Dunedin was at tl time off the landing place, and some passengers f.ttemp: ing to go on board in a small boat which was rathi heavily loaded, got swamped by the heavy surf, vrhit nearly filled the boat with water, but no mafceri damage was sustained. y The "Daily News" (Invercargill) states that a pr posal has been made to establish a grain mill at Inve cargill, by means of a joint-stock company, w»th capital of £10,000, headed by M. Holmes, Esq.,— oi of the gentlemen mentioned in another column j named for the Superinteudecy — when a tenth of tl capital was at once subscribed in the room. It is pn posed that ultimately a flour, oatmeal and malt mi shall be established. Mr Holmes argued that Souil land might supply malt to Australia, the climate of tha country not being suited to the growth of tarlej Some important discoveries of coal seams have bee made within the Province. A deputation had waite on Dr Menzies, the present Superintendent, requesth him to stand for re-election, to wldch he has cons anted "We beg the attention of the Educational Commits of the district to the advertisement in the present issus calling a meeting in Mr Ward's office on Tuesday next at 3 p.m., to make arrangements for the annual el« tion, which takes place on the 11th October. Fiom tha latest intelligence received from the Nbrt! we learn that more than 200 Maori prisoners have ma& their escape. The hulk Marion had been provided fe the accommodation of prisoners after the battle of Rac giriri ; but as their health suffered they were remove to the Kawau, an island belonging to the Governor, No having been guarded with sufficient vigilance, they hav all escaped to the mainland. A pretty general iinprej sion prevails that their escape has been connived ftl The warlike natives continue in the neighborhood c Taianaki, but remain perfectly quiet, and tho settler appear desirous to become the attacking party, as $ natives aro receiving reinforcements and preparing t strike some blow. The weather in this quarter, although still cold more ing and evening, is becoming milder. Some iiglit rai has fallen dm ing the last day or two, which will pro mote the growth of field and garden seeds. Agricul tural operations and the cultivation of town allotment proceed actively. The " "Wakatip Mail " says :— " A large co-op eratit company has been started at Arthur's Point. It com prises tho celebrated river and beach claims o M'Caffery, Kirwan, Howarth, "Wilson and Prendergasi The company mostly consists of original shareholdeti and has work enough for several years before them Tliis is the ground that was recently brought forward t public notice by Mr Manders as suitable to be worked b; a co-operative association. A very extensive proclaim tion concerning the pleuro-pneumoma diseaaa Ins bees made, aud tho largest portion of the province declare an infected district. We would recommend that tb Inspector of Slnughteryards should also be empowers to examine the wind-pipe and lungs of all cattlo killed as well as the hides. Tho disease is easily detected, aw an Ordinance exists rotating to the sale of diseaM meat. Pleuro-pneumonia meat is a diet of a moi dangerous description, and kills its consumers with i rapid but insiduous certainty." Another memorial praying for the reinstatement " Mr Warden Williamson, and signed by 470 persons, to been forwarded to the government. Tbii, we bolfew, i 30 more than, signed" the lut.

/ The suhject of a building society hag beon mooted before, and has not been followed up, but should be re\ lved, as it appears to ua that no placo is better fitted for the operations of such an association. In fact, the piopripty of such a scheme is generally recognised, all that is required being "tho right man in the right pUce" — one who understands fully the working of such n society, nnd in whom the public can placo roliance — to take the lead in its management. We are not without hopes that the " coming man " may soon appear, and that tho master may bo gone into with energy. There arc numerous examples of tho success of building societies iu other places, and not one that we know of a failure. Oamarn being peculiarly fitted for one, wo arc at a loss to know why it lags behind in thia particular A meeting of tho Town Board was called for Tuesday evening foi the purposos indicated in motions of which previous notice had been given, but only two members (Mr Gtbbs and Dr Williams) having attended, there was no quotum and no business could bo transacted. The house for the use of tho district schoolmaster and his family in nearly complotpd, and is a substantial and commodious wooden building, which will havo a good appearance, the situation near the schoolhouse being a commanding one. The chimneys are constructed of brick impoited from Dunedin. Had the stone which i is so abundant in tho place been Uoed, a considerable j saving would havo been made on that part of tho erection. The amount raised hero for Exhibition purposes was £11 ; the local committee have subsidized it to an equal amount, so that there is a sum of £22 applicable to the object in view, which, although a modetale amount, will no doubt be useful when applied under the direction of i\\p district committee to further the object of getting ready specimens of the pioelucts of the distiict. Those whn mean to prepare contubutions are we hope bestirring ihomselves, as the time for pieparation is short. Our leaders will feel interested in tho announcement I tint the first Grand Champion Ploughing Match under tho auspices of the fiist founded " Agiic iltural Association," has been fixed to take place on Friday, 14th October, on Mr Seidey's farm at Caver«ham 1st pnze, L30; second, L2 j ; third, L20; fourth, L15; fifth, LW ; sixth, L.