THE Otago Daily Times. "Inveniam viam out Faciam." TUESDAY, JANUARY 28, 1862.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 63, 28 January 1862, Page 2

THE Otago Daily Times. "Inveniam viam out Faciam." TUESDAY, JANUARY 28, 1862.

A day or two ago we published a report from the Provincial Secretary, in which were embodied sundry suggestions that that gentlemen had managed to pick up during his visit to the gold fields. In the Arabian Nights' Entertainment we are told that Haroun-al-Ilaschid and his Vizier were in the habit of traversing the city in disguise, and picking up much valuable information amongst the people with whom they mixed. In this case llaroun alRaschid, — the Superintendent — contented himself with remaining at home, and giving written instructions to his Vizier, Mr. Hardy, whom he despatched todothe collecting-of-in-forniatioti business, and which that gentleman has embodied in the shape of the report which forms the subject of our remarks.

The only information Mr. Hardy could obtain concerning coal deposits, was from sundry specimens he saw in the stores. The locality he could not discover, although applications had been made for leases. He saw what he considers a fair substitute for coal—lignite—and believes that this is to be obtained in large quantities. He adds a qualified recommendation that the Government should call for tenders for raising and supplying 2000 tons. We would have been glad to see this recommendation urged in yet stronger terms. During the winter the miners will require a plentiful supply of fuel —more than they can obtain in the shape of wood. Providence seems to have designed this lignite, or as some call it, inferior

quality coal as a substitute, and the Government is not on)}- justified but will be performing a very meritorious part in encouraging the procuring of it. We are not certain whether the wisest plan would be for Government to contract direct for the raising the fuel —or whether the better course would not be at the same time to throw open the occupation of procuring it and offer it encouragement, by granting licenses for obtaining it, and offering a bonus of so much a ton upon the first two thousand tons of marketable fuel raised. From private sources we are informed that the peculiarity of the fuel consists in the great ease .with which it burns, and in a white deposit left behind after the fuel is consumed. The first, although, of course, it makes the fuel expensive, is rather an advantage than otherwise, the readier the fuel burns the less trouble is required in lighting and tending it. In regard to the second, the deposit unconsuiik'.l is not likely to occasion much inconvenience, as the fire places will be constructed with a view to this condition. No doubt it would be a very serious consideration if the fuel were required for steam purposes. The next subject of the report is the Hospital. The Government grant is set down as insufficient, and it is stated that the private subscriptions do not show "a very satisfactory prospect of doing much in aid of the Government Grant." We believe in this remark Mr. Hardy libels the miners. We have seen so much of the ready manner in which the mining community in Victoria lias lent ready assistance in tlie establishment of hospitals, benevolent asylums, and, indeed, all kinds of institutions of a charitable nature, that we cannot and do not credit that the miners and storekeepers on Wetherstone's, Waitahuna, and Tuapeka, many of whom have been fortunate enough to attain in a few months, to affluence, are at all reluctant to assist in the formation of an Hospital. We can only suppose that the means taken for organising a subscription and explaining its objects are insufficient, and that with proper management the most cordial support would be afforded.

The formation of townships is the next sub-ject-to which the report refers. We should rather say the situation of townships, for Mr. Hardy barely alludes to the desirability of forming townships, but contents himseif with recommending the sites on which they should be laid out. Of course we are not able to form an opinion as to whether the sites pointed out are the best; indeed, it seems to us that this is a portion of the subject that should be left to the report of a qualified Surveyor. In re : spect to the desirability of establishing townships on the Goldfields, too strong language cannot be used. Winter is now approaching, and merchants and storekeepers are desirous of procuring heavy supplies before the price of cartage is raised. They require substantial buildings to store the goods, but they are naturally reluctant to go to the expense of building when they do not know which spot is likely to be made the centre of business. Again, for the convenience of the miners, a township is much required in which they can make their purchases aud amuse themselves in the intervals of rest from their occupation. Before townships were established on the gold fields in Victoria, the miners used as soon as they had saved a little money to rush down to Melbourne to enjoy themselves and to make purchases. After a while they found that they could both amuse themselves nnd procure the goods they required on the spot, and they ceased to pay such frequent visits to the metropolis. The gold fields' towns gradually improved, and Sandhurst has become a fine mwh, whilst Ballarat in many respects rivals .Melbourne itself. Whichever town is first formed on the Otago Gold-i'mlds, we are convinced will become a second Ballarat.

No doubt the clause in the Gold-fields Act, which forbids the alienation of any land on the gold fields ou other conditions than a lease, and for a longer term than seven years, is calculated to throw some obstacle in the way of forming townships. But the difficulty is rather imaginary than real; there can be no question the General Assembly, at its next sessions, will modify this clause, so far as to permit of the sale of town and suburban allotments, and in the meanwhile a similar course could be adopted to that which was followed in Victoria before land was sold on the diggings. Towns were surveyed and occupation was permitted on the condition that when the land was sold the occupiers should either be able to buy at the upset price, or be allowed a valuation for their impiovements. The same course was adopted with suburban land,—the improvers were allowed valuation when the lots they occupied were brought to sale.

