The Oamaru Times, AND WAITAKI REPORTER. THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 1864.

North Otago Times, Volume II, Issue 38, 10 November 1864, Page 2

The Oamaru Times, AND WAITAKI REPORTER.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 1864.

The proceedings of the Provincial Council in Committee of Supply, on the 2nd and 3rd inst., are important. As the votes are not fully given in the summary of the proceedings, we extract those which include and affect this district from the report in the " Daily Times." It will be observed that among the other items the sum expected for the jetty here has been passed, as well as an item of £500 for moorings ; and we are in a position to state that the votes for roads include £3000 for the formation of Severn -street as being a portion of the Northern interior roads, and £600 for bridging the Whare Ivuri, which works, we hope, will at once be proceeded with. We congratulate the inhabitants of the district on the passing of these important votes : — Harbors. -Removing snags, Clutha, L750; mocniiigs, Moeiaki, L50; do, Clutha, L50 ; do, Oama.ru, ; mipioving navigation of river Olutlia, L'500 ; Capo Saunders Lighthouse, L5000 ; harbor leading lights, L700 ; dredge, L4000; ways for life boat, L300; stoiago for diedge and apparatus, L150 : lighthouses, &c, L175. Jetties.— Dunedm, L125; Oam vru, L3500. Bridges —Waikouaiti, L12 ( >5; Gentle Annie, L1375; Kawarau, L6130 ; Roaiing Heg,L240; Waiikuri, LGOO; Puketapu, L170. PkOads.—Noi thorn Tiunk : Dunedin to "Waikonaiti, L5550 ; Waikouaiti to Waihemo, L3000; Wnihemo to Oaji vhu, L2250. Noi them Interior : Oasiaru toWanaka, L4G00; Palmemton to Manuheiikia, L3320. Main Branch Noith : North Tiunk to Waikouaiti Bay L305 ; do to Moei.iki Bay, L27O ; do to Port Chalmeis, L410 ; Oamabu to Waitaki, L150. Telegraphs -Thiough Otajjo, L9G4 18s; Tokomairh'o to Wakatipu, L6013 10s 4d. Planting Recreation Ground, Dunedin South, L100; do, Dunedin Noith, L100. Mi Maoandtew moved that these two items stand each at LOG 13s 4d, and thatanewitem of Recreation ground, Port Chalmeis, LG6 13s 4d be added. Majoi Richardson thought these items should be divided by ten instead of by three, in older that the country districts might have some benefit from these votes. Mi Dyei reminded the Committee that Pokomsuiiro had a recreation giound which requited some money expended on it, as well as on the Dunedin Recreation Giound. The amendment was put and negatived. Mr Dyer moved that these items be struck out. The amendment was negatived and the items passed. Mi Macondiew hoped tho Government would see the justice of voting a similar pum for the recreation giound at Port Chalmers. The Piovincial Treasurer said a sum for the purpose would be placed on the Supplementaiy Estimates. Major Richaidson hoped similar sums would also bo placed on the Supplementary Estimates for Oamaru, Tokomairiro, Clutha, and the Taieri. The Pastoral reputation of this district will be still more -enhanced by the Show of the Northern Society held here to day ; and the Agricultural and Pastoral interests are so intimately connected, that promoting the interests of the one is fostering the other, for they are inseparable. The agricultural is not yet so strongly developed in this district as the great pastoral interest, but it is of the same family, and its growth during its short career has been rapid and promising. The advantages of Agricultural and Pastoral Shows, it is not for us to attest or prove — they are well recognised, and their beneficial effects have been felt in the large increase of the material wealth of the home country and the older colonies. There are many Shows — those merely of the exciting and amusing kind, which the public tire of ; but of Agricultural and Cattle Shows, never. Bakerstreet and Islington Green, in ths great metropolis, as well as those of the numerous associations throughout the United Kingdom, possess never-failing attractions. Englishmen have a very decided wish to foster the production of good wheat and good bread and mutton. Anything which promotes these, will ever command a very decided interest with John Bull. Look at Victoria That country has made extraordinary advances in the increase and excellence of its agricultural and pastoral products. There every district has its flourishing Agricultural and Pastoral Society. These societies are the mainspring of its prosperity — they are, as it were, the force-pumps which send the nourishment through the entire body. In nothing has this been more remarkable than jn respect to merino sheep. The shows hate been the

