The Oamaru Times, AND WAITAKI REPORTER. THURSDAY, JANUARY 5, 1865.

North Otago Times, Volume III, Issue 46, 5 January 1865, Page 2

The Oamaru Times, AND WAITAKI REPORTER. THURSDAY, JANUARY 5, 1865.

The meeting called by request of Mr Milleb, tlie representative of this district in the Provincial Council, and held in the Court-house here on the 27th ult., deserves more comment than we have been able hitherto to bestow upon it. In regard to the financial condition of the Province, the hon. member could say little that was not already known—that the Province is at present heavily in debt, and unable to meet its engagements. This state of affairs however, he said, it may be hopad will be only temporary. We are all fain to believe that the public finance is not radically deficient, but is only suffering under a temporary entanglement. The revenue of the Province is now a large one—fully £400,000 a-year and increasing; and it will be quite an anomalous state of affairs, if its credit cannot be established, and present difficulties overcome. For this we hope, and for this we must wait with patience. This district is, at all events, in a different position from that which it occupied not many months since, before the last meeting of the Provincial Oouncil. At that time, while larger sums were obtained from the sale of its lands than from any other district, its claims for a share of the revenue, to carry on its public works, were wholly disregarded. Now, however, these claims are at least recognised —they are voted —and when the revenue can afford it, they must be attended to. We now suffer, but it is in common with the rest of the Province, and that is at least a consolation; while we have every assurance that if it is impossible at present to commence the works proposed, yet " when the time comes, and we " have passed over our difficulties, it will be " no less the pleasure than the duty of our " representative to see that prompt and im- '* mediate action is taken with all that con- " cerns the interests of Oamaru." Meanwhile we have, Miller said, some encouragement in reflecting that the district is steadily progressing, in spite of obstacles and discouragements. Ik-has admittedly had little done for it, and yet it already occupies an important position. Its advance has been gradual, steady, and safe, and is certain to be progressive; it does not depend on the fitful and feverish advances of gold-fields, but on the products of industry and the cultivation

of the land, which form the basis of true and lasting prosperity. In reference to the questions asked of Mr Miller, he replied with characteristic*frankness,and to the satisfaction of the meeting. The hon. gentleman is but one of the Executive, and did well not to promise too largely or absolutely; but in his remarks there is evidenced the right spirit of a representative—to do what he can to further the reasonable requisitions of those whose interests are entrusted to him. With regard to the Government moorings here, a discussion naturally ai'ose which ought to be productive of good results. These moorings are neither so strong and complete as they should be, nor have they hitherto been looked to at such short intervals as to insure them efficiency ; and we are confident that the notice taken of the matter will be productive of good effects. If large vessels come here, as they do and certainly will do every season, the Government is bound to provide for their accommodation and safety. Our readers are aware that a Port Chalmers and Moeraki organ has made the most of these moorings, but these does not affect the general safety of the port, nor do large vessels depend upon them. Dunedin would like to deprive us of everything; it has absorbed our revenue to be expended for its own advantage ; it is trying to construct main trunk lines of road to divert the traffic to itself; and now a petty jealousy and an intense selfishness prompt its advocates to malign the safety of the roadstead for vessels loading wool, because forsooth it is desirable that Dunedin should absorb that also. We referred to this subject last week, and we reiterate that the tone of the " Daily Times" on this subject of late has been unworthy of it, and unjustifiable; and the petty stratagem of trying to make it appear that rumors were afloat at Port Chalmers that the Star of Tasmania had been wrecked, is so thinly disguised that, if its intention had not been so base, it would have been utterly contemptible. The extra expense of sending the wool to Port Chalmers, amounts to about Id. per lb., and this on a quantity of wool absorbs a large sum, which is absolutely thrown away. We quote a letter addressed to us, subscribed by the masters of two of the vessels loading here, which states that there is no foundation for the assertion made in reference to the safety of these vessels :— To the Editor of the Oamabtj Times. Sm, —We, the undersigned, masters of vessels at present loading with wool here, have to express our surprise at the assertions made in the Otago "Daily Times" newspaper, particularly in that of the 26th inst., where it is insinuated that vessels cannot safely load here, and in particular that the Star of Tasmania had been in danger. We hereby declare that we have never experienced any weather here which put our ships in the slightest danger. Tho Star of Tasmania loaded here last season as well as this. The Government anchorage parted with the Star of Tasmania soon after her arrival here this season, but within five minutes after this occurred, the ship was in all safety at her own anchors. Both our vessels are now riding in safety here at their own anchors. We are, Sir, Your obedient servants, W. Culbert, Master of ship Star of Tasmania. David Pjetees, Master of barque Malay. Oamaru Roads, 31st December, 1864.

