THE Otago Daily Times

Otago Daily Times, Issue 310, 17 December 1862, Page 4

THE Otago Daily Times

" Inveniam viam aut faciam."

DUNEDTN, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 17,

In the Provincial Council yesterday,

On the motion of Mr-Hardy, the House went into Committee to consider the correspondence in reference to the appointment of the Commissioner of Police as a Resident Magistrate, and a resolution w=.s come to. approving- of the cour.se taken by the Pro vincial Government, and exonerating Mr Branigan from any blame. On the motion of Mr Walkkh, the report of the Select Committee on Mr Reiily's ciaim was read by the Clerk. The report was to the eftect that the claim.-was not substantiated. «■

Mr Reynolds moved the House into Commiftte, on the I report oa Immigration aud the British agency. ' .

A lengthy discussion ensued, and the report was, with some 'amendments, adopted. The chief feature of the report was the recommendation of the appointment of a London agency. The.Marine Board BiU was further considered in Committee, and the third reading fixed for Friday. The-Dunedin Building Bill, and the Oamaru Town Board iiiil. were read a second time, and the third reading fixed for Friday.

The House adjourned shortly after 10 o'clock

The opening of the Bazaar and Industrial Exhibition, which took place yesterday, and of which.a detailed notice appears elsewhere in its proper place, is an event of some interest to the people of this City, and we may say of the Province and of the Colony. Of the Bazaar it is not necessary to say much. One fancy, bazaar is so much like another, and the objects for which bazaars are held are so generally similar in their character, that when we say that this one is got up for the worthy object of assisting in raising funds for church building, and that it has been carried out with spirit, energy, and taste, we have but little to add beyond our best wishes for it success—wishes which, seem in a fair way of being realised.

But although the Bazaar can thus be disposed of in a few lines, we feel constrained to say a few words specially about the Industrial Exhibition in connection with it. As is, we believe, known to the majority of our readers, the idea of an Exhibition was not broached until some time after the Bazaar had been decided on, and it Avas at first intended to make the Exhibition, merely, an addition to the attractions of the Bazaar. But when once the idea had been put forth it was eagerly taken up, and it soon became evident that what had been intended as merely, a small part of the Bazaar was likely to grow to dimensions never dreamt of by the first projectors. Instead of merely an exhibition of products of the Province, it was decided to make it as far as possible an exposition of the industry of the colony, and no efforts were spared by the gentlemen who undertook the management, to make the whole worth}' of the colony.. Unfortunately the time -was very short, but it was hoped that by energetic action much might yet be done. This impression was afterwards confirmed by the favorable manner in which the idea was received by the press in other Provinces. Letters were written to all who were thought likely to be able to forward contributions, and many promises were received. The Committee exerted themselves personally to gather together whatever might be in the least likely to enhance the interest of the exhibition, and the result of their efforts is now before the public. To say that it is a success as an industrial exhibition would hardly be correct, but at the same time it must.be admitted that a very interesting collection has been got together, and that it reflects the greatest credit upon the gentlemen to whose unwearied exertions it is due. The collection is, it is true, of a very-miscellaneous ; character, and hardly, hi strictness, to be called an Industrial Exhibition, and still less ah exposition of New Zealand products. The contributions expected from other provinces have in but few instances come to. hand. It is possible that some may yet arrive, but it is to be feared not in time for exhibition. Again while the Committee have in some quarters met the most active and hearty co-operation and assistance, their efforts have in other directions been very coolly regarded, and on the whole it cannot be said that they have received the assistance that they had a right to expect It had been supposed that anexhibition of kind fwould have beea eagerly welcomed by the growers

of wool, as affording an opportunity for the comparison of the growth of different districts, and of different breeds of sheep under the various conditions of climate and situation in different parts of New Zealand, but instead of this the flockowners have, as a body, shown^ the utmost possible apathy, and wool, which was expected to be a leading feature in the Exhibition, is hardly represented at all. This is greatly to be regretted, as the best results might have been anticipated from the opportunities of comparison to which we have referred.

Building materials again have been very scantily represented, some two or three samples of brick and stone being- all in this depajtment. The same remark applies to the samples of prepared flax, which are very few. The erection of a gold octohedron to represent the appearance that all the gold obtained in the Province would present if formed into one great crystal, was a happy thought, and a decided improvement upon the gold pyramid of "Victoria , and, although of course not rivalling that monster in size,, it makes a very respectable show, and suggests a great idea of the auriferous wealth of the country which in so short a time could turn out such a quantity of the precious metal, worth at a rough calculation above two millions of pounds.

