MONTHLY SUMMARY FOR EUROPE AND AUSTRALIA.

North Otago Times, Volume II, Issue 39, 17 November 1864, Page 3

MONTHLY SUMMARY FOR EUROPE AND AUSTRALIA.

LOCAL.

In our last Summary we noticed the fact that Government land sales had been effected in this Ji«trict to the amount of £120,000. Since then ihe sales of the fine rural lands in the district of Papakaio, within the Oamaru Hundred, have bcm highly successful. The extent of land there mrveyed already is 40,000 acres; the sales were begun on the 20th ultimo, and at least 5000 or 5000 acres have already been bought at an average of about 24s per acre. As the land is of good quality, the whole of it will probably soon be taken up. In the beginning of this month 5000 icres of land at Otepopo were also offered for public competition, and a late Gazette notified that Crown Grants of twenty sections of the town lilids of'Oamnru were ready for delivery. This lown and district are far outstripping every other part of the Province in contributing to the reicnue by the sale of lands; and consequently, sre increasing in population, in the cultivation of lan'l, in sheep and cattle, and the erection of buildings. The petitions %hich the town and dhtrjjgt transmitted to the Provincial Council and the Superintendent urging their claims for consideration when the Estimates for the next halfyerff shall be adjusted, founded principally upon tbis fact and the increase of shipping at the district port, have met with due attention. The following sums have been placed on the Estimates, to :—,£3500, as a moiety of the estimated expense of a jetty, and £500 for moorings; a large -urn for roads, including £3000 for making Severn street, Oamaru, being a portion of the northern interior road, and <£GOO for bridging the Wbare Km i. These sums will be very.seasonable, and their judicious expenditure will greatly benefit the town and district. It is to be hoped that there will be no delay in the expenditure of the turns voted. The district has waited long for them, and is fairly entitled to promptitude in nri}ing out the works now recognised as necessary.

'1 he spring season having commenced, business k« taken a t«tart, and in building operations in funicular there is murh activity. Timber is imported in large quantities, and plentiful supples of freestone are quarried in the neighborhood and carted in to supply materials for the public buildings and private dwellings now in pr»gre c s. We have seldom seen any place where ihe erection of buildings is carried out with more Je'patch, combined with efficiency. A strong Land and Building Investment. Society has been lately sfaited, which will add much to Hie build • sin resources of the town, and greatly increase Ihe number of houses. The 500 shares of £60 tach, (o which the Society at fiiqt limited itself, iffie more than applied for at the first start, and it i<. in contemplation therefore to increase #be uiiniber to 750. The people of the town and adjoining,district have shown great energy and •fiirit in the initiation of this .Society, which we fiope will prove a highly successful one.

The road communication has been increased h flic establishment of a through conch between liiiriedin and Christchurch, carrying the mails, which calls at no fewer than seventeen places on it" route, and will promote the communication ktween the two Provinces, hitherto to a great extent maintained by sea. The establishment oi cinches in all parts of the colony by the enter pi of King Cobb, is becoming a great fact, and one of the features of the age. We are now enIt] ing upon the coaching time which will recal <)]{} associations to the elder denizens of the father hurl; and it will no doubt in time be followed and superseded by the rule of the iron horse. The wires for establishing telegraphic communication throughout the Middle Island aie in a 'on\nrd state of progress. The communication 'etween Southland and Dunedin will probably yon be open, while for this part of the country iii/s ha\c already been landed at Waikouaiti anil Oamaru ; and as the posts have been ready for some time, and the engineers are almost prepnted to pioceed, a very brief interval will elapse until there will be telegraphic communication 'n.fween the Southland Bluff and Canterbury. IVe do not know that similar activity in this natter prevails in the latter Province to complete (he communication through it.

The subject of education has attracted considerable attention of late, following up the annual educational meetings. In this place the school tommittee have resohed on several important tlnnges, «uch as the employment of a female assistant teacher, and the thorough revNion of ilip sihool S3 stem ; and they are also engaged in m endeavor to substitute voluntary subscriptions !o defray the expenses of the school, instead of m assessment. Many of the other districts in the Province are engaged in a similar work, smong -which we may instance Port Chalmers and Hawkesbury. The course proposed is highly judicious, possessing many advantages over the former, among which economy is not the least. Last Thunday, 10th inst, the Exhibition of he Northern Agricultural and Pastoral Associalion was held. It has generally the effect of put\\n<r life and mettle into the district, and on the i'i\pent occasion was more than usually attractive and will be increasing , !} 7 so every year. Besides stlfer attractions on that daj , , was the ceremony of !a)ing the foundation st( ne of the first church Her erected here—the Presbyterian. A Bazaar Bfis held the same day in aid of the building fund )f the English Church, the foundation stone of Ahich is expected to be laid at an eaily date. On Pifday the racecourse was an immense attiaction, kit unfoitunatdy it commenced to rain heavily just at the hour for ringing the bell, and thus the pleasure was consideiably curtailed. Altogether, W week was distinguished for business bustle, mixed with amusement —a happy combination of Uile cum duke Besides the presence of all the inhabitants proper of this and adjoining districts, the town was visited bj' larjje numbers from Lhinedin, Waikouaiti, and other parts of the country, to join in the business and the fun. The (Jeelong on Tue«day brought a number for the show, and the William Miskin on Thursday anived for the races, leaving agajji on Saturday. Oamaru was all alive on the occasion. Such reunions do much good. It may safely be said that this place has been going a-head considerably of late. Jn another part of the paper, details of the everal doings are given. AGPvICULTURAL AND PASTORAL. The weather has been remarkably favorable or the growth of crops, and pasturage for cattle ias been abundant. The quantity of cereals own this season has been considerably in advance it last, and it is hoped that the time is not far lisfant when the district will not only be able (isupply its own meat, but its own*breadstuff's. I he question has been asked "IsOtago capable if feeding cattle fat ?" So far as this district is nncerned, an affirmative answer may safely be iiven. The cattle are in good condition on the

