THE Otago Daily Times. "Inveniam viam out faciam." DUNEDIN, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 27.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 293, 27 November 1862, Page 4

THE Otago Daily Times. "Inveniam viam out faciam." DUNEDIN, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 27.

Science as well a3 war has its exploits, and we think we are fairly entitled to class amongst these Dr. Hector's late dashing trip. If, instead of the quiet pursuit of knowledge, the explorer had been a staff officer entrusted with the carriage of despatches his rapid passage through untracked country would have been made the subject of a special order. But the followers of science have to be contented with a milder meed of praise, and, perhaps, Dr. Hector may think himself well repaid for his pains in the knowledge that he has been the first to authoritatively confirm the vague rumors of the astounding richness and extent of the Dunstaii field. Yet this was but incidental to hisjournej', the real object of which was to observe the configuration of the ranges towards the West Coast, with a view to aid in the exploring expedition about to be started in that direction.

Between Dr. Hector's departure from Dunedin and his return little more than three weeks elapsed. Keeping the purpose of his journey in view, he first proceeded towards the West Coast, passing through the Dunstan, and making interesting notes in the -course of his progress. Some thirty-five miles distance in a straight direction, from the West Coast, he climbed a mountain 7500 feet high, and from its summit could discern the sea sky in the, distant horizon. Having obtained a fair view of the general structure of the mountain ranges, and after having unsuccessfully endeavored to follow up a wide valley leading from the Waaaka Lake, Dr. Hector was attracted to the Valley of Cardrona, by reports which he heard of mining operations being carried on there. He

was one of the bystanders whom Grogan described as looking on whilst himself and mates were scrambling in the black loamy soil, for the solid pieces of gold they were fortunate enough to procure. Having satisfied himself that this deposit was of a limited nature, Dr. Hector amused himself by finding out Fox and party about whom everyone was enquiring. He soon came upon the track, and unearthed the lucky explorers. Crossing an arm of the Wakatip Lake he then made the Mataura, and proceeded to town- by way of the Molyneux Ferry. The testimony which Dr. Hector pays to the richness of the Dunstan will be accepted as a satisfactory confirmation of the previously generally entertained opinion. The productiveness of the banks ol the Clutha and of its tributary rivers was fully demonstrated during the few weeks that the river was sufficiently low to admit of their /being worked. Since' then the great bulk of the gold has come from outlying gullies, and these Dr. Hector coaBiders scattered about in great quantity. Our authority says:—

I have much satisfaction ia being able to state tbat the discovery of gold deposits in new localities ia progressing as the summer season advances, with greater rapidity than the most sanguine anticipations could have expected.

The quick succession of rich discoveries which has already rewarded the activity on the part of the miners, leaves no doubt on my mind of the great extent and richness of the Otago gold fields, and further that they will prove quite as permanent in proportion to their area, as gold-fields elsewhere have done.

We must refer to the report itself for the suggestive explanations as to the mode of occurrence of the gold. Dr. Hector believes that a good many gullies are being worked like that of Fox's — quietly and privately. Pack-horses go out in all directions from the township laden with provisions, and the owners are not inclined to be communicative concerning their destination. Owing to the gold-field being improclaimed beyond a narrow stripe, one mile in width bordering the river, prospectors know that their extended claims are not legally tenable. They, prefer, therefore, to work quietly, rather than by making the facts public, drawing attention

tq ; the- spot. An instance of this is supplied by the history of the discovery of the gully with which Mr. Fox's name is associated, but which it appears was really first discovered by Mr. M'Gregor, late of the Taieri Ferry; Mrs. M'Gregor has placed at our disposal the following substance of letters received from her husband from time to time. We give the document as ifc has been forwarded to us : —

Dated Wakatip Lake, Bth October, he says, that' after prospecting on Mr Rees's run for three days with Mr Stewart;, Mr Lowa, and the two Messrs Christie, he struck go d payable gold on tlie Arrow River, washing out the first day 13 ozs ; bufcasMrßees had only 10 bags of flour on' the station he did not wish it maJe public for a few weeks until he had made provision for the emergency. Id the next letter, dated 25th of same month, Mr M'Gregor mentions the discovery of hte party by three miners, a few days after they had set in ; and after their mites and friends were laid on, they numbered about 25 in the gulley. Mr M'Gregor's party took 243 ozs out the first two weeks., of the best sample of gold he has seen in the Province—nuggets of an oz and 15 and 17 dwts.being quite common. From Mr M'Gregor's previous knowledge of the country he started from the Matmherikia, taking pack horses and provisions to la«t until they reached Mr Rees's station, in the firm, belief that they would finl a payable field near the source of the Kawarau. They found payable ground over twenty miles of country, but frightfully rough, and almost impossible to get provisions to some parts of it.

