THE Otago Daily Times. "Inveniam viam out faciam."

Otago Daily Times, Issue 292, 26 November 1862, Page 4

THE Otago Daily Times. "Inveniam viam out faciam."

DUNEDIN, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26.

Despite every exertion made to repel the fearful enemy, despite the liberal help afforded by Englishmen in every part of the world, and despite tlie patient, long suffering endurance of the operatives themselves, the distress in the manufacturing districts of England continues to increase in a fearful ratio, outrunning with rapid strides the benevolent attempts which have been made to overtake it. It makes the heart sad to read the tales of misery which are every day brought to light; a sadness only relieved by the instances of . noble, large-hearted benevolence which the occasion has called forth. From all parts of Great Britain, from India, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and other colonies, contributions for the relief of the distressed operatives continue to pour in, cheering the hearts and relieving the necessities of the thousands who are at present dependant upon eleemosynary assistance for their bare subsistence. Large as these contributions have been, and larger still as the supplies from local taxation are, the destitution grows apace. Every day the crowded ranks of the sufferers are augmented by hundreds of poor creatures, and it is difficult to see how or when their march of misery will be stayed.

The hopes that have beeu held out as to tlie increased supplies of cotton from other parts of the world than America, have proved if not fallacious, at least overrated, and although it has been satisfactorily proved that large supplies may, in course of time be obtained from India and the colonies, yet years must elapse before any appreciable assistance can be had from these sources. As to America, the aspect of affairs becomes less and less favorable to the expectation of the cotton supply being resumed. If peace were declared between the combatants to-morrow, it would be a peace signed on the wreck of the resources of the country, and beibre they could recover and trade and industry flow into their accustomed channels, many years must elapse.

As to new fields being opened for the employment of the cotton operatives, every sphere of labour in England is already occupied, and even if it were not so, only a few out of the many thousands whose hands are now idle, could be absorbed into other em - ployments. Emigration may do much to alleviate the position, but even under the most favorable circumstances it w rould only furnish a partial relief. Clearly, then, the great mass of the operatives must, for some time to come at least, be dependent on the assistance of their fellow-countrymen. This brings us to the queston, whether the prosperous people of this Province have done all they ought towards the relief of their suffering brothers and sisters in England? When mail after mail conveys to England the intelligence ofthe rapidly increasing wealth and prosperity of Otago, when every newspaper sent home is filled with details of the discovery of additional sources of wealth, when private letters recount to friends in England cases of individual success, what will be thought of the generosity of the people who have only sent some £700 out of their abundance, to share amongst the famished thousands who crowd the streets in the manufacturing towns of England? Our readers must supply the answer themselves, and if they consider, as we think they will, that the gift is hardly commensurate with the ability ofthe donors, they will rouse themselves and do greater justice to their kindly instincts.

Our prosperous merchants, our successful tradesmen, and lucky speculators ;" 'our well paid, well fed servants, and fortunate gold diggers, in their various pursuits, are apt, in their contented condition to forget, that in the far off land, whose name of Home they still cherish; there are thousands of families only just removed from actual starvation. Let the happy inmates of happy homes in Otago remember, that in the crowded cities and towns of England there are thousands of homes, once as cheerful—once as happy as their own—-now desolate. Let the fathers and mothers of

healthy, merry children in Otago'think of the sunken cheeks,pallid faces and gaunt features of little ones, who are crying—and sometimes crying in vain—for that food which the heart and spirit-broken parents can no longer give them. Would the inhabitants of Otago wish to see a faithful picture of the misery they are called upon to relieve ? Here 'it is, by a mas-ter-hand, and painted without exaggerationIn its appeals to the sympathies of its readers, the Times says :—'

Take that poor fellow, one of a good iej r thousand. That man, a year ago, had reguhi work at a mill harel by. He had a wife and six or se »' e n children, and their united earnings were not far from 40s a week. He bad a nice house, and tidy furniture, and good clothes fur Sunday as weli as week-day. There was plenty of money for schooling, for books,' for newspapers, for toys, for excursions, aud holidays. Besides all this, there was a round sum at the savingsbank, and something in a building fund, a loan or two to friends, and not a penny due at the shop. Nov,' it is all nothing. There is nothing in the savingsbank, nothing in the club, nothing in the pocket, nothing in the house that could possibly be pawned or sold- There is nothing on the shelf, nothing in the stomach, and next to nothing on the back. The children are schoolless, supperless, shoeless, and almost sleepless, The father goes off to the •< Marsh" or the "Moor," does laboring work for a few hours, and receives at the end of the weak about a shilling or fifteenpencc a head for the fainvy. He is hungry, cold, weak, wearied, and helpless, being one of hundreds tf thousands in like evil case, all involved in one utter'exhaustion of means and paralysis of strength. It may be pertly said that this is only physical misery, the lot of nations, cf classes, of half the human race. But iv this ease a man with eyes may see the decay of the muscle, the 'irritation of the temper, tlie weakening of the mind, and the worm eating its way into the moral principle. This is too likely a moral wreck, as well as a ruined household. What we have described is Lancashire.