The next clause in the report refers to leashi" land to the miners for residence and cultivation purposes. Our former remarks apply again here. Undoubtedly facilities should be permitted to miners desirous of acquiring land on which to build homesteads. Still, seven years' leases are very unfavorable tenure, and we would sooner see the actual improver of land able to obtain the fee simple. The plan we would suggest would be to survey into reasonable sized suburban allotments, land which presented fewest auriferous indisations, and then allow the same to be taken up for occupation on these terms—if the General Assembly alter the Act so as to permit the sale of tlie land, the improvers to be allowed to purchase at upset price, or to receive full valuation for their improvements; if the Assembly would not consent to the sale, then seven years' leases to be granted the occupants. We leave the topics that refer to an alteration in the mining rules to another season, our present limits not permitting us to do them justice, and we only find two other clauses that call for reference. The first, the improvement of the officers' quarters, we suppose is well founded. Mr. Hardy was able to satisfy himself of the nature of the accommodation afforded them. The next refers to the formation of roads.

I Mr. Hardy's snggestion under this head, is about as shabby a one (to use a mild expression) as we ever remember to have heard. He considers that a .sum of about six hundred pounds is required to be immediately expended on roads and bridges in the neighbourhood of Wetherston's and Tuapeka. Will it be believed that Mr. Hardy suggests that a third of this paltry sum should be raised by private subscription. We can scarcely characterise too strongly such a petty attempt at economy. Surely out ofthe thousands of pounds raised for licenses and fees from the gold fields, a sum of six hundred pounds should not be grudged for putting the roads in a passable condition. We cannot suppose that the executive will endorse this suggestion ; on the contrary we hope that as the sum required is so small immediate orders will be given for effecting the required improvements.

A lecture on " The Maories,'' is to be delivered at Dr. Burns' Church to-morrow evening, by the Rev. Mr. Buller. It is expected that the lecture will be peculiarly interesting, because the reverend lecturer has for the last eighteen years, been a Missionary amongst the people of whom he proposes to treat. The lecture -is to be in connection with the Young Men's Christian Association.

An interesting importation of Tahitian produce has reached this port per the schooner " Bertha." The " Bertha" has brought a largo quantity of oranges, limes, pine apples and cocoa nuts, and in addition to these fruits, she brings 13 casks of sugar, also the produce of Tahiti. This importation is remarkable as being the first commencement of what there is good reason to believe may soon be developed into a lucrative and extensive trade with the Pacific Islands.

By the politeness of Captain Copping, of the barque ' Isabella,' we have Hobart Town papers to January 16th. There is nothing of particular interest to extract. Mr. Gregson has been distinguishing himself as usual by intemperate language in Parliament. AYe are informed that a hundred tons of flour changed hands yesterday in anticipation of a rise in value.

It will be seen by a notice in onr advertising columns that subscriptions in aid of the funds for erecting a monument to Burke at Castlemaino will be received by Mr. Symms, at the ofiice of Messrs. Thomas Norton and Co.

Sawn timber is being supplied at Waipori at a pit a mile and a quarter from the diggings, at the following rates :— 8-inch boards, ls. per foot; 12-inch, ls. 3d. per foot.

TOWN BOARD. A meeting of the Town Board was held yesterday afternoon, Dr. Hulme in the Chair. The members present were Messrs. 11. Jenkinson, Wm. Shand.H. E.Hardy, M. Graham, J. Switzer, and John Cargill. Mr. Shand on the part of the Committee appointed at the last meeting to report on the best line of road to tbe cemetery, without encroaching on the Church of England cemetery, reported that in the opinion ofthe Committee the best line was immediately in front of Mr. Barr's house. It was resolved to adopt the report and to request the Superintendent to reserve the line indicated on the cemetery map. A letter from several residents in Regent's road was read requesting the Board to make some kind of approach to thoir houses. It was resolved to allow the matter to lie over. A letter from Mr. Thomas Culling was read informing the Board that he wished to level his section in Princes-street, and requesting them to cut away the street in front pf it, ottering at the same time to expend £35 in doing it himself, if the Board would refund it within six months. It was resolved "that in consequence of the partial benefit received owing to a part, instead of the whole length, ofthe cutting being widened, the Board will be willing to pay a sum not exceeding £10 towards the object." A letter from E. .Adam was read requesting the Board to remove a heap of earth in front of his shop, and it was resolved that the Board could not do so at present. A letter from certain settlers in Cumberland Street, requesting the Board to make that street was read, and it was unanimously resolved " that the Board could not undertake the work at j present." On the motion of Mr. Graham, it was resolved " that the clerk be instructed to communicate with the Government, requesting that a copy of the proposed Building Act be forwarded to the Board for tlieir consideration, as soon as the same is prepared." An application from Wallach Brothers, requesting leave to erect a verandah was read and it was resolved to inform them that a Building Act regulating such matters would shortly be introduced.