natural grass, and the soil and climate are well fitted for sown grasses and root crops. The late eliow, described ttt length in another, column, did not afford very decided evidence on this point. The wool season has begun, and several loads of the first of the clip of this year, have already arrived in town for shipment. The great event of the month with reference to these interests, was held on the 10th iust., namely, the' Northern Agricultural and Pastoral Society's Exhibition. Excepting sheep, we are sorry that we cannot note any improvement in the exhibits over that of last year. In the cattle class; in consequence of the' Diseased Cattle Act, we did not expect any competition from beyond the district—but in horses, We did expect there would have been a large number of entires; there was a most decided falling off in the exhibits of New Zealand bred stock, there not being a horse shdwn that the Judges deemed worthy of a prize. In that useful class of animal, the pig, there were but few entries, but those shown were very good. A pen of two eight months old sow pigs, appeared to attract great attention, we understand they are bred from the late Prince Consort's celebrated stock. In sheep, al! the leading prizes were taken by Mr Kiel), whose stock we believe, cannot be excelled in the Southern hemisphere. There were some Ratnbouilitt or French Merinos shown, but they are not considered by practical men to be a class of sheep likely to tend to the improvement of our flocks. In the class of long- wool led sheep, there was a much larger number of exhibits than last year, respecting the Cotswolds, Leicesters, and Lincolns, and there were also a few Cheviots shown. Leaving the pens for the poultry and produce shed, we saw but little improvement in the exhibits of the former, and a great want (butter excepted) in the number of exhibits of the latter, nearly all the prizes, as will be seen by the prize list, being awarded to one exhibitor. This is not as it should be, and we hope another year to see that the increased number of pro (lucers in the district will have the desired effect of increasing thj number of competitors for the prizes offered by the society for cereals and other agricultural produce. The arrangements were all good and efficiently carried oaf, excepting for the sheaiing match, nnd we think the Yard Committee were remiss in not providing a floor or even a tarpaulin for thej men to shear upon. We do not know whether this had anything to do with the quality of the woik, but we must say that it was not commensurate with the priz s giun. and if the Judges had exercised their us>ht of witholding the prizes (as was done in another instance) where there was not sufficient merit shown, we think it would have had a good effect. '1 he exhibition is now past, and we hope that all the unsuccessful exhibitors have gone away with the determination to do their utmost to succeed next year. The day was a very favorable one, and up to yesterday we have not had a day without a considerable rainfall, which is benefiting the growing crops exceedingly. PROVINCIAL . Not many stirring events have occurred in the Province hi nee last summary. The Provincial Council has been busily at work during a shott session, now terminated, but has not passed many measures of iinpoitanco As the interval since the previous session was very short, we do not know that a great deal was expected—tho principal work being the passing of the Estimates. At all events the business has been very much of a routine character. One of the discussbrib related to the opening of the Ports for the importation of cattle, which was shehed by ihe Council, but has since been taken up by the Superintendent under pressure of public opinion, and he has issued a proclamation admitting cattle into Otago from Southland. Another subject which was touched upon, was the futiue management of pastoral lands, which was submitted to the Council by a message fiom the Superintendent, before the end of the session, which terminated on Ihe 12(h iust.

