OTAGO.

Southