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

North Otago Times, Volume II, Issue 45, 29 December 1864, Page 2

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

The Christmas of 1864 is past—the anniversary of an event of surpassing importance to all the race of man, and a time of rejoicing throughout the whole Christian world. This period ought not indeed to be a time of festivity only, but a time of serious reflection also —a time to review the past, contemplate the present, and glance forward towards the future. The last sands of the present year are fast running down, and a few days hence it will no longer be called Time, but with the years, and cycles, and centuries which preceded it, will have merged into the great Eternity. The New Year is anticipated impatiently by the young, and accepted with a sigh by the old ; but it finds almost all men at the same occupation — reckoning up the past, and estimating or trying to estimate the future. In a commercial and business community, the balance-sheet is sure to be glanced at — the ledger of Arabian numerals, as well as the ledger of events. Thus, " A happy New Year and a good balance-sheet" is a good wish everywhere, whether it refers to actions or transactions, and this wish we cordially offer to our readers. The recurrence of these periods brings up to our minds associations connected with the land which most of us call the home or mother country, where they are now in the depth of winter, while we are in the middle of summer — where they have frost and snow, while we have warmth, and fruit, and fl6wers. Many of us have been so long accustomed to associate the "yule log " or the cheerful fireside blaze with this period, and to see the hoary Christmas depicted with venerable and snowy locks, that we have some difficulty in identifying him with a scorching sun and summer dust. But in this antipodal region a great many things are very different from those in the fatherland. We see in this country, indeed, almost everything in direct contrast to the other. There an old country — here a new one ; there an overcrowded population, almost trampling on each other, and taking the bread out of each others' mouths — here an uninhabited land, or one at least requiring: a large accession of population to promote its prosperity, develope its resources, and cheapen .its food. Led, then, by the force of circumstances to the antipodes of the old country, we are prepared to see circumstances radically changed. At such beasons as the present, which are "milestones" in the beaten path of life, it is natural to contrast old experiences with existence in the adopted country ; to compare the present with the former condition, and to estimate whether the change has been for the better or the worse — or to consider whether the advance being made is satisfactory. So much for the individual. It is also natural for the public as a community to consider what progress has been made, what has been done for the general good, and what is left to be achieved, or at least attempted. This is not the time to go into particulars, although we might, if so inclined, make out a catalogue in parallel columiw— one part showing the reforms, improvements, and progressive and beneficial measures of all kinds which have been carried through in colony, province or district during the past year, and that column

would be a short one indeed ; and the other portion, displaying a large heading in one word, " Wanted," which should contain all that might, could, would, or should be done — all that is required to promote the health, wealth, and happiness, public and domestic, of the community ; and this column would, on the other hand, be a particularly long one. We would not, however, be understood to insinuate that there is in this district any apathy in regard to progressive measures. The development of a new country, only a few years begun to be peopled, must necessarily be gradual, and we could not wish it to be otherwise, for in this way there is the best security that what is done is done well. Indeed, we might go farther, and say that the progress of the Province of Otago has been a wonderful one, but that in some respects it has been too rapid ; while we may say that the progress of the Oamaru district is, we hope, a steady and safe one, associated as it is rather with the permanent settlement and cultivation of the country than with the feverish pursuit of gold digging. At all events, one thing will be admitted, that to watch and aid the healthful growth of a new country, must prove to all not merely an extremely interesting, but also a useful employment. The work is arduous— the difficulties, discouragements, and obstructions are numerous, and the laborers are few. One of the great obstacles to progress here is the want of population— how great a contrast to the state of the old country, where a laboring man finds it difficult to obtain a fair day's wage for a fair day's work, and where children are a burden. Here is room indeed, and too much of it. We should not conclude with regrets on this occasion, but the subject of immigration is one which requires more attention at the hands of Executives — for the permanent settlement of an industrious population is the only cure for New Zealand's difficulties. That excess of population which is the bane of the old country would be the blessing of the new one ; and while we ardently desire the happiness and prosperity of the colony, we say emphatically that it is to be obtained by larger immigration, that the subject is one of the highest importance, and that it is not sufficiently appreciated. The weather for the festiyities enjoyed by the people of the good town of Oamaru on Monday last was as beautiful as could* have been desired ; and we hope that the same good fortune may continue until the New Year is ushered in. After such relaxations business is resumed with renewed zest, and all are the better also for the general kindness of heart which is evoked and generally expressed at these seasons. With these remarks, we heartily wish our readers " a happy New Year."