The overwhelming superiority of Moeraki has been newly discovered. In winter weather the whole coast is stormy enough, not excepting Otago Heads; but at the season of loading wool in the middle of summer, there can be little doubt of the security of any of the ports. While, then, the v Times" upholds " Moeraki and Monopoly," we will oppose it with the watchword, " Fact, " not Fiction !" In regard to Crown grants for reserves, it is well-known that Mr Milleb. has been active in that matter for some time, and we believe that it will be placed on a proper footing. The subject of the district land offices, from what has fallen lately from members of the Executive in different quarters, is almost certain to receive consideration during the next session of Council. In short, Mr MiiiLEK had some encouragement to give in regard to each and every subject submitted to his consideration, and they were not few. We consider it a great advantage to the district to possess a representative who has its interests at heart, and the power to advance them. All the subjects of importance were discussed at the late meeting, and progress thereby has received an impulse.

In the beginning of a new year, it is not amiss to think of reformations, and there is one which is deserving of particular consideration —one which presses itself, more or less, on all mercantile communities, but which we think is especially applicable to colonies generally, to this colony particularly, and to this portion of the colony individually—and that is, the curtailment of the credit system, and the establishment of one whose basis shall be cash. Credit is a weed which spreads, and which exhausts the soil, and chokes the growth of the legitimate crops. Credit is a bad habit, which insensibly grows and is rliffi-

cult to shake off, but the discontinuance of which benefits the constitution. It frequently happens that the system of long credits, introduced by one, emulated by another, and persisted in by all, has entailed ruin, and that a healthier system has only been enforced by some crash or crisis, which, while bringing ruin on thousands, has restored tone to commercial communities—-just as a thunder storm clears the air and freshens the atmosphere. Within this very Province, long ■credits have done an immense deal of mischief, and we venture to say have produced half the ills which Otago has of late complained of, while it is perfectly well known that Southland has been brought to its present state of depression mainly by that cause, and has 'been making an effort to retrace its steps by establishing cash payments. On this subject we quote the following from a Tasmanian commercial journal, the " Launceston Examiner:"—

The commercial convulsions that occur from time to time—the panics that shake credit, and the consequent ruin that overtakes solvent firms, might all be prevented for the future by the adoption of a new system of business. We have on more than one occasion referred to it. It is that every mci can tile man should only havb one creditor, and that should be his banker. If he desired to borrow money to embark in a speculation, he would have to disclose the true state of his affairs to one who ought to be confidentially entrusted with the 'ullest information. This would check rash and ruinous ventures, and really be of service to mercantile men themselves. But it is said this system coxild not be carried out in practice; that men would keep accounts with different banks unknown to these establishments, and multiply their credit transactions in spite of any precautions that could be taken by the managers of these institutions. This could not, however, happen if the banks acted in concert with each other. It would be impossible for one man to be a borrower at two institutions if bankers were determined to prevent it. And then, while trade and commerce would be placed on a more solid basis than at present, bankers would find their business far more safe. Kite-flying may be practised to any extent, and persons in in&olvent circumstances be in first-rate credit. But if they were obliged to explain their views every time they obtained an advance, overtrading would cease, and transactions be kept within legitimate bounds. We are aware that individuals, as well as banks, would have to be agreed upon the point before cash business could be introduced, and that it requires something like a crash to induce its adoption. But it was not found to be a difficult matter in Melbourne some years ago, although at that place there lias been a return to the old practice. Even in this country more than one person has confined himself to a cash business, and with marked success. As he ran no risk, he could afford to sell at a lower figure, and customers on these terms would go back with reluctance to the credit plan which really makes them responsible for all who do not pay their own scores.

Although we cite this authority, it was scarcely necessary to do so; all that was required was that we should refer to the experience of the community on the subject. Long credit affects the prosperity of this place. Many are convinced of it, who either cannot or will not stir in the matter; still the truth remains, and we are constrained to speak it. But if it is, as we are convinced, the fact that such a system is greatly retarding the progress of the town and district, it is worse than Jfolly to submit to it; and it is a marvel that no effort is made to effect a change.

The science of billiards is perhaps nowhere more generally followed, either as a source of amusement or as an elegant study, than in these colonies, in many parts of which—Oamaru, for instance—the billiard table offers the only refuge from the cares and toils of everyday life. It is not less certain, however, that though this game is known to almost every colonist, yet mediocrity is the general rule, few indeed being: worthy of the title of good players. An unlooked-for opportunity now offers for those who feel some desire to see real billiard-playing, in the visit to this town of the champion billiatd player of the world —Mr Roberts. We are indebted to Messrs Armstrong, Payne, and Newey, of the Star and Garter Hotel, for this unexpected treat, and we trust that the result of their spirited enterprise will prove thab their confidence in the public of Oamaru for support in their hazardous and expensive undertaking, is not misplaced. It is unnecessary to dwell on the skill of Mr Roberts ; h's exploits in Australia and Dunedin have rendered his name as familiar throughout these colonies as in Great Britain itself. Wednesday and Thursday next are the evenings on which he will " astonish the natives " in Oamaru.

Our readers are reminded that the second meeting connected with the formation of a Steamboat Company for this district, takes place this evening, in the large room in the Northern Hotel, at 7 o'clock.

We are requested to give publicity to notices delivered at the English Church services on Sunday last, that the collections after both services on Sunday next are to be given, as the annual offering of the congregation, to the fund for the support of the missson to the aborigines of the Melanesian Islands, which has a peculiar claim on New Zealand, seeing that the mission is a direct outgrowth of the Episcopal Church in this colony, and that the islands extend to within 800 miles of our coast. We have in type an able article on the mission, but are compelled to postpone it till next week.

We noticed last week the subject of the collection of funds for carrying on the IMstiict School by voluntary subscription rather than assessment. We learn that the subscription papers are now being sent in, but not so speedily as could be desired. Aj the next meeting of committee for considering this subject takes place on 12th inst., it is to be hoped that all concerned will give attention to this matter, and avoid the expense of levying an assessment added to that of trying the voluntary system.

We beg attention to Miss Anderson's advertisement in our present issue, informing the public that the next quarter of the ladies' school under her charge will commence on Monday, 9th inst., and also that young gentlemen under ten years of age will be received.

The meeting of the Building Society on Tuesday night was a very successful one, although we regret to observe an increased list of defaulters. The sums realised for the ten shares sold were an average of fully £1410s per share, and must be looked on as fair prices.

It is notified in the "Gazette" that sales by public auction of the sections in the Township of Lawrence, Hawksbury, Palmerston, Hampden, Oamaru, Herbert, and Baldutha, will-take place as under-noted:— Thursday, sth of January, 1865, at noon, at Balclutha, at the Crown Hotel, Clutha Ferry.

The feast and field anmsements given to the scholars of the Church of England Sunday School (about 50 in number) came off on Tuesday last on the beautiful grounds of E. W. Roxby, Esq. The children assembled about the middle of the day on the open space in front of the residence of Mr Ashcroft, who has the conduct of the school, when those of more tender years were received into a covered wagon, kindly sent for the purpose by Mr Sumpter, the older children marching forward in good order, led by two of the bigger lads carrying banners. The minister and his family joined the assemblage on the grounds, and some other friends, besides the teachersj were present. A marquee was pitched in the field, and afforded verp welcome shelter, not only to the ladies present, who occasionally availed themselves of it, and to the good things provided for the feast, but also to little blue-faced and blue-fingered children, whom the very un-summer-like weather drove from time to time to its protection. The tent was kindly lent for the occasion by Mr Peat, of the White Hock. The children seemed to enjoy themselves immensely, both when discussing the variety and abundance of good things with which they were regaled, and in their sports. The entertainment broke up about 6 o'clock, when, after singing some hymns, the Rev. Mr Gifford gave the children a short and cheerful address, encouraging them in regular attendance at their Sunday School, in gratitude and affection to their kind lady and gentlemen teachers, and in the good and happy Christian behaviour which all their advantages ought to lead to. A prayer and blessing followed; but the children would not depart till they had contended with the winds in immense cheering for all their kind friends present. The wagon was again in requisition, and bore off a merry host, while those destined to return afoot went off with flying banners as cheerfully as they came. The minister's family, teachers, and friends were entertained at tea by Mr and Mrs Eoxby, and a very pleasant, happy, and profitable half-holiday was spent.

The bones of the Moa, which we noticed last week, were forwarded by Mr Payne to the Exhibition, and have been duly received and placed in the building They are looked upon as vrny rare. At the local committee meeting on 29th ultimo, a communication was read respecting these bones. Mr "Webb stated that the bones had been handed over to Dr Hector, who had promised to place them near others in his possession. Dr Hector hoped to be able to construct a pretty complete skeleton of the Moa. At least, it is his intention as far as possible to effect a complete restoration of the skeleton by placing in juxtaposition at the Exhibition all the relics of that singular bird at his command. The portions of the leg exhibited by Mr Payne has for this purpose been .admitted into the gallery appropriated to the museum of the Geological Department.

"We are desired to remind the members of the Oamaru Cricket Club that a general meeting of the club will be held in the Oamaru Hotel next Saturday at 7 p.m.

On Monday last, the Sabbath School children connected with the Wesleyan Methodist body, about 30 in number, assembled at Mr Flamank's house, and enjoyed themselves in open ah , sports for a few hours, and afterwards partook of a treat in-doors.

A Proclamation in the "New Zealand Gazette," extends the jurisdiction of the Resident Magistrate's Courts at Laurence and Hamilton's to cases of £100.

The " New Zealander" says that some alarm has been felt in the Province of Auckland, in consequence of a report that Rewi had made his appearance in the "Waikato country with a large number of recruits, with the avowed purpose of recommencing hostilities and carrying on a guerilla warfare.

The "Dunstan Times" of the 27th ult. says:— "On Sunday last we were favored by a visit from the Rev. Mr. Connor, Presbyterian Minister at Oamarn, who preached at Alexandra in the morning and at Clyde in the evening. The attendance at both services was numerous. The rev. gentleman has just returned from an extended tour, having visited a large number of stations on the "Waitaki, also Morven Hills, the Wanaka Lake, Cardrona diggings, also Arrowtown and Queenstown, Cromwell, Manuherikia, and the Dunstan, there being a large number of shearers on the different stations. The rev. gentleman preached at the various towns and 'stations and had large audiences ; he also delivered lectures at Queenstown, Waaaka, and Kaurau, and was received everywhere with the greatest kindness.

It has been determined to give a public Subscription Ball, at Dunedin, on Thursday, the 12th instant, in honor of the visit of TTis Excellency the Governor.

.> We are requested to state that on some day next week —not at present determined, but to be announced on Sunday—the annual parish meeting of the English Church congregation here will take place for passing the year , *} accounts and electing churchwardens and vestrymen.

The Exhibition is to be opened on this day week. Intending exhibitors have already exceeded their time, and if any local exhibits still remain to be sent, it should be done without delay. Tardy visitors run the risk of being shut out altogether, or of obtaining an inferior position for their goods.

A preliminary meeting of gentlemen in favor of separation was held on 27th ult., at the Provincial Hotel. Dunedin, Mr Bastings, M.P.C., in the chair. The draft of a inquisition to the Superintendent, asking His Honor to convene a meeting, on a convenient day, to be held in the Princess Theatre, for the purpose of "taking into consideration the formation of a League having for it« object the Separation of the Middle from the Northern Island," was agreed to. The meeting was subsequently adjourned till to-day, with a view to the formation of a Committee, and the preparation of resolutions, to be submitted to the public meeting. The Separation movement is also proceeding in Auckland, funds have been laised, a council and officers appointed, and petitions to the Queen and both houses of Parliament agreed to.