We must refer to tlie report for a proper notice of the Exhibition as'well as of the Bazaar, but we cannot dismiss the subject without expressing a hope that the present necessarily imperfect exhibition may but be the fore-runner of another to really represent the resources of New Zealand, and the industry, wealth and intelligence of its inhabitants. Such an exhibition could not fail to be most interesting and instructive, and would, we are convinced, tend greatly lo the advancement of the colony. But if it is to be a success, it must not be got up hurriedly,—ample time should be allowed for competitors in the different Provinces to prepare articles for exhibition, the sanction of the Government of the colony should be obtained, prizes should be offered and judges appointed, and in fact the whole be carried out, although on a smaller scale, in the same manner as the luternational Exhibition of London. This evening Dr Hocken will deliver a Lecture on "Botany," at the Odd Fellows' Hall, in connexion with the Young Men's Christian Association. _. ■ ■ The next sitting of the Supreme Court will take place on the 15th January. A notice on the subject appears elsewhere. A special meeting of subscribers to the Otago Benevolent Institution is announced to be held at the Atheneum, ou Friday, at seven o'clock iv the evening, for the purpose of receiving the report of the Committee of Management. By a notice in the General Government Gazette of November 29, we learn that the Governor has assented to the Dunediu Municipal Loan Ordinance, 1862. In the General Government Gazette, of November 29, is published an Order in Council fixing a sitting of the Court of Appeal of New Zealand, to be held in Christchurch, on the 10th February, 1563. The usual weekly meeting of the Dunedin Debating Society was held on Monday evening, in Grey'sAssembh- Rooms, llattray-st., Mr Hallhvell in the chair. The following was the subject of the evening's debate :—" Ought the Governments of the North ani South Islands be independent of each other ?" Mr Cunningham, the opener, dwelt at some length on the negative side, adoptiug for his motto the proverb, « Unity is strength." Another member supported the same views. Messrs Ferris, Jago, and Clayton took the affirmative view, and pointed out the benefits which had accrued to the Australian colonies, as well as other countries, from local self-govern-ment, and compar.d the same with what they considered the natural effects of too centralised governments. Mr Greenlaw rose and said that the lateness of the evening would scarcely justily him in delaying the meeting to state his views. He considered that there were still turther arguments, stronger even .than what had been adduced, and he would move an adjournmeut till Monday evening next. Mr Stewart seconded the motion, which was unanimously carried. The debate was animated and well sustained. By a compositor's error in the advertisement, the Brighton Bathing Machines were stated to have been open to the public since the 7_-ymst-We have been requested to state thai* the I7fch was the day intended, and that they are ready for use, for the first time, to-day. The waut of convenience for bathing has long been matter of remark, and has especially surprised visitors from the Australian colonies who are accustomed to look upon bathing as a necessity and not a luxury of life. Hitherto the absolute want of any convenience for the purpose has deterred the majority from making any atunipt to enjoy the pleasure of a sea bath, few caring to undertake the trouble or to run the risk incidental to bathing in unknown waters, to say nothing of the dread of sharks. At Brighton, however, if we are not misinformed, every provision has been made for the security, comfort, and privacy of bathers of both sexes, and we doubt not that many, both ladies and gentlemen, will hasten to avail themselves of the advantages offered. We would direct the attention of our readers to a letter which appears iv another column from Mi*. Mansford, the Resident Magistrate- at Port Chalmers, in relation to the great bush fire at Sawyers' Bay. The case of those who have lost their all by this fire is undoubted ly a hard one, and we cordially approve the proposition that a public subscription ba raised for the purpose of affording them some measure of relief. It will be seen that Mr Mansford undertakes to collect subscriptions at Port Chalmers, and we shall be very happy, as suggested by him, to receive any contributions from residents in Dunedin towards the same praiseworthy object. On Monday night, after the performance at the Princess Theatre, the members of tlie Company assembled at the Provincial Hotel at a grand supper given to Mr S. Jones, the proprietor of the Theatre. About forty ladies and gentlemen were present. A splendid spread was prepared, and was done full justice to ; and after supper Mr George Fawcett, who was in the chair, presented Mr Jones, on behalf of the Company, with a photographic album containing portraits of all the members of the company. A variety of toasts followed, and a Very pleasant evening was spent. Last night the performances at the Theatre Royal opsned with a new piece, " Temptation, or the Fatal Brand." Though short, the play ha 3 many points of interest, and the manner in which it was put on the stage and performed, made it go off most successfully. A lively little comedy, " The Veteran's Legacy," followed, and Samuel Lover's farce " The Happy Man," concluded the performance. We were sorry to observe such a thin attendance, but this was doubt-less-owing to the increased attraction of a double company at the _?rincess f-

A special praetscv m«.e ing of the members 0 f the Fire Brigade is to be held this day at 3 p.m., to proceed to Caversham.

We notice that the Committee of the Dunedin Total Abstinence Society invite the friends of temperance throughout the Province to a conference to be held in Dr Burus's church, on the evening of Christmas Day.

A notice of some importance to settlers appears elsewhere. It is from the Chief Commissioner of Waste Lands, and announces that all persons requiring depasturing licenses for the ensuing year should make application to the Waste Laud Board, on or before Ist January, 1863.

We observe that the Provincial Government are advertising for competitive designs for a Gaol an Hospital, and a Benevolent Asylum ; the plans of sites to be seen at the" office of the Provincial Engineer, Dunedin ; and the designs to be sent iv by March 2nd, 1862.

We observe that the lease of the well-known Union Hotel, Staffbrd-sreet, is this day to be sold by auction, by Messrs E. De Carle and Co

The Princess' Theatre was very well filled last night, when a double company as it may be termed, made their appearance iv the fine play of « Money." Altogether it was well put ou the stage, and Mr and Mrs Holt, with other leading characters, deservedly received a due share of applause. It was intended to produce " The Alpine Maid" as an afterpiece, but owing to the continued illness of Miss Emma Neville the management were obliged to substitute the farce of " Stage Struck." Intimation of the change and its cause was made at the end of the first piece and the audience not only cheerfully assented' but were as well pleased with " Stage Struck"' as if it had been duly rehearsed.

By an order in Council published in the Gazette of 29th May rules are established for the proceedure and practice of Wardens' Courts in the Province of Otago.

The following appointments are notified in the General Government Gazette :—Mrs Oliver to be postmistress at East Taieri ; John Simpson to be postmaster at Waihola ; James Scott to be postmaster at Waimera ; and Robert Andrew Greenslade to be postmaster at Dunstan.

In the New Zealand Gazette of November 29 appears a proclamation for the naturalization of Carlos C. C. Cole, of Dunedin, Otago.

A notice appears elsewhere signed by the Registrar of the Supreme Court, requesting common jurors who were in attendance more than fourteen days to send in their names with a statement of the number of days they attended, the Provincial Government having placed at the disposal of the Court a sum of money for the purpose of compensating jurors.

We understand that Mr liislop has intimated to the Chairman of the Education Board his intention to resign the offices of Secretary to the Bard and Inspector of Schools, on the ground that the salary voted to him is not at all commensurate with the importance, responsibility and difficulties of the duties devolved upon him as head of the Education Department; and is not in proportion to what is paid to all the other heads of departments; and that, consequently, a feeling of respect for himself and for the cause of education compels him to adopt this course. It appears he has twice applied to the Executive for an increase of his present salary, but that on both occasions his request was refused.

A case of considerable importance to shipowners and captains was brought before the Kcsident Magistrate's Court yesterday. The master of a schooner was fined in the almost nominal sum of 20s and costs for not having a suitable light displayed while his vessel was lying in mid channel, between Dunedin and Port Chalmers. The offence was not denied, but justified on the ground of common practice. To this Mr Diekia replied that such was the case, but it was now the intention of the authorities to put an end to it, and defendant was brought up more for example than anything else. His Worship pointed out the serious nature of the offence, and in the circumstances merely imposed a fine of 20s, but gave warning that in any future case he would inflict the full amount of 10s and costs.

The following are proclaimed as public Gaols in the Province of Otago :—The Government Hulk in the Port of Dunedin ; Cell No 2 in the Watchhouse at Tokomairiro ; Coll No 2, in the Watchhouse at the Dunstan ; Cell No 2 in the Lock-up at Port Chalmers,