Yfe might well say to the people ot Otago "Look on that picture and on this." Let them compare their condition with what is set forth in the paragraph above, and let them show that the appeals made to their sympathies shall not have been made in vain, and that the very next mail to England shall carry a substantial proof that they are not so absorbed in their pursuit of wealth as to forget the necessities of their starving countrymen at home. There are some 40,000 people in Otago now, of whom perhaps 20,000 are able to contribute. Twenty thousand shillings, would be one thousand pounds ; and if we judge the hearts of Englishmen aright, the next mail ought to take tbis sum at least to the Lancashire Relief Fund. The Provincial Council, which meets to-day, might lend its aid, and follow the example of other Colonial Legislatures. Why should not a sum of £15,000 or £20,000 be put apart for the immigration of Lancashire families'? Some thousand people might be removed with it from the seat of their misery, and be converted into happy grateful colonists.

In the leading article in yesterday's issue, the word Federals, appeared in one passage, by mistake, for Confederates. The context, however, indicated the meaning.

Last night a public meeting of the Dunedin Total Abstinence Society, and its friends, was held in Dr Burns' Church. Dr Purdie, who occupied the chair, stated that the meeting w«is the first of a series for the purpose of explaining and making more generally known the practice and principles of Total Abstinence. He then introduced Mr. Jago, agent for the society, who spoke at length on the claims of Total Abstinence to be heard. In the course of his address he glanced afc the drunkenness in the old country, and its intensified forms litre, and drew from thence an argument for the necessity of Total Abstinence, He held that unlike all other articles of consumption, the demaud for which regulated the supply, the use of alcohol acted -on the reverse principle ; the supply created the demand, and consequently the large number of houses where spirits were sold, in proportion to the population, could not fail to be highly injurious. He concluded by calling on all to join their ranks, as they most certainly were on the Lord's side, and whoso was not with them was against them. Air Halliwcll thought it better to deal in facts than generalities and proceeded to state the effects of alcohol on the human frame. He held that a small quantity did as much harm mental [y and physically as a larger dose, in proof of whicli he instanced the case of a Dr Holyoake, an American, who died afc the advnaced age of 110 years. He had beeu a moderate drinker all his life, never taking anything further than a teaspoonful of brandy in a pint of cider after dinner, yet this small dose was so injurious that a brother M.D. who examined his-body after death, affirmed that but for it there was nothing to indicate that the deceased might not have lived for 110 years more. Mr Hislop followed with au account of his experience as a total abstainer. The chairman invited those present to step forward and enroll themselves,'but, notwithstanding the Rev D. M..Stewart's example, very few did so. A vote of thanks was given to the chairman and speakers, and Mr Stewart having pronounced the benediction, the meeting broke up.

«« The Carpenter of Rouen" was repeated at the Theatre Royal, last evening, to a moderately attended house. "Deaf as a Post" was the

farce.

At the Princess Theatre, last evening, "David Copperfield" was repeated. Mr George Fawcett's Micawber is an elaborately artistic performance, full of rich humour, and constantly recalling the illustrations to Dickens's work, by H. K. Browne. Mr Hall plays excellently as the offensively cringing and bullying villain, Uriah Heep ; and the piece is altogether a, very- enjoyable thing. It is to be repeated this evening. To-morrow Madame Carandini takes a benefit, when " The Lily of Killarney" will be produced, with the principal music from the new and successful Opera of that name. Madame Carandini is deservedly so general a favourite that it would be an insult to the patrons of the theatre to doubt that the house will be well filled.

A meeting of ratepayers of No. 2 Ward is annouHced to be held to-morrow evening aj Martin's Hotel, Stafford-street, for the purpose of selecting candidates for the representation of the Ward.

We publish elsewhere an able and most interesting report by Dr Hector, of a tour through the district to the west of the Molynenx, including the Cardrona, tho Kawarau, and the Wanaka and Wakatip Lakes. Ifc will be seen that he succeeded in lighting upon Pox's, party, -who are working on the Arrow River, on the north side of the Kawarau and about twelve miles from the Wakatip Lake. He lays great stress upon the danger of a scarcity of provisions in case a rush should take place, as the only provisions to be had have been obtained from Rees' station, 'where the supply is already exhausted.

A practice meeting of the Volunteer Fire Brigade is; called for this evening, .at. half-past seven.

At the sale of town lands at Oamaru on Saturday last, 48 sections were disposed of at an average price of £27 Is 6£d each. One section realised £250, and another £95,

The meeting of the committee to consider the manner in which justice is administered in the Supreme Court at Dunedin; takes place this evening at Moir's Hotel, Manse-street.

It will be seen by an advertisement which appears elsewhere, that in consequence of the inclemency of the weather, the sailing of the Omeo has been postponed until to-morrow, (Thursday,) at three p.m.

It wili be seen by our report of the proceedings of the Town Board, that the arrangements with the Dunedin Gas Company, for the lighting of 150 lamps, at a yearly charge of £17 10s per lamp, was deßnitely agreed to by the Board yesterday!