means of developing this breed (one peculiarly suited to the country) ; the exhibitions, year by year, have led to greater knowledge and larger emulation, and at this hour Victoria bodsts, and we believe not vainly, that it will soon beat the world in merinos. New Zealand and the various provinces of the colony are now trying to find out what suits each of them best, and when they have made the discovery what species of animals best suits their different soils, climates, and locolities, will no doubt act upon it, aud become equally famous. At present it appears to be thought that New Zealand has not made much progres, at least in breeding sheep, nor has it had much time. We extract the following facts and comments from the " Auckland News :" When we read of Port Phillip wools, combing quality, bringing figures as high ns 2s. 7tl. and 2s, lid. ; Sydney, 2s. lid. to 3*. 8d., it is full time to inquire what breeds of sheop produce wools which fetch so veiy satisfactory prices. The Sydney wools, It is supoosed, consist of the finest well got up merino ; fleeces light. In Victoiia n)any of the best wool-growers have adopted the Cotswold and merino cross, and the results testify to the correct judgment of these enterprising men. They obtain wool of a fine quality, and the staple is of excellent length for supplying the great demand of that kind termed combing. Their clips are double the avoirdupois of the finest Sydney, and the carcases of Victorian sheep weigh at least one-third heavier than the aveiages of New Sotitb Wales. The mixed Leicosters have had their favorers and admirers in this quarter, and a small flock of Lincolns are recently introduced. Merinos extensively prevail in Hawke's Bay ; Romney Marsh and Omnium-gatheiutn in Wellington distiict. Tho Cotswolds will vie any day with Leicesters for size, and for quality of wool will far excel them. Sheep of this bi oed have boon fed to the weight of 84 pounds the quaitor, or 336 pounds the whole "cai case ; but this weight is extreme. Fleeces weighing from 12, 16, to 20 pounds each are tho common and extra weights. lot of short tegs were sold in Cirencester last year at 58s, each. If the wool is reckoned at twelve pounds from off every bhoep, and priced at Is, 6d.' per pound, carcase and wool would bo worth neaily L4. These sheep were not got up for show, nor exhibited for premiums, but worked in the usual way of f aiming routine. If we take the quality and weight of fleece, the freeuess of keeping in good condition, the stamina they alway% maintain as an original breed, the quality of their mutton as well as quantity, the hardness of constitution and defiance of cold, we shall find the Cofcswolds worthy of colonial attention. The New Zealand principle of breeding, if a principle of any kind can be discovered, is implied by tho verb to import. This principle, if it is one, can be easily demonstrated unsound. In fact, tho plan argues incompeteney in oui selves ; as we would wish to learn why as good sheep could not be reared in I this colony as in Britain. It is because men of ability are wanted. Mr Rich was one of those men with ability, and say, some of you, what coloni.il suppoit ho received! Constant changes and expensive importa- [ tions, unless tho ■whole stock are renovated at one move, keep up a constant confusion, and leave the flocks without any true characters ; always changing, never improving. Nay, constant changes foster dobihtv or enfeebled constitutions, and multiply deaths. Whatj ever rams are imported from Britain have to be acclij matised, and the true improvement, if there will be any impiovement, never shows itself until the third generation. The first and most impoitant act ia manifest. Choose suitable sheep for the pa&tuie and for the climate. Let these be as near a standard breed as ch cumstances can admit. Stick by your choice. They cannot degenerate far. By prudent management and judicious selection they will impiove. One thing is certain, that societies, well conducted, are capable of doing great good, and that the Northern Agricultural and Pastoral Association is one of them. This Province at present is engaged in considering whether the Ports should again be opened to the admission of cattle at an admitted risk of increasing the spread of pleuropneumonia, for the people are clattfoi-ing for a reduction in the prices of meat, and will have it. Again, the prices of bread are very high — absurdly so, in a country naturally adapted to grow grain and edible roots ; and by both these means immense sums are lost to the colony, and individual resources impaired by the drain occasioned by the cost of living. It is very important, then, that all efforts should be made to bring about the time when the colony shall produce and manufacture its own grain, grow roots and vegetables, and raise supplies of meat amply sufficient for its own markets — exportation will follow in due course. We say, let Agricultural and Pastoral Societies flourish, and let their exertions never flag until we can at least produce all the stock, grain, vegetables, and fruits which our own people may require. When we do so, we shall begin to realise some degree of prosperity, but not till then.