There can be very little doubt that the high prices of meat in this province press heavily upon all classes, and that they are de>tei mine-d to find or make a way to reduce them. At the interviews which the deputations had with him, the Superintendent appealed to be clearly ot opiumn that there was a monopoly on the part of the butchers, for it appears that the f-quatteis are not receiving other than moderate prices. Moreover it appears that there are plent}' of cattle in this province and Southland without opening the Ports —It is said 35,000 iv Otago and upwaids of 20,000 in Southland. The Court of Appeal, consisting of the five New Zealand Supi'eme Couit Judges, has commenced its sittings at Dunedin. Only four cases came before it, but all heavy and important. In three of these, judgment was confirmed or the appeals dismissed. The proceedings of our Supreme Couit so far as pure points of law aie discu&sed, ate Greek to the general public. All the refinements of the English law are brought out and re-refined, and the law as imported appears to be more intricate than the English law itself. " I did not understand one word you said," retorted one counsel at the end of anothei''& speech. " I believe 3 on," was the reply, "I was talking la.v\." The process alluded to is f,ir too refining and refined for a now colony, which ought to have some system rather based on common sense. To be sure it produces GOLD from the pockets of the litigants, and puts it into the pockets of the lawyers, but in every other respect is cumbious and unsatisfactory. The establishment of the " Ota»o Agricultural and Pastoral Association " is highly impoi hint, and the sentiments expressed by the Superintendent on the occasion were very satisfactory. It is to he hoped that he will cairy h s theoiy into practice; his words were:—" To be thoiouj'hly prosperous we must produce all the grain we require ; we must erase to be importers of these things, and must becom * large exporters of thorn even with a large population within our bonndaries."

The New Zealand Exhibition is now becoming an engiossitig subject of consideration. Its success, we believe, is certain ; sicthily prevails everywhere to make it so. A large annexe has been built in connection with the building for working machinery &c. The pioees? of goldminin" lobe shown will bo highly inteiesting , . The agricultural andpa&toial show in connection with it imparts to it a still more practical character, and the Exhibition generally is fully expected to give a great impulse to the industries of the Colony. A very good photograph of the building has been made and circulated which, although a likeness, is certainly a flatteiing one. It is stated that the Commissioners fully expect to open the Exhibition on 2nd January next. The Provincial Council has been prorogued, and a number of the members, who are also members of the Assembly, proceed to Auckland, to be present at the meeting on 21st ma t ., which will beyond doubt have to discuss many important subjects, including the amnesty lately proclaimed. INTER-PR OVTNCIAL. The news from the North" has been very important of late. The three Commissioners appointed to determine the future seat of (iovernment, lately gave in their report, unanimously deciding that "Wellington ie the site, upon the shores of Cook's Straits, which presents the greatest advantages for the administration of the Government of the Colony." Immediately following on this, the General Assembly was called together, and is to meet, not at Wellington, but

at Auckland, on the 21st instant. As the Governor has it in his power to delay the carrying out of the decision, it is possible that the seat of Government may still continue to be at Auckland for some time to come.

The difficulty in regard to the escaped Maoris appears to continue, and probably there will be a discussion on the subject early in the session of the Assembly.

The Southland "Daily News," of the 31st nit., gives an account of another disastrous fire at Invercargill, which has resulted in the destructiou of one of the finest ranges of buildings in Tay-street, the loss of which, following so quickly on the havoc made by the last fire, will give to that thoroughfare a melancholy air of desolation.

From Wellington there are accounts of another alarming fire, which occurred there on the 2nd instant, in the extensive premises of the "Aurora Tavern," destroying these, the Lyceum Theatre at the back of the building, and a number of other houses.

The most important news, however, which has arrived from that quarter for some time, h that which reached us by the Phoebe on the 7th inst, that Sir George Grey has anticipated the action of the Assembly, and issued a proclamation of amnesty to the natives. It is as follows :—

" The Governor having been authorised to extend, upon certain conditions her Majesty's clemency to those tribes who have engaged in the present unhappy rebellion: Now, therefore, I, Sir George Grey, the Governor of the Colony of New Zealand, do hereby notify and proclaim that I will, in her Majesty's name, and on her behalf, grant a pardon to all such persons implicated in the rebellion, as may come in on or before the Tenth day of December next, take the Oath of Allegiance, and make the cession of such territory as may in each instance be fixed by the Governor and the Lieittenant-General commanding her Majesty's ibices in New Zealand.

"All those persons who have been engaged in the rebellion who may desire to return within any pai t of the ceiled tortitory, or within the limits ol any European settlement, will be required to deliver up any arms or ammunition in their possession."

The pardon promised in the Proclamation will not be extended to any persons who may have been engfig tl in murders, a list of which is attached to the Proclamation. THE GOLD-FIELDS. Mining in the Province has of Lite assumed a more permanent character by the employment of machinery on the different gold-fields. Deep sinlciii", tetruee working, tunnelling, and sluicing; are being iutro<lue< d, and where in operation have pioved suecc-slul. The prospeiity of goldmining is now intimately connected with, the welfaio of the Prowuee, and it is satisfactory to find that Government fire making impixnod mining regulations, granting the gold-Holds* more repiesentatives, and turning their attention to the measures likely to nnpnne this branch of industry, and bource of wealth. It appears quite certain that Otago is only in its infancy us a gold-producing country, not only as regards the modes of working, but in regard to the number of gold-fields themselves; new fields are being constantly discovered, and it is difficult to say to what height iv the future the Piovnice may attain.