We notice that the labors of three assessors, at an expense of L 277 4s, have been required for the compilation of the ratepayers roll, and the assessment of the town. When this account was brought before the Town Board yesterday, Mr Cargill objected to. tho cost, and was of opinion the work coulel have been done for JASOh It was afterwards resolved that the assessors should furnish the Board with a more detailed account.

The session of the Provincial Council will commence to-day at twelve o'clock, noon. As already stated, the Council will meet in the schoolroom of Dr. Burns' Chnrch.

The sale of land at Palmerston, Waihemo (Shag Valley) is fixed for to-day.

The weekly meeting of the Dunedin Debating Club and- Mutual Improvement Society was held on Monday evening, in Gray's Assembly Rr.om, Rattray-street ; Mr Halliwell, vice-president, in the chair. Mr Vine introduced tbe subject for debate—" Which is the better form of government, monarchical or republican ? " his own opinion being in favor ofthe former. This opinion having been supported by two or three speakers, Mr Jago took the contrary side ; and upon the question being put, the majority of votes was against the monarchical form. At the next meeting, Mr M'Casscy will introduce the question," Ought capital punishment to bo abolished ? "

The special jurors in Luhning v M'Lachlan, need not attend at the Supreme Court this morning, for the case is settled. Mr Justice Gresson remarked yesterday to Mr Gillies, that he had received a letter from His Honor the Superintendent, stating that great inconvenience was likely to arise as the whole of the members of the Executive Council were summoned on the jury, and the Provincial Council was to meet afc noon to-day, The Judge asked, therefore, whether the ease was really to be tried, as he had heard a whisper of a settlement. Mr Gillies said that there had been proposals ; and on consulting with one of his clerks, a document was produced, which had just been agreed to in the Registrar's Office. On reading it, the judge said he was glad to see that his signature alone was necessary to a settlement ; and that he was thus enabled to inform the Superintendent that no member of the Executive would be required to attend the Court to-day. The dispute was as to the non-delivery of a case fancy goods, from Melbourne, the defendant being captain ofthe s.s. Omeo. Yesterday's sitting was occupied with the completion of the horse case, Morrison v JZhrenfried ; in which a verdict I for the defendant was returned. Moses v Cleve > and Others is the first cause in order for this morning.

There was a sharp storm of lightning and thunder, accompanied by very heavy rain and stmie hail, during yesterday afternoon. The first distinct peal of thunder was about one o'clock, and before half-past one the lightning was very vivid, in double and treble flashes, and frequently of a faint rose color. One particularly sharp flash, was almost instantly followed by a ringing report, something between that of a musket and a small field piece ; it beiag some seconeis subsequently that the thunder roll, caused by the flash broke upon the ear. A similar effect was produced upon the listeners in the Supreme Court, by the report mentioned. A score or more of them, rose, as if from a single impulse, and hurried out, completely stopping the summing up of Mr Justice Gresson. The fact was, that all imagined that a prisoner had escaped from the gaol, aud that one of tne warders had fired his musket to give the alarm; but the notion was dissipated by seeing the watching warder pacing easily with measured step along the platform. We have not heard of any damage being done by the storm.

At the meeting of the Separation Committee yesterday, it was determined to send copies of the petition to the Queen, prepared by the subcommittee, to the different members. An adjournment for a week was then decided upon, when the petition will betaken into consideration.

Inquiries made yesterday by Sub-Inspector Weldon failed fo elicit anything throwing light on the origin of the fire iv George-street, on Monday night. We mentioned yesterday that Mr Towers, of the Royal George, the lessor of tbe land, had bought the building from Mr Brunton; and we now hear that the non-insurance of the place by Brunton, according (as Mr Towers believed) to agreement, led to the purchase. Unfortunately, Mr Towers had not time to insure before the occurrence of the fire. The occupier of the stables was Robert Ostler. He states that after they had been locked for some time, two carriers came to him and asked . for the key, as they wanted to look after tlieir horses. Although he thought the request a strange one, he complied ; and in a very short time he was startled by the cries of fire. There is no proof or suggestion that these men caused the fire; indeed, as we have said, nothing reliable has been elicited on the matter. Mr Towers' loss will probably be £500 or £600.

The fears we expressed yesterday concerning the doubtful nature of the telegram from Jubal are confirmed It appears by a differently worded telegram in the Ag>. newspaper, that the tide of success had turned in favor of the Federals. The following is the Age version :—London, Ist October. A great battle has been fought at Maryland. Tlie Confederates were beaten— 20,000 killed and wounded. They have retired across the Potomac." The other telegram stated that the Confederates crossed the Potomac in good order, so that the repulse may not be so serious as the message just quoted would indicate The worst of these alternate successes is, that they serve to prolong the war. Had the Southern army bfeen victorious in Maryland, tlie Federals would certainly not have been reluctant to obtain peace. Whether this would have been based upon a reconstruction of the Union with Jefferson Davis as President, or upon the recognition of the Southern confederation, with perhaps a third Confederation of the border States, it is impossible to say. But after this Northern victory, everything seems again wrapped in obscurity,. ;