*> ; open to all comesi. Entries, 10s. per plough, to be made personally or by letter, addressed to Mr F I) Hamilton, Secretary, Piovincial Plotel, Dun "din. There will bo racing and other amusements n the afternoon The "Otago Mnil" of the 27th says "We are informed h a gentleman who nuived in town by Barnes' Tokonmniro coach yesterday, that the farm-steading and r^idpnce of George Shand, Esq , an old Taieri settler, was destroyed by fire yesteiday. We have not received particulars as to its oiigin or the extent of damage done, but we fear the latter must be consideiable." The coirpspondent of the " Wakatip Mail, 1 ' writiug from Maori Point, says :— " A ciicumstance of immense importance to tho mining community has occurred here within the last week A party of miners have been voik lug for a considerable time quietly, and after tunnelling in under a ten ace for about ono thousand feet, hive stmck some of the heaviest gold that has been met vithon the Shotover. A parcel of between foityand fifty ounces has been sent to Queenstown, in which all ♦he pieces averaged fiom about one pennyweight to half an ounce, scarcely a piece being lets than a pennyweight. Iain not at libnrty to indicate tho place where the gold is being obtained, but my authority for this statement is of a most authentic character. What are all the men about? Why is theie one thousand men idle in Dunedin when such splendid oppoitumtiei of doing well offer id this di'-tuct ? lean inform the laborers of Dunedin 'Lit they Deed not be afraid of tho Shotover now, 33 there are few, if any of those hardships finlured by miners here which the first pioneers f".p"iienc o d [The place wheie tho above gold was found was in the ten ace at the Londonderry Creek ]" The criminal trial for libel at the instance of the Speaker of the Wellington Provincial Council against tho pioprietor of the Advertiser, lias resulted in a verdict of guilty, adding an expression of regret that the action had been brought cuminally. The defendant was only bound over to appear and receh e sentence if and when called on. The Bazaar in aid of the Otago Benevolent Institution has been an immense success The gioss receipts taken at the bazaar were above £1,100, and there still remains a concert to b« given by Lyster's Opera Troupe, and a ball, in aid of the object. The "Daily Times" states :— " The hearing of the Common Jury Cases was teimmated bcfoie the Supreme Court, after a proti acted sitting on Friday. Kirby v Keith was an action to jecover for goods sold and delivered, for cash lent, and also for board and lodging to defendant's son. The defendant ploided a set-off to a largpi extent than the plaintiff's claim, and the Juiy found that the plaintiff was indebted to the defendant in the sum of £4 Is. The next case, the Bank of Otago v. Whitehead and Buchanan, was an action to recover the balance of a bill of exchange held by the plaintiff, and of which the defendants were the acceptorq The defence set up was that the Bank had accepted a composition of 103 in the pound on this bill. The manager of the bank denieel that such an anangernpnt had ever taken place, but the jury gave ciedit to the defence, and brought in a verdict for the defendant. Tho last case on the list— Biuce v. Shrimski —was an action to recover the balance of an account for woric and labor done, A veidict was returned for the plaintiff in tho sum of £34 5s lid, (a part of his claim). The "Press" says — " Queen Charlotte Sound appears to have been selected aa the marine city for the fish of our southern seas. Within the last ten days tomething Approaching to eight tons of fish have been taken i" nets, consisting chiefly of hen ing, mullet, and salmon trout, tho three kinds being of excellent flavor, light of eating and digestion, but possessing highly nutritive qualities " The " ITavelock Mail" says--" The spring is upon us, and our prosperity may thereby bo soon rapidly advanced. Already our shores have received an addition to their population in such a noticeable manner as to indicate a continuous influx of immigration, which, if can led out as begun, will place Maiiborough among the most impoitant provinces of the colony of New Zealand. The s s. City of Dunedin arrived at the port of Havelook lust Sunday, bunging 104 passengers, who, it may safely bo assumed, have been attracted hither by advices fiom muircg friends well cognisant Of tho aurifeious nches of tho district." The usual quarterly mooting of the Presbytery of Otago wo." held in Dunedin last week. Present : the Eev. D. M. Steuart, Moderator pro tem., and Revs. Messrs. Johniton, Todd, Bannerman, Kirkland, M'Naughton, Christie, Connor, Wall, Allan, and Dr Burns, Ministers ; and Messrs Gillies, Stevenson, Shennan, Thompson, M'Master and Mathews, elders. The important aubjeofc of union was discussed at great length, and three Commis•ionerB from the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Chinch having been heard, it waa resolved "that a union be consummated between this Church and the Presbyterian Churches of the North on the basis of an independent jurisdiction in tho several Synods in regard to worship, discipline, and government, and the temporalities of the Church." It was alao resolved " that the Presbytery be divided into three, to be called— the Dunedin Presbytery, comprehending all tho congregations north of the Taieri River, and also Waipori j tho Clutha Presbytery, comprehending all congregations between tho Taieri and the Mataura Rivers ; the Presbytery of Southland, comprehending all the congregation! in the Province of Southland,"

