The Evening Mail. TUESDAY, JULY 24, 1877

Oamaru Mail, Volume II, Issue 389, 24 July 1877, Page 2

The Evening Mail. TUESDAY, JULY 24, 1877

In consequence of an cxtraor dinary pressure of advertisements anil telegrams upon our space, we have been compelled to hold over a letter, articles, and other matter. Mr. A. 11. Maude will offer for sale by public auction at noon to-morrow, at the store, Thames-street, the whole of the stock of Mr. J. Moss, clothier. On F.iday next, at noon, the nominations of Municipal Councillors to fill the seats rendered vacant by the retirement, through effluxion of time, of Messrs. Morton, Galbraith, Grave, and Scott, will be declared. As yet, very little interest seems to be taken in the election of Councillors, and it is extremely doubtful whether any of the seats will be contested. We have been creditably informed that it is not the intention of two of the retiring members to seek re-election, and that it is questionable whether the remaining two will again place their services at the disposal of the ratepayers. The names of several gentlemen have been mentioned as possible candidates, but nothing definite appears to be known as to whether J they intend coming forward. The only gentleman named with any degree of certainty is Mr. Thomas Procter, who, it is said, will seek election at the hands of the ratepayers of Jetty Ward.

We have to-day interviewed a gentleman who possesses a perfect acquaintance with the country between Duntroon and Naseby, on the proposed line of railway. He states that he has frequently travelled over it in all weathers. A little over twelve months ago, he rode through to Naseby from Duntroon on horseback, and he states that although the weather was almost as severe as any ever experienced in the country (through which he passed, he encountered no discomfort or difficulty of any kind in prosecuting his journey, which occupied only five hours. The body of a newly-born infant was found on the beach, near the Manure Depot, this morning, by a man named James Lachy, who lives in a tent in that part of the town. He at once gave information to the police, who caused the body to be removed to the police station. The body has been examined by Dr. Garland, in consequence of whose opinion that the child had never lived, it wasnotdeemedunnecessary to hold an inciuest.

A special meeting of the Municipal Council was held yesterday afternoon, when there were present—His Worship the Mayor, Councillors Galbraith, Gibbs, Mainland, Morton, and Scott. Reports with data for the information of intending tenderers for the Waterworks Loan were submitted and approved, and the Mayor and Engineer were authorised to revise the same, and cause 50 copies to be printed for transmission by the outgoing Suez mail. A letter was read from the Manager of the National Bank accepting the modifications suggested by the Council in the terms for the Bank account. It was decided to intimate that the Council agreed to the tonus as now laid down. The Engineer was instructed to inspect the approach to Mr O'Meagher's property, complained of by him, and to have power to employ dra}'men to execute such work as might be deemed necessary.

Some short time since we pointed out the total insufficiency of the number of police stationed in Oamaru. We then showed pretty clearly that i* was impossible for all parts of the town to receive a proper amount of care at the hands of the guardians of the peace and good order. Since then matters have been made considerably worse, instead of an attempt being made to effect an improvement. At the present time one constable only is on duty during the night, and to this solitary watcher is the town dependant for protection against robberies and other crimes. Such a state of affairs would be simply laughable were it not for the fact that there is every reason to believe that there arc a number of men in Oamaru of a very doubtful class. Indeed circumstances have come to our knowledge which lead us to the belief that before very long we may hear of some large robberies. Numbers of petty thefts have taken place of late, the perpetrators of which have been able to carry on their nefarious practices with impunity, owing to there not being sufficient policemen stationed in the town to protect property. The authorities seem to ignore altogether the fact that Oamaru has grown very rapidly of late, and that as a natural consequence a larger police force is necessar}'. We trust the matter will be represented to the ro >per quarters in such a manner as to brii.g about a change from the present ridiculous state of affairs. Since the above was ■written, an additional constable has been stationed in Oamaru ; but this accession of strength is scarcely sufficient for the growing requirements of the town. At the usual weekly meeting of the St. Paul's Young Men's Association last evening, a very interesting essay was delivered by Mr. Charles Cook, the subject being "Oliver Cromwell, his Life, aud Times.' At the conclusion of the essay, the members, of whom there were a large number present, entered upon a lively discussion, during which diverse opinions were expressed as to the character of Cromwell and the work he performed.

A sjjecial meeting of the Mechanics' Instij tute Committee was held lust evening, when there v.*ere present —Messrs. Hislop (President), Thornton, Blackburn, Filleul, Esther, M'Kenzie, Forrester, and Hickey (Hon. Secretary). On the motion of Mr. Filluel, it was resolved that a donation of L2 25., received from Mr. John Eeid, should be acknowledged with thanks. .A letter having been read from Mr. James Asheroft, with reference to the leasing of the Wyndham .Reserve, it was resolved, "That the Secretary write to Mr. Asheroft, and ask him to send in his tender for leasing the reserve at once." The President stated that he v/ts unable, as yet, to lay a special offer for .the leasing of the present building before the members, as referred to at the last meeting. It was resolved, " That Mr. Hislop be requested to t ike the necessary steps to enable the Institute to mortgage or lease their lands." A vote of thanks having been accorded to the chairman, the meeting terminated.