The Evening Mail. MONDAY, DECEMBER 31, 1877.

Oamaru Mail, Volume II, Issue 520, 31 December 1877, Page 2

The Evening Mail. MONDAY, DECEMBER 31, 1877.

Within' a few short hours the year 1877 will liave become a thing of the past, and we shall have entered upon the year 1878. At such a time it is not only customary but profitable to take a retrospective glance at the leading events of the expiring year, and ascertain whether it has been profitably spent. Many lessons may be learned by the adoption of such a course —lessons which, if only acted upon judiciously, may be of profit during the coming year, the advent of which will be welcomed with the usual rejoicings. We have reason to think that the year which is passing away has been one of general prosperity to this Colony, and one which, in many ways, will be looked back upon with feelings of pleasure. The year has also been a memorable one. During it, for the first time in the history of any Colony, we have seen a gentleman who had formerly been twice the representative of her Majesty in New Zealand stepping boldly, as it were, from his high position, and assuming the post of Prime Minister of the Colony. To us—and we believe the feeling is pretty general throughout the Colony—the past year has been one possessing considerable interest in a political sense. It has seen the downfall of one of the most extravagant and wild administrations that has ever ruled in the Colony. The Vogel-Atkinson dynasty has, after a reign of seven years, been forced to give way before the popular voice of the people, and make room for a Ministry formed by a veteran tactician and colonist—a man who, whether as a Governor or as a colonist occupying the highest position at the disposal of his fellow-colonists, has ever proved himself a true friend and well-wisher of New Zealand. This is one of the many incidents in the colonial history during the past year of which we niav well feel pleased. Others there are of a pleasant nature, but none so striking as this : for herein we feel an amount of confidence which we should not othovw ise have possessed as to the future prosperity of the Colony. Although overclouded by the mistaken policy pursued during the past few years, and the knowledge of commencing the year with a tolerable load of debt, the political sky is brightened by the advent of the new administrative stars. A new light has been shed upon our political heavens. Fresh life and energy have been thrown into the administration of the Colony's affairs, which will

be of considerable advantage—for both were urgently required. With the pursuance of a wise and careful policy in the future—such as we look for from our present administrators —we have little fear that the coining year will prove both a prosperous and a happy one for New Zealand.

Turning our attention from the general affairs of the Colony, and glancing at the events of the past year more particularly affecting our own district, a pleasant picture is offered to our view. If a single circumstance intervtnt s to mar the pleasure we feel, it is of so trifling a nature as to call for no comment from us. The past year has undoubtedly been one laden with prosperity and advancement for Oamai'ii and the districts surrounding it, evidences of which are to be found in every direction. New buildings of a substantial and elegant nature have sprung up in every direction, speaking volumes as to the prosperity of the past year and the confidence of the people in the future growth of this portion of the Colony. Our harbour works have been pushed on with renewed vigour, we have entered upon an extensive .water supply scheme, and other things of a minor nature have been accomplished for the improvement and advancement of the town and its surroundings. Not the least noticeable of the events of the past year is the extension of railway communication in various directions. Foremost amongst these stands the opening of the line between Oamaru and Timaru, forming the last link in the iron band which binds Christchurch and Oamaru together. Then we have the opening of the branch line to >vhioh has already conferred great advantages upon Oamaru, while it has also afforded incalculable benefits to our friends of Waimate. We have also had the extension of the Waiareka line to Ngapara. All these have been of great advantage to this district, and have tended to increase our prosperity. In connection with this matter of railways, we may also note that during the year the works in connection with the establishment of communication with the southern capital have been vigorously prosecuted. Already some portions of the line have been brought to a state of completion, and in a very few months railway communication with Dunedin will be perfected. All these things point to the growing importance of Oamaru, and bespeak for it a prosperous future. We therefore look forward to the coming year with confidence that it will bring in its train a continuation of the peace, happiness, and prosperity which has characterised the year which is just drawing to a close.