f The newa generally which has recently reached us in reference to Exhibition affairs is decidedly encouraging. The owners of the steamboats plying to Duuedin have already entered into an undertaking to convey passengers there on the occasion of the Exhibition for the usual fares, and take them back for nothing. A correspondent suggests that something even better than that might be organized, if a little attention were given to the subject. If, for instance, a sufficient number of tho good citizens of Oamaru could join together and cluuter the Geelong for a special tiip he thinks a groat deal less than half-faro would cover the cost. new organ for St. Paul's Church, Dunedin, was formally opened on 25th in&fc. by three special sei vices. Mi Loder presided at tho organ Oil each occasion, and the result was most gratifying. It is stated to be tho lai gest and one of the best in the Australian colonies. The Sanitary Commission, it is stated will be prepaied to lay their report on the condition of Dunedin befoi e the Provincial Council at an early part of tho session. Among thf papeis collected is one showing the present estimated population of tho town, now exhibiting a total of 15, 057— viz. : 5892 males, 4231 females, and 4014 children. "We observo it stated that tho operations some time since detet mined on, and for which £300 were placed on the Estimates, — for blasting the rocks at the mouth of tho Clutha river, thus impiovingits navigation, are proceeding satisfactouly. These operations have been conducted by Mr Balfour (tho same gentleman who visited us last week), with the assistance of Mr Be.mfort, and con&ibt of placing a charge of powdei in tho crevices of tho rocks and filing it at high water. It is thought that it will be practicable to obtain an uniform depth of six feet at low water by this means. The " Cr.izotto" gives notice that a meeting of those persona liable to bo rated for roar's within the recentlyproclaimed road distiict of Hawksbury Bush, will be held on 5th Octobct at 1 p.m., at the house of Mi. Jas Hendeison, for the election of road tiuatees for the said district. It is iutimated in the " Gnzetto " that the following, among other Ci own grants, are nowiead.} for issue: — D. Hutchison, section 29, block 4, Oamaiu distiirt; Holmes and Campbell, sections of block 5, Oamaru district ; John Jones, sections of block 4, 5, and 0, ! Hawkesbury, and sections of blocks 11, 15, and 10, 1'almerston ; Willmm Keith, section of block 2, Hawkesbuiy ; P. B Luxmore, section of block 1, Oamnui , J. and W. D. Munson, section of block 4, Hawkesbmy, William Souter, sections of block 2, Ilawkesbury. The election of a representative for the Lindis cli«hict is fixed for 1st October. The poll (if necessniy) will be taken on 3rd October, at the &tntion of Mi Hemy John Millfi. As there are two candidates in the field— Messrs Maddock and Fulton -it is probable that there will be j a poll ; but as there are only fifteen voteis, it will not be a very arduous affair. The Militia Pioclamation has given an impetus to \olunteeiing in Dunedin, the Aitillery Corps having received an addition of more than forty per ceut, nt a recent meeting, and more than one new Corps is being formed Tho companies ahoady in existenco have leceived their arms and ammunition. Among&t, tho piojocled ntw companies is one to be a Highland Coi j>s, uot only in name but in costume, / h. contest is impending for the office of Supei intendent of Southland. Dr Menzies, it is said, wishes to off'T himself again. The " Southland News," however, savs the man best fitted for the post is Mr Matthew Holmes, of Seaford Downs (a gentleman who Mas a largo stake in this distiict) It would ceitainly be a fortunate tiling for Southland if it had at the head of its affairs a gentleman of bis capacity and business ability. Mr Boulton, Inspector of Sheep in Cartel bury, in his annunl rcpoit states that the number of seabbv sheep is I steadily decreasing in that Province, and that tb? number does not exceed 111 500. He .also states that the number cleaned within the last tw< Ive months has been 182,500. It is stated that the LysterOppta Tioupn will ptoceed from Dunedin to Chmtchurch and theieifter to Auckland. The tioupe still continue then peiformances at Dunedin dining the present week. On next Monday will bo the concert on behalf of the Benevolent Institution, after which the company will leave for the Noi th. Tho monument and gravestone sent by the relatives of the late Piev T. H. Campbell, over the lastiesting place of that gentleman, his wife, four chhdien, and two servants, who were ch owned in the Piule of the Yaua on 4th July, 1863, are now in course of election in the Dunedin cemetery. Accounts have been received of heavy floods which occun ed about ten clays ago on the Marlboiough goldfields, causing an immense amount of damage. On the day when the flood reached its culminating point, the nvei under the Wakamarina bndgo, at Deep Cieek, attained the unprecedented height of twenty-six feet A subscription has been organised at Waihola for the erection of a Presbyteiian Chuich in that district, and it is expected that the necessary funds will be quickly raised. ,/The work of connecting Tnvercargill with Dunodin by telegraph is in a foiwaid fetate. The " Daily News" says that messages may be expected to be sent in the course of a few weeks We may therefore anticipate for tins distiict eaily communication with Southland and Bluff Hai bor.