It was resolved to accept Mckenzie's tender for footpath in Maelaggan Street, for the sum of £70.

lt was resolved to accept Mr Muir's tender for the road to the manure depot for the sum of £64, provided that the work be completed within one mouth.

The clerk laid before the Board the following estimate of tho revenue, and the proposed expenditure during the current year. revenue. £. s. D. To asscstments received 2600 0 0 Rents of Municipal property ... 900 0 0 Balance 2535 0 0 G035 0 0 EXPENDITURE. By Dundas-strcet 145 0 0 George-street, from Dr. Purdie's to Union-street 140 0 0 Interest on Government loans ... 450 0 0 Salaries 530 0 0 Kemetalling Princcs-strcct, from Walker-street to cutting 828 0 0 Ditto ditto, southwards 100 0 0 Paving channel on Princes-street 200 0 0 Widening cutting 200 0 0 Rcmetalling George and Great King Street, from Octagon to Water of Leith Bridge 877 0 0 Metalling Albany-street from King-street to Jetty 480 0 0 Continuation of George-street, from Union-street, northwards (formation only) 250 0 0 * Manor-place and Lee-street ... 70 0 0 * Russell, Brown, and Duncanstreets 120 0 0 * Cargill-street 250 0 0 Tilleuil and Hanover streets... 80 0 0 * Great King-street, southeud... 60 0 0 * Union-street 80 0 0 Clearingnnd opening streets, not macadamised 500 0 0 Footpath in M'Laggan-street... 75 0 0 Eootpath in Rattray-street and Caimongate 100 0 0 Improving High aud Manse Streets 500 0 0 6035 0 0

* Streets marked thus arc calculated to cost onethird additional to be subscribed by settlers.

With regard to Manse and High streets, it was resolved that the Clerk be instructed to communicate with the owners of property to be immediately benefitted by the proposed improvements, as to what they will be willing to contribute in aid of that purpose. On the motion of Mr. Jenkinson, it was resolved that the sum of £100 be granted for the improvement of a portion of Maclaggan-street ; forming a road in Cannongatc-strcet and Duncanstreet, and that specifications be made out and tenders be called for at once.

On tho motion of Mr. Cargill, it was resolved, that the Chairman be rcquestsd to communicate with his Honor the Superintendent as to whether the Government consider the widening of the Cutting in Princes-street a Government work, or one to be undertaken by the Town Board, to report at next meeting of the Board. It was resolved that the Clerk be instructed to proceed at once to place a gutter in front of the curb of pavement lately laid in front of the stores of Messrs. Henderson, Dick, &c.

It was resolved to instruct the Clerk to order the police to make all occupiers of tents on street lines to remove them at once.

Mr. Hardy drew attention to the fact that the porch of the Provincial Hotel, and another building in Stafford-street, encroached about four teet oifthc street line. It was resolved that the Clerk be instructed to see that no encroachments be permitted on any of the street lines, and to warn any parties so encroaching to remove the same. On the motion of Mr. Graham it was resolved that the Government be requested to bring in a bill at the next session of the Council, to empower the Board to borrow the sum of £5000 on the security of the Municipal estate. A petition was read from certain settlers in Cargill-streut requesting the formation of that street, and it was resolved that the same rule as laid down with regard to Manse and High Streets be adhered to.

On the motion of Mr. Graham it was resolved to request the Government to insert a clause preventing the erection of tents within the town in the new Building Act. Tbe Clerk was instructed to draw the attention of the Inspector of Nuisances to the danger of having tents and other canvas buildings erected within the limits ofthe town.

It was resolved to request the Government either to erect a pump or to allow the board to erect one, on the road near the barracks. A letter from the Superintendent refusing to undertake a re-survey of the town, was read, and the Board adjourned.

An E>jemy ovv Portsmouth.—On Tuesday evening a party of the naval cadets from Her Majesty's ship Britaunia were bathing, as is their custom, on the beach between the harbour's mouth and the Haslar Hospital, when a peculiar object was observed upon the surface of the water, at no great distance from the bather.;, by some seamen and the waterman of a boat, which was coming into harbour under sail from the ships of war at Spithead. On drawing near the object it was discovered to be the dorsal fin of a huo-e shark, which, with his head towards the bathers was apparently engaged in watching their proceed-ino-s with great interest. Tlie close proximity of the boat however, appeared to disturb his cogitations, for the brute, with scarcely any perceptible effort, slifjercd off at o-reat speed into deep water. Shortly afterwards he was s.een cruising off the bathing machines at Southsea. Measures have been taken to effect his capture if possible.— Portsmouth Chronicle, Oct. 10th.