One of the great difficulties which, a new colony has to encounter at the outset, is that of establishing the great institutions which are to last the country for all time, among which the most prominent are those of the Church and State. Having chosen proper standards, it is then necessary to fo^und and endow the establishments by which they are to be administered. In the case of voluntary churches, such as those in this place are\it requires toilsome, long and patient labor on the part of the congregations and their ministers to raise the necessary amount required, for money is not plentiful in a new country, even although it may be an auriferous one. The noble exertions which have raised elegant and !commodious churches in Dunedin and in many country districts, for which the funds have been voluntarily contributed, are known to our readers. Similar exertions are now being made in this district, where, with the" exception of a single Wesleyan chapel, we lack places of worship altogether. We are glad, however, to say that the efforts of

both the Presbyterian and English Church congregations have been so far successful in raising funds for church building, and the public will this afternoon have the opportunity of witnessing one of the results in the interesting ceremony of laying the foundation stone of the Presbyterian Church, the first founded in the district of Oainaru. It is a pleasant sight to see the people giving liberally to such objects, but it is our opinion— if in this we are not infringing on voluntaryism — that some support is admissible from Government, aud that assistance should be extended in some shape. If there are no church reserves available, there is here a great abundance of educational reserves. Our readers will stare when we tell them that there are nearly sixty such town section reserves, and about seven or eight hundred acres in the country district. These at present are wholly unprofitable for want of the Crown Grants. Now these extensive reserves are not surely designed for mere school training, but for " education," and the Church certainly affords the best and highest. Can any serious objection be urged against a portion of the superabundant reserves being appropriated for church uses — say for ground for a church or for a manse, garden, or glebe ? If these reserves were put to thei% right uses and profitably employed, they would relieve the district of a large part of the heavy sums which they have -to raise for schools and churches.

The Amateur Concert in aid of the Church of England building fund, which terminated at a late hour last night, was a complete success. Our space will not permit us to give any repoi t of it. The beautifully decolated 100m was quite filled, and the whole piogiamme seemed to give the highest satisfaction. "We will refer to it at length in our next. The Exhibition of Stock to-day will open at eleven o'clock at the Show Yard on the Esplanade. The admission i3 to be 2s. Gd. at the hour of opening, and at noon Is. After the Show an extensive sale of stock is adveitised. During tho day theie are concomitant attractions, such as a Ladies' Bazaar, and the laying of the foundation stone of the Presbyterian Church. The Society's Dinner, at which a piize list is to be read, takes place in the hall of the Northern Hotel, at 6 in the evening. During tho remaining days of the week there are other attractions, among which the Races on Friday must not be overlooked, and for which we refer oui readers to our advertising columns. A meeting of the committee appointed at the last meeting of the Building Society, was held in Mr Sumpter's office, on Tuesday evening, (Mr Pinker in tho chan) when the following resolutions were passed. That the number of shaies will be 750 ; amount, £G0. That any peisons may take shaies (not moie than five in all) till 5 p.m. of tho 19th mst. ; after that date, if the number of 750 be not taken up, the shareholders shall have the option, if necessaiy, of increasing the number of their shares to ten each. That the fiist month'b subscription of 5s per shai e be paid on the 22nd inst. That after the rules drawn up by tho committoe have been submitted to tho fehaieholders, the fiist Mile of cash will take place that evening. It was decided that the name of the Society should be the " Oamaru Land and Building Mutual Investment Society," and Mr Sumptor was elected Secretary — salary to be fixed at the next meeting. Among other advertisements that we have been reluctantly compelled to hold over till our next, in consequence of the pressure on our columns, is one fiom Messrs Kiikpatiick and Co., drapeis, hosiers, haberdashers, &c, Princes and High-streets, Dunedin, to whom we beg to offer an apology for this unavoidable annoyance. Two advertisements of home vessels aie idso postponed, in consequence of their late arrival — one, the "Star of Tasmania," to load at this port; and the other, tho " Commodoie," to load at Moeraki. The lates of freight announced for wool are—from Oamaru, greasy, 0|d. per 1b; washed, l^d. From Moeiaki — greasy, O^d. por lb ; washed, Id. On Sunday labt collections were made at both services of tho Piesbytenan Chmeh in the distuct school house in aid of the building of the church. Mr Connor's text in tho morning was fiom John xiv., 17, and in the evening Matt, xii., 31, 32. The collection m the morning was £13 13s 2d, and in the evening £3 13s 9d ; total £17 6s lid. Mr Connor noticed in the course of his dibcouise in the foienoon that it was the anniversary of his ordination, The house was crowded in the morning and there was a large attendance in the evening also. rike establishment of coaches in all parts of the colony by the enterprise of Messrs Cobb and Co. is becoming a great fact, and one of the features of the age. We are now enteung upon the regular coaching time, which will recall old associations to the elder denizens of the father land; and wo have to look forwaid to the increase and gradual improvement of the system, until after a long lapse of time, coaches will be superseded by the iron horse. King Cobb appears to bo detei mined to rule over all New Zealand, and deserves to reign. He is now everywhere supreme tin oughout the Middle Island at all events, and deseiveB much credit for his public spirit. Wherever a road exists on which there is a mail to be carried and any piobability of traffic, he sticks a coach on at any cost. Long live the King ! Our present issue contains the adveitisement notifying that coaches carrying the mails, are to run through from Dunedin to Chiistchurch. Our renders will there see the route marked out 5 the number of places called at being no fewer than sevonteeu— thus opening up a completely new line of coach tiaffic, with moderate fares, and mail delivery, for which the thanks of the public are owing to MesMS Cobb and Co. Our readers will also observe that the same Company are running a coach from Baker's Northern Hotel, Oamaru, conveying passengeis to Waitaki on other than mail days — thus filling up and completing the accommodation for passengers daily from Oamaru to Canterbury, the mails being (as formerly) three timeB a week. During the summer season these coaches will not only be a convenience for the business public, but will enable parties of pleasure to make excursions, and we hope will bo liberally patronized. We greatly fear that Cobb and Co. run the risk of loss at first j but they have commenced the undeitaking, and what they commence is certain to be cariied through.^* The rapid increase in the value of town sections, and the scanty number of those in the market, justify us in calling particular attention to the sale announced by Mr Ward to take place on Friday next, at the Star and Garter Hotel, Oamaru, when some of the most desirable properties in the district will be submitted to public competition. The sale is to take place at twelve noonEhbatum. — Mr J. S. Anderson desires us to state that Mr Stanley did not act in conjunction with him in decorating the room for the OddfellowB' Inauguration Dinner.

The following item was before the Provincial Council on Monday last in Committee of Supply, and we regret to say negatived on a division : — " Oamaru Town Boai'd, £4000." An extensive and important auction sale of cattle is advertised by Messrs Driver, Maclean and Co., by instructions from Mr R. M. Miller, to be hold here to-day, immediately after the Show, at which they will be exhibited. They are 251 in mimber. Among them are 40 heifers from a celebrated herd, and there can be no doubt that they are all of a superior kind, otherwise they would not be sent to the show. The keen discxission at present going on in the Province regarding the price of meat adds importance to this sale. The Rev. Charles Connor intends to deliver a popular lecture in the schoolhouse, Hampden, on Monday next, Nov. 14, at 7 p.m. This lecture will no doubt possess an equal interest with that deliveied here, and should command a full house. Public lectures, such as these, afford mental relaxation and impart knowledge at the same time, and deserve public support. It will be gratifying (says the " Mail ") to the friends and relations of the late Mr Bell, who, it may be remembered, mot his death wliiie on business at Port Chalmei's a few months ago, to learn that a monument, simple but neat, has been erected over his remains in the cemetery, having the following inscription — " To the memoiy of James Bell, shipping dork to Messrs Cargill and Co., of this city, who died 20th May, 1864, aged 22 years. This memorial is elected by his friends and fellow clerks as a token of respect." The system of disposing of wool by public auction is now becoming general, and is understood to give satisfaction to all concerned. "We observe that Messrs Driver, Maclean and Co. are to open a wool auction mart during tho season, and to hold a series of auction sales of wool, hides, and tallow. The first wool of the season arrived on Satuiday at Messrs Driver and Maclean's Wool Stoies, from the station of Messrs Stiode and Fraser, near the Dunstan. =•->' The first lot of wool of this season's clip arrived here fiotn the Benmore Station, Messrs Campbell and Lowe's, on Friday last. The quantity was 45 bales, consigned to Messrs Traill, Roxby and Co. This arrival of the first season's wool appeal's to resemble the cutting of the fiist sheaf at haivest time, and is similarly haded. Many places have of late suffered from violent storms of winds Port Chalmeis, Dunedin, Dunstan, Nokoraai, &c. , &c. At this place we experienced a heavy gale, commencing on Thui sday evening last, and attaining to the foice of a hurricane on Friday, but we have not heard that any serious damage has i exulted. "We are informed that Mr "White, butcher, has had several sheep wonied by dogs, having thus lost three on Saturday night and several more on Monday night. The immense nvtmbers of dogs that are kept are much complained of in manv paits of the province, ami the dog tax by no means appears to lessen the evil. A "dog nuisance bill '" has just been passed by the Council, and it is to be hoped that it may be more effective. As related in a previous letter of our Canteibury correspondent, a man named Sanson disappeared rather mysteriously fiotn Chribtchurch, and suspicions weie excited that he had met with foul play. A man named Thompson was ai rested on a charge of suspected murder, and after a foitnight's detentiou in piLson he was libeiated, there being no evidence tending to criminate him. The missing man Sanson has at List turned up, he having i eturned to Chi istchurch. The " Southland Daily News " of 31st ult. gives the intelligence that there has been another disastious fire in Invel cargill. It says : — " We deeply regiet to have to rccoid another disastrous conflagi ation, which has resulted in the destruction of one of the finest langes of buildings in Tay-street, the loss of which following so quickly on the havoc made by the last fire, will give to that gieat thoioughfare a melancholy air of desolation." Although this unfortunate occun ence has resulted in much loss of property, it is stated that but for the fortunate eh cumstance that there was no wind at the time, the deduction would have been much gi eater. We learn fron the " Daily Times" that a numerously attended public meeting was held in the Princess Theatie, on 2nd inst,, in promotion of the agitation in favor of opening the ports for the importation of cattle. Resolutions were unanimously pashed declaring that an unjust monopoly existed " to protect vested interests hi cattle ; that there was no monopoly on the part of the butchers ; that the proclamation of diseased districts ought to be withdrawn, as well as the ports opened ; and that a petition should be signed by the chairman, and presented to the Superintendent, as from the meeting." A meeting of the Chamber of Commerce was held on the same subject on 3rd inst. The deputation representing the public meetinsr, andalso a large number of petitioners, waited on the Supeiintendent, and after a long discussion, His Honor stated that he was about to appoint a commission on the subject, and would, if necessory, open the Southland maiket. He more than insinuated that some monopolists were keeping up the price of meat ; the prices obtained by the squatters being moderate enough. It was stated that the uumber of cattle in the Province is about 35,000, and 20,000 to 25,000 iii Southland. The reduction of salaries and pay of officials does not work smoothly. We learn from the "Otago Mail "that in the beginning of the month tho whole police force in town struck work, as they undei stood their wages were reduced ; and were only pacified by the Commissioner informing them that their pay would remain the same till they heard farther fiom him, Apropos of strikes in tho official departments, the "Mail" is informed that all the wardois of the gaol have intimated their intention of resigning immediately, and will refuse fuither duty. Whether this is correct or not we cannot say, but if so, Mr Stoddart will have some tiouble in managing his rather unruly guests. / The " Daily Tunes " states : — " It is with deep regret that we have to announce the sudden death of Mr John McGlashan, Registrar of Deeds in tho Supreme Court. He was returning on horseback to his faim, onThuisday last, in apparent peifect health, but was found shortly after lying on the road home in a state of insensibility. The horse on which he had lidden was near him. Dr Clutterbuck was immediately summoned and at once attended, but on his arrival Mr McGlashan was dead. It is uncei tain whether the hoise had tin own his rider, and concussion or other disorder of the braiti had resulted fiom the fall, ov whether ho was attacked by apoplexy. At the Inquest held on Friday the 4th inst., the verdict returned was that the deceased had died from concussion of the brain, accompanied with laceration caused by a fall from his horse. The " Southland Daily News " says that the lighthouse on Dog Island has been erected to the height of 70 feet, and that the lantern is expected to arrive in about thi ee weeks. It is expected that the tower will be completed in about four months. The cottage for the lighthouse keepers is also roofed in. Dog Island is about 43 feet above high water mark, and it is stated to have a feitile soil, with abundance of firewood. The decisions of the Appeal Court were delivered on 3rd inst in all tho cases, four in number :— Moorhonse r. Moore and others : ha regard to scabby sheep, damages £2000 ; appeal by defendant dismissed. Dyer v. Forman (sheriff) ; judgment confirmed. Regina v. Newton — conviction for perjury quashed, Nevr Zealand Banking Corporation v. Cutten and Vogel : rule discharged with costs, refusing appeal ; leave granted to appeal to the Privy Council on the usual terms. | The usual fortnightly escort arrived in Dunedin on j the 2nd inst., bringing a total of 11,061 oz 7dwt of gold.

According to the " Daily Times," a deputation of the legal profession had an interview by appointment with their honors the judges in chambers, at the Court-house, on the 2nd inst., with respect to the adoption of a costume for members when appearing in Court. "We understand that the result was that their Honors fully agreed that a uniformity of costume should be secured ; that the wig, with a gown, the pattern of which should be hereafter settled, shoidd form such costume ; but that barristers of England, Ireland, or Scotland would be still at liberty to have such additions to their gowns, scarcely noticeable evcept by the initiated, as to indicate the respective countries in which the wearers were admitted. Their Honors will notify the result of their consultations, after the members of the profession in other Provinces have been heard as to their wishes ; but meanwhile we believe, wigs and gowns may be worn by all practitioners. The " Gazette " notifies that the following clause has been inserted in the General Conditions of all Contracts entered into with the Provincial Government since 25th August last, and is published for general information : — " Provided that on a complaint in writing being made to the Superintendent by iny person or persons employed by the Contractor, that.his or their wages are more than a fortnight in arears and unpaid, it shall be lawful for the said Superintendent to refuse to pay the said Contractor such monies as may be due to him, until \e shall have produced a receipt from the person or persons so making a complaint, that all sums due to them have been fully paid." It is stated that the line of electric telegraph between Invercargill and Dunedin will be opened in about T;wo* months. Workmen are busily engaged all along the line.