There are several subjects which came before the Assembly to which we wish to direct the attention of our readers. The motion which was made that a sub-marine line of telegraph be laid across Cook's Strait, to connect Wellington with the telegraph system of the Middle Island, was, after a short discussion, assented to. This is a most important subject for the Middle Island. Wellington will shortly be the seat of Government, and the place to which the Panama mail steamers will proceed, and consequently the effect on telegraphic communication with Wellington will be to place -us in immediate correspondence with the seat of Government, and obtain for us the earliest intelligence from Europe, Victoria, and the North Island itself. In this point of view the telegraph line which is in course of formation will enable this place to obtain information at first hand. We gladly hail the prospect of the sub-marine wire which is to connect the islands, and there is the prospect of obtaining it at no distant date, for Major Riohakdson said that there was no wish on the part of the Government to oppose the motion ; but that, on the contrary, it was their intention to lose no time in carrying it into effect. The financial statement made by Mr Fitzherbekt occupied more than three hours in delivering, during which, the " Southern Cross" declares, one-half of the House went a>vay, and a large proportion of those who sat it out fell fast asleep. The Provinces of Canterbury, Marlborough, Hawke's Bay, and Wellington, show an increase in their Customs' revenue, while those of Nelson, Otago, and Southland exhibit a decrease. The General Government had overdrawn at the Bank of New Zealand upwards of £412,000, involving the payment of interest to the amount of £6000. The total of the debts incurred from all sources up to the 30th ult., is £1,333,570, which will be increased on the 30th June next to £1,734,672. The first million of the Three Million Loan realized only £810,000, and for which the colony will have to repay £1,000,000, the difference involving an annual loss of £2585. The War Tariff, so quickly and secretly passed, and so

promptly put into action, is therefore fully accounted for. At present the financial affairs of the colony, and the several Provinces, are in a bad state, and we greatly fear that the time is not far distant when the colony will be groaning under a load of taxation, unless matters mend. On the 13th instant, Mr Stafford, stating that he wished to leave it on record that the House was inclined to resort to some extent to direct taxation, proposed a resolution " that it is " desirable that a Bill be prepared by the " Government during the recess, to be sub- " mitted next session, for imposing an Income " and Property Tax." This resolution, or notice of motion, the present Government declined to have anything to do with, especially as it emanated from a determined opponent; the notice was therefore withdrawn, and we hope that there will be no occasion to revive the matter, although it is an open question whether direct taxation is not move equitable than an oppressive tariff. Another subject, but one in this instance of ! Provincial legislation, is worthy of especial notice. Our readers will remember that there j was considerable opposition to the operation of an Act passed by the Provincial Council, imposing a tax of 2s. per acre upon all rural lands sold, and that deputations waited upon the Superintendent to endeavor to stop its operation, which howevei were at the time ineffectual. The effects of such an impost were clearly foreseen by many — that it would greatly hinder the sale of lands. Our remark at the time was : — It will cortainly operate as a drag on the further sale of lands. If this Hhoold ho the case, it will neceb&anly curtail, instead of increasing the revenue, and will hinder distiicts like Ottmaru from being so speedily occupied as they would otherwise have been. The important admission has now been made by the Executive th&t it is calculated to retard the settlement of the country, " its " operation having alresdy resulted in an " almost total cessation of the sale of rural " land throughout the Province." This obnoxious Act, therefore, has been repealed. The following is the text of the proclamation on the subject : — "Whereas it is desirable that settlement upon the rural lands of this Province, both within and exterior to tho boundaiies of its gold-fields, should be promotod, and that means Bhould be provided for the beneficial employment of labor in the construction of such public works as are calculated to facilitate the de1 velopment of its resources : And whereas that portion of the law now in force for regulating the sale of rural lands within the Province, entitled the "Otago Waste Lands Act (No. 2), 1863," whereby a tax of 2s. per acre, commencing from the day of purchase, and payable annually, ia imposed upon all rural land purchased on and after the day on which such Act came into force, is calculated to retard the settlement of the country, its opeiation having already rej suited in an almost total cessation of the sale of rural land throughout the Province. Now therefore I, John Hyde Han is, the Superint tendent of the Province of Ofcago, acting by and with the advice and consent of the Executive Council, do hereby give notice and proclaim that tho Provincial Government of Otago hereby undertake to repay to purchasers the tax of 2s. per aero imposed by the aforesaid " Waste Lands Act (No. 2), 1863," in respect of all lands which, between tho 4th day of January, 1865, and the 5th day of April, 18C5, may be purchased under the provisions of tho " Otago Waste Lands Act (No. 1), 1863," and the aforesaid ' ' Otago Waste Lands Act (No. 2), 1863." Thus wise Provincial legislation, in this instance, has so far atoned for the taxation of the General Government. It certainly was a very absurd experiment, that of taxing land, and at the very outset too, before the possessor had an opportunity of deriving the slightest profit from it; and the consequence — it is so far satisfactory to read the admission — has been an almost total cessation of land sales. This is fully confirmed by the returns of sales for November in the same Gazette, which are very inconsiderable when compared with the large sales which used to take place. In this district, it appears indeed to have nipped the sale of lands completely, for it is not once mentioned in late returns.