The "Canterbury Standard" says :—"By last mail from the North, His Honor the Superintendent received an official communication from Mr. Weld, in which it is stated that His Excellency Sir George Grey will visit Canterbury in January next. He will open the Exhibition atDunedin on the 12th, and arrive here about 16th, remaining to witness the Champion meeting. It is probable that a public dinner- and ball will be given in honor of His Excellency."

Several pic-nic parties have taken place in the neighborhood during the holidays; for these the district of Oamaru is well suited, and the season of th.c year highly favorable.

The " Otago Mail" announces that on and after the 2nd instant, when a new quarter commences, the price of that paper will be Id. per eingle copy.

The third annual gathering of the Caledonian Society took place on Monday last, on the North Dunedin Cricket Ground, when the uiual sports were held. A monster fete and pic-nic took place at Vauxhall Gardens. The City of Dunedin. and other steamers made pleasure excursions. On 27th ult. a charge of assault preferred by Mr J. G. S. Grant against Police-inspector Morton occupied some time in the Duuedin Police Court. The result was that the Inspector was proved to have struck the complainant ; hut on account of the provocation he had received, was fined Iβ only, and costs. An interesting ceremony took place on Sunday, 25th ult., at the opening of the first native church at the Maori kaik, Otago heads. A number of clergymen from Dunedin and neighborhood were present thereafter on Tuesday, 27th, together with a crowd of from 400 to 500 persons of all ranks, at a soiree on the slope near the church, when the meeting was addressed by the clergyman, the Key. Mr Reimenschneider.

In the Resident Magistrate , ! Court, before T. "W. Parker, Esq., on 29th ult., John Berwick was fined 5s for being drunk; Peter McDonald, for obscene language in a public place, was fined 20s; Thomas Ferens, for allowing several scabby sheep to stray, in violation of the Ordinance, was fined Is for each ; in an action Familton against Gleeson, for illegally impoundiag a horse at Moeralri, plaintiff was non-suited. On 30th ult. John Barraclough, for selling liquor at a distance from his licenced house, pled guilty and ignorance of the offence, and was fined 20s and costs. For the remainder of the police report of this week, reference is made to another column. The prisoner Henry ¥m, Jackson's antecedents require to be investigated. He appeared here by the coach on Monday, and it is stated that he neither paid for his breakfast at "Waikouaiti nor bis coach fare from Dunedin.

Captain Jarvey, who formerly commanded the Titania screw steamer, has been apprehended at Dunedin, on suspicion of having poisoned his wife, who died in Sep. tember last, and whose body has been exhumed, in consequence of evidence given by a daughter.

The Marine Board has issued notices relative to the lights to be shortly exhibited on various parts of the coast, viz : •- Dog Island, Foveaux Straits, not later than April next; Mana Island, Cook's Straits, March next; Godley Head, Banks' Peninsula, about March next; and Tairoa's Head, Otago, on and after 2nd January inst.

Roberts, the great billiard Champion, played his first match at Hoyt's Empire Hotel, Dunedin, on 27th ult. as announced, and gave Mr Perotti, a well-known local player, COO points; the champion was 1002 when hii opponent had scored only 846. This was the first start. Since then there have been several other matches, but the champion, who appears to have reduced the game to a science, always comes off the victor notwithstanding the immense odds which he gives.

On Boxing Day the amusements in Dunedin consisted of sports atVauxhall, and fireworks in the evening. The steamers Bruce and Peninsula made pleasure excursions to the Heads. The trips made by the William Miskin and Tuapeka. to Port Molyneux and up the Clutha river are also reported as having been very pleasant and successful.

The Provincial Government haye decided to undertake all the arrangements in connection with the visit of Sir George Grey. They have engaged Hoopei's Hotel, and are preparing a programme of entertainments, to carry out which the aid of the public will be invited. Hi» Excellency may be expected about the 6th or 7th.

The usual fortnightly escort arrived on the 30th of December, bringing 11,584 oz. 7 dwt.