Tub Superintendent's opening address to the Provincial Council was about as satisfactory as such productions generally are. Abounding in platitudes, debateable points are skilfully avoided; and seeing that the highest merit of an opening address is the not leaving a peg whereon to hang a vote of disapproval, the one before us claims a considerable amount of merit, for the most captious could scarcely find in it any points of controversy. The reference to the general prosperity that pervades the community, and to the assured- resources of the gold fields, were most gratifying. Passing over remarks of a general nature, and a mysterious hint in reference to guarantees we come to the proposal for making the roads self-supporting, we presume, although it is not stated, by means of toll bars, coupled with the suggestion of endowing with supplementary grants District Road Boards. The next paragraph has altogether baffled us. We confess, after a prolonged study, to not being able to comprehend it. It would seem to point to a suggested reduction in both the number and pay of the Civil Service. But, viewing the increasing business, we cannot suppose that the first is comtenplated; and in regard to the second, unless the Government desire to test upon human beings that interesting equine experiment of bringing a horse down to a straw a day, we cannot see how they can propose to lower salaries already sadly disproportionate to the positions of those who receive them. We fancy the feeling of the Council will be in favour of increasing rather than decreasing the salaries of the public service officers.

After congratulations on the subject of female immigration, and promises of communications concerning proposed telegraph and light house arrangements, the speech goes on to state that a West Coast exploration, expedition only awaits the sanction of the Council. The letter from Taranaki which is next mentioned opens up a question of melancholy interest. It is not to be doubted but that the Council will gladly proffer an hospitable reception to the poor sufferers by the Maori disturbances. The paragraph about the criminal element that finds its way from Australia and Tasmania, truly enough details a serious grievance. We are aware that pardons have been granted in neighbouring colonies to criminals, on condition of their leaving for another place, and several of the3e have come to Otago. But what is to be done ? The Superintendent proposes to re-enact the Criminals' Ordinance, but we confess to seeing little efficacy in it, as no Magistrate, without express instructions, would adjudicate under it. An energetic remonstrance on the part of the Governor, might in the meanwhile be useful, pending the matter being submitted home. It is very certain that colonies should not be allowed to do that which with independent kingdoms would he deemed a cause for war. Fancy England sending over its convicts to Louis Napoleon's dominions !

The proposal for a memorial in honor of the late Captain Cargill will bs received with pleasure. The promised suggestions concerning amended land regulations will be awaited with interest, as also the proposal for a loan for public works. The assurance that the Superintendent will concur in the dissolution of the Council at the end of the present session is satisfactoiy. It only remains to be said that there are some subjects which might with propriety have been alluded to. Such, for instance, as the Panama Mail Service, an increase of the number of Representatives, and the establishment of an English agency.

Messrs Cole, Hoyt and Co., announce their intention of dispatching, a coach for the Dunstan Diggings on Saturday.1 They expect to accomplish the journey in three days.

The Canterbury papers say that the shearing season in that Province is backward, as compared with the same season last year.

An accident occurred on board H.M.S. Harrier, in Lyfcteltou Harbor, on Monday week, by which two seamen ."were injured, and one very seriously. The following is the account from the Lyttelton Times:-—"lt seems that it had been originally intended to fire aground of shell from the gun ; but that the order was countermanded after the shell was in the gun. To withdraw the charge, the gun being a breech-loader, one of the gunners proceeded to ram the shell back through the rifled tube. As the shell is constructed to explode when a certain amount of concussion is applied, it was necessary when ramming it back to be cautious not to use too much force. Unfortunately, in this instance the fuse ignited, and the men who were standing near the breech, prepared to receive the returned shell, not having stepped back far enough, were both injured, in the face by the explosion. It is feared that one of them may have his sight permanently injured.