The large and enthusiastic meeting held on Tuesday evening, when the hon. H. J. Miller, M.P.O., addressed his constituents, was very satisfaotoi y in so far as it keeps tho constituency well informed as to current events, and maintains their confidence in their representative, although at present the financial prospects are not so flattering as might be desired. We refer our readers to the report of the proceedings. A. meeting of the Town Board was held on 26th inst. —present: Messrs. Gibbs (in the chair), Sowell, and Thompson — at which it was agreed to proceed with the erection of the fence at the bridge, at an expense not exceeding L6. Several accounts, and the clerk's salary, were ordered to bo paid. It was resolved to expend L50 out of the funds now in hand, to lower find widen Itchen street— a very judicious improvement. The following list has been forwarded to the Superintendent : — Members retiring from Board by effluxion of time, Messrs W. Sewell, J. Hassell, S. Gibbs, S. B. Shriinski, G. Quarrie ; members resigned, W. 0. Baudinet, W. Falconer. Thus there will bo seven vacancies to fill up in February, the particular date to be afterwards fixed ; and we hope that the constituency will take the matter into consideration and be prepared to elect a full and efficient Board. Referring to a paragraph in our last week's paper, we have now the pleasure of calling the attention of the public to the intimation that Joseph O'Meagher, Esq., solicitor and conveyancor, has commenced biisiness here. Payne's giand Christmas raffle and poultry show took place at tho Star and Garter Hotel on Friday evening last, and turned out to be a most satisfactory affair. The following gentlemen were the fortunate winners of prizes:- Messrs Hartley, M'fteill, Newey, Bee, Johnson, Pinkerton, Gemmell, Lewis, Samuel, Quarrie, Growden, and Waddell.

The Christmas sports and pastimes passed off in Oamaru, with great spirit. The weather was exhilarating; the people assembled were naturally in genial humour, and not only displayed, but we are certain, f«lfc towards each other that genial feeling this anniversary so naturally evokes. On Monday next, January 2nd, the day following the New Year, there will be similar games, a cricket match, and in the evening a ball and supper. We give in another column an account of the games of Monday last, which did credit to the place. Messrs Holmes and Campbell of Totara, who annually give their workmen a holiday, and countenance a fewraces for their amusement, show in this an excellent spirit, and the public owes its thanks to all who thus contribute to the inuocent hilarity natural at this season. "We are glad to learn that it is probable that the first manufactory will soon be established here. A gentleman—Mr Whitmore— is preparing to erect premises in proximity to the bridge in Thames street, for brewing I colonial ale and making aerated waters and cordials. The present excessive pi ices of these beverages is known to our leaders, and are almost prohibitory. The establishment of a manufactory of these* in the town will lower the prices some fiO per cent ; and while it will be an accommodation to the public, we think there is reason to believe that it will be profitable to the spirited proprietor and originator. We are requested to announce that the feast for the children connected with the Church of England Sunday School will take place on Tuesday next at E. W. Roxby, Esq.'s, instead of Monday, as originally announced. TicKets will be issued to the children on Sunday afternoon. The last meeting of the School Committee, which is reported in another column, shows that the subsciiption papers for raising voluntarily the expenses of the school for the present year, are coming in but slowly. The public are j .vare that this mode of raising the funds was proposed foi purposes of economy more than anything else, and their effoits ought to be encouraged. In order that there may be no mistake as to the principle by which the assessment is to be estimated, we append a note of the rates : -Uncultivated rural land, 2s per acre ; cultivated rural land, LI per acre ; town lands and property, full annual value— rate of assessment, 4d in the pound. We again call the attention of our readers to the subject of the Mechanics Institute. At the sale of sections the other day. the Government auctioneer kept back a section, which the committee mean to apply for, and we hope wdl receive as a grant. The public must, however, see the necessity of giving their support, and we fear that the lists are filling up but slowly. A correspondent from Invercargill states — " The local pre&s is a sad proof of the state of Southland. A few months back weie published one tri-weekly, one evening and one morning newspaper ; at the present time we have only two, and they are issued twice a week only." We learn that it is the intention of certain of the public-spirited, who are favorers of the Mechanics Institute, to give an entertainment on behalf of its funds early in the new year, to consist of readings and music. Due intimation of the particulars will be published. In the English Chuich the usual impressive services of the day were conducted by the Rev. Algernon Gifford in the morning and evening of Sabbath last, Christmas Day. • Mr Riley, missionary at Otepopo, occupied the pulpit of the Presbyterian Church in the District Schoolhouse, and delivered, morning and evening, impressive discourses. The services in the Wesleyan Methodist meeting house were conducted in the morning by Mr Suisfced, sen., and in the evening by Mr Flamank. The three places of worship were well attended. ' The opening of the Exhibition is postponed from Tuesday, 3rd, to Thursday, 12th January, when his Excellency Sir George Grey will open it in person. The same advertisement which notifies this also informs the public that the agents of the different steam navigation companies are prepared to take passengers and goods to and fro for one fare. It is rumored that General Cameron will accompany Sir George Grey, and that they will thereafter proceed to Canterbury, to be present at the forthcoming Champion Race meeting there. The next monthly meeting of the Oamaru Land and Building Investment Society takes place in the Northern Hotel on Tuesday next, at 7 p.m., for payment of subscriptions, &c ; sale of money at 8. We are glad to be able to announce that the Rules of the Society have been didy revised, and that the Society has been registered in accordance with the Building Societies' Ordinance. We have had the pleasure, through the kindness of Mr Payne, of the Star and Garter Hotel, of inspecting a specimen of the entire foot and leg of the famous Moa, It is perfect in every part, and comprises thirteen bones, which were obtained at a distance of but a foot or so from the surface, from a piece of waste land just across the bridge. Though there seems no probability of this semi-mythical bird ever being found with its full complement of bones— still less of one being found alive — the spectator can form a tolerably correct estimate of the gigantic stature of thi3 ancient denizen of the New Zealand wilds, from the leg in Mr Payne's possession. The bones are truly of colossal dimensions, and we think fifteen to twenty feet would be a close approximation to the height of the complete bird. It is the owner's intention to forward this specimen to the New Zealand Exhibition, where we have no doubt it will bo viewed with the interest it deserve-3. We have been rather surprised that nothing has been done ere now to convoy to the public mind a more correct idea of this lemarkable bird. A Victorian journal, some eighteen months ago, stated that a miner had caught a live Moa, and used to ride it about like a horse ; but though we in New Zealand treated such a Munchausenlike tale with the ridicule it deserved, it may fairly be questioned whether we are much more enlightened on the subject than our friends across the water. Surely Dr Hector might— as we feel assuied he could— emulate the example of Professor Owen or Mr Hawkins, whose magnificent and life-like " restorations " of those monsters of former ages, the megatherium, plesiosaurus, mastodon, &c, call forth such admiration and wonder in the gardens of tho Sydenham Crystal Palace. A civil suit was tried on 19th inst. in the Supreme Court at the instance of Mr A. G-. M 'Combe against Mr R. B. Mm tin, for damages for assault in the theatre. The verdict was foi plaintiff — damages, one farthing. On 20th inst. nuother case of damages for assault was ! tried— Captfliu John Henderson against Mr John Jones I — damages laid at L1500. The alleged .assault was in 1861. The verdict was for the defendant. The details of both cases are very long and of an extraordinary nature. ] The examination of tho pupils educated at the High School, Duuedin, took place on Wednesday, 14th inst. Tho room was elegantly decorated with flags, evergreens, &c. At the entrance floated the banner of the school with the motto, " Optimorum est altissima cupere. " The pupils were examined in the various branches of knowledge, and acquitted themselves very creditably. A silver cup, the gift of Mr. E. Reece, was awarded to E. Good for general proficiency in commercial eduoation. The Rev. Dr. Lillie observed in bis address that he had examined the various mathematical papers sent in for the gold medal, and although they were all above the average, he suggested that it would be better to wait for another year before giving it away, as by that time some improvement might be evident. Mr. Scott, the Rector, said that he thoroughly coincided in this view of the case. The school has so increased in the numbers attending it that its present dimensions -60 feet by j 24 — are wholly inadequate to accommodate the scholars. ! The Rev. C. Fku er distributed the prizes.