Notice is given in our advertising columns that section No. 6 of the Government reserve in Albany street will be let by auction for one year from the date of sale, at the -Land office, on Tuesday, the 2nd December. ,

Ameeting of the ratepayers of Soutfi Ward is convened for to-morrow evening, at Walkerstreet church, for the purpose of selecting candidates to represent the ward iv the new Towa Board. We are given to understand that the reason the fish stalls were not remove! yesterday t j the site for the new fish market, was on account of the ground being required to be re-pegged. The occupiers of the present fish stalls have been ordered to move to-day. According to the Annual report of Mr Wm. Logic, Chief Inspector of Sheep for Otago, there are about 772,500 sheep in this Province, of which some 183,000 have been imported and introduced into Otago, since November 1801. By the return it appears that the sheep runs oc?upy 5,244,230 acres, and that there are about 34,000 diseased sheep in the Province. On this subject Mr Logic nukes a serious charge against the flockmasters. Ha says:—"l am sorry to see such a large number of diseased sheep in the list, and must say that some of the settlers are very much to blame in the matter. Several of the runhold2rs have baen in the habit of taking sheep to the diggings, and when found unsaleable there, they h;>ve driven them back to their stations, and turned thatn on their runs without; dressing, thereby diseasing their own flocks and likewise their neighbours.' But, as soon as the shearing is over, it is my intention to take stringent measures to have the disease eradicated. 5'

The following appointments are notified in the Provincial Government Gazette -.— William Buchanan, Esq' to be Assistant Gold Receiver at theDunatan; John Mickay, Esq., to bs Gold Receiver and Mining Registrar at Tuapeka; A. Q. Heuriques, Esq. Assistant Receiver at Waipori transferred to Tuapeka; John Nugent Wood, Esq.,,to be a Warden and Judge of the Wardens Court, under the Gold Melds' Act.

We have to acknowledge the receipt of £2 2s from Dr. Buchanan, in aid of the Lancashire Relief Fund. We trust surely some efforts will be made to re-organise the Committee, aud make collections worthy of the Proviuce.

We have to acknowledge receipt of L 2, from Dr. Buchanan (second donation), for the Lancashire Kelief Fund ; also 15s from Mr Savery, for the Hughes Fund.

The resignation of Captain Baldwin, as a Gold Fields Warden, has been accepted by his Honor the Superintendeut.

We notice that applications are invited to fill the office of clerk to the Dunedin District School Committee, at a salary of L2OO per annum. Written applications must be sent ia before the 10th December, to the School Committee, Educational Board, Dunedin.

We notice that two meetings of the electors of the second ward are to be held this evening, " for the purpose of proposing three fit and proper persons to stand as candidates for the Town Board." The first meeting is to be held in Moir's Hotel, at 7 and the other in Martin's Hotel at 8 o'clock. The inauguration of the Port Chalmers Marine Lodge, takes place to-night. A grand banquet will be provided for the occasion.

Last night "David Copperfield," and "The Waterman" were repeated to a good house at the Princess' Theatre, Both pieces went oiF well, and but for other arrangements, would probably have drawn good houses for a few nights more. This evening Midame Cirandini takes her benefit. " The Lily of Killavney," an operatic adaptation of the " Colleen Bawn," is to be the first piece; and the programme possessesotherattractions that, with the popularity of the fair benejiciare, ought to ensure a large attendance.

It will be remembered that the discoverers of gold at Cardrona Creek were in search of a " Fox and party," who were supposed to be " making a pile" somewherejn that neighborhood; and that Dr Hector, in the report which we published, yesterday, describes the circumstances under •..which he discovered Fox at work. Fox arrived •in town yesterday. We are told that he brought down over 500 ozs of gold, as the result of three weeks'work of himself and mate; and that he states he never thought of applying for a prospecting claim, but would have begn perfectly content had ho remained undiscovered for another week or two.

The rain winch has fallen during the past few days has had the effect of greatly stimulating the growth of all kinds of green crops. The meadows and pastures are clothed with an abundance of rich grass, and the growth of every description of garden produce has been something astonishing. The potatoes particularly, show remarkably well, and in fact vegetables of all kinds ought soon to be plentiful.