We remind our readers that the meeting for the formation of an Oamaru Steam Navigation Co., with th>3 view of procuring a steamer for our local trade, wai adjourned until Thursday, the 5th January proximo, a^» 7 o'clock, in the large room of the Northern Hotel, when the second meeting will accordingly be held. Th-3 business of this second meeting will, we presume, be to issue a prospectus, &c. The sale of Oamaru town sections by Government, as advertised, was held in the Court House on Friday, 23rd inst., at noon, by Mr Short, Government lani auctioneer. Out of 45 sections advertised the following ten were sold : — Section 12, block X, John Greenfield f upset price, £12 10s ; section 21, block X, Jonas "Ward, £12 10a; section 4, block XIII, W. G. Filleul, £21 10?; section 22, block XV, Frank Pinkerton, £12 10s ; se> tion 17, block XVI, Charles Lemon, £12 10a ; secticn 18, block XVI, Thomas Shalders, £14 ; section 1, block XIX, W. G. Filleul, £33 ; section 6, block XIX, W. Me Jannett, £15 ; section 7, block XIX, Thomas Shaldera, £13; section 10, block XXV, J. H. Eoss, £50; section 5, block XXV, withdrawn for Mechanics Institute. Sir Rosa objected, on account of his having previously applied, and now tendered the deposit, which was refused. In the town of Herbert the following sections were sold : — Nos. 1, 2, and 3 of block I. to Christian Hille ; upset price of each section £12 10s. Messrs Borton and M 'Master, Waitaki, advertise for sale a superior lot of rams. The breed is described is by " Steiger " rams from superior colonial ewe3, which show their blood by the largeness of their fleeces and frames. Weekly sale3 of sheepskins, hides and tallow are advertised by Messrs Driver, Maclean and Co. to be held at their wool stores, High street, Danedin, commencijg on Saturday, 7th January, at noon, and every Satur&vy following at the same hour. An advertisement appeal's in our present issue, to which we call the attention of those interested in the purchase of unsurveyed lands. No application will be received for a less quantity than 50 acres. Applications will be opened on 4th January proximo. The applicont must take out his form of application at the kind office, which he must take to the survey office, and there obtain a sketch on the back, showing the land which he wishes to purchase. The form filled up, must then be returned to the survey office for registration. The return of town lands sold in November 3hows 'he following :— Number of sections sold, 5 ; of purchasers. 4 ; acreage, 4 ; amount realised, £275. This Li in tfie towns of Lawrence and Clyde. Roberts, the Champion of the World, has arrived at Dunedin, and will play a series of grand billiard matche3 at the Empire Hotel, to commence each evening at hUfpast 8. These are now going on. A hairdresser being much wanted here, was advei tised for, and accordingly waits upon the public in his shop in Wansbeck street. It was very obliging on Mr lies' j ■ part to comply with the requisition, and the public are now bound to give him every support and encourvgement. j The lighthouse at Tairoa (Otago) Head, is expected to be opened on or about 1st January. It will be a fixed dioptric red light of the third order. By the Wellington, which arrived at Port Chalmers on Monday, there are further advices from the North, An important proclamation had been issued by the Governor on the 17th inst., declaring the land in the Waikato district and at Taranaki, &c., confiscated, and making declarations as to forming roads, &c— showing that vigorous measures are intended. We take the following from the the General Government Gazette :—" His Excellency the Governor has been pleased to accept the following resignation, viz :— Lieutenant J. O'Meagher, Dunedin Rifle Volunteers." The "Gazette" states that Crown grants for the after mentioned land are now reaay for issue : — Jas. Barclay, section 8, block XLIV, Oamaru ; James Davidson, section 14, block XX, Ocimaru ; Henry Growden, section 20, block XXI, Oamaru ; James Henderson, section 1 of 52, block V, Hawkbbury district ; Alex. M'Lf.ren, section 17, block I, Hawksbury district ; Robert IVturray, section 21 and 22, block XXI, Oamaru; W. J. Thompson, section 16, block XX, Oamaru; Henry Wilson, section 6, block XXII, Oamaru.