" Susan Hopley, or the Vicissitudes of a Servant Girl," a favorite London melo-drama, teas produced last night at the Theatre Royal, along with " The Carpenter of Rouen." For some reason the attendance was not so good as could be desired, but there is the consolation, that whatever the cause might be, it was not the acting. Most people are quite familiar with the plot of the drama, so it will be sufficient to say that the cast was in every respect excellent. The acting particularly of Mrs Clarance Holt (as Snsan Hopley), Mr Ryan (as Graveston), Mr Wolfe and Mr Dale (as William, and Dicky Dean), was life-like and natural, and they were ably supported by the other members of the company. To-morrow evening, Miss Aifa Hart takes a benefit There is no member .of the company who seems more generally a favorite, or who .better deserves to be one, for she dances charmingly, and plays well whatever she undertakes. " Civilisation" is to be produced, with other things, making a good bill of fare, and we expect to see a full bouse.

The annual return from the Survey Department is published in the Provincial Government Gazette, by which it appears that 397 square miles have been triangulated, 134,765 acres have been . surveyed and marked into rural sections, 2,644 town quarter-acre sections have been laid off, and 41 lineal miles of road survey executed. Besides the above surveys, geographical data have been observed in various parts of the interior, which will serve as starting points for reconnaissance and following surveys ; also 1446 square miles of Reconnaissance Survey have been effected, extending over the Upper Clutha Valleys. Mr Thomson says of the West Coast:—" The West Coast still remains a terra incognita to this department; and though I have reason to suppose that there is not much country available for pasture, nor much for agriculture, yet from the reports of fine timber, coal, and copper that have reached us, it would be well to have the mysteries of the locality cleared up, and its resources made known. If a steam coal could.be procured, and there is said to be abundance of scams, the sea-borne trade of this part of New Zealand, -whether coasting or over sea, would be most beneficially affected. Possibly Dr Hector might find it convenient to accompany au expedition "

We find that a mistake appeared in our report of the meeting of tho Temperance Society, in yesterday's issue. Mr Halliwell was erroneously mentioned as one of the speakers, instead of Mr Holloway.

The Supreme Court was occupied yesterday from ten o'clock to half-past six p.m., in hearing a single case, Moses v. Cleve and Others. The details were not of the most enlivening character, and much time was lost by his Honor listening to objections made by the litigants' counsel. Piaiutiff" in Jannary last bought 200-bags of oats from defendants, aud after having them in his store at the Waihola, it was found that they were deficient in the alleged stipulated weight, and inferior in quality to the alleged sample. On this acouut plaintiff claimed Ll3 10s for deficiency in weight, and L2O for inferiority in quality. The jury found a verdict for the plaintiff, damages Lfi 15s. The first case in orvler to-day is Pollykett and Another v. GUM and Another. If time permits, that of Walker v. Daly will also be heard.

The following particulars in connection with the Harbor improvements are from the report of the Provincial Eagiuuer :— The area extends from a point opposite Walker-street to a point 500 feet north of Stuart-itreet, extending 2,000 feet from high water-mark into the Harbor, and comprising 137 acres—of this area 37| acres are appropriated to thrje dooks.containing respectively IG£ acres, 12J acres, and 8 acres. In planning the extension it was resolved not to sacrifice any works which ha.l beon already performed. Jetty street and Stuart-street piers have therefore been made available, as landing and discharging points in the centre of the docks; and Rittray-street pier being composed of solid earthwork, is intended to form one side of No. 2 Dock. There are about 5| miles of streets, sixty-six feet in width, of ' which nearly two miles have a frontage to the docks. The streets ococcupy an area of nearly 40 \cres. An estimate of the cost of the works included within the area of 137 acres has been prepared. In order not to understate, the embankment necessary to form the streets 4 is assumed at an average height of 14 feet, or 3 fe^t 6 inches above high water-mark. The solid contents of a bank v feet high, with a top width of 66 feet, and sideslopes 2 to l, are 146 cubic yards, which at 2s 6.1 per cubic yard equals LlB 5s per lineal yard of bank. The embankment will require, say 17 square yards of 15 inch stone pitching at 10s per square yard, or L 8 10s per lineal yard of bank. The two items make a total of L 26 15s for every lineal yard of street throughout the reclamation. It has been before observed that there are 5$ miles of street, or 10,057 liasal yards, which multiplied by L 26 15s gives L 239,827. Metalling 5| miles of streets and culverts will cost say 1.55,478. Three swing bridges, and three sets of lock gates at Llo,ooo each, equal L 30,000, or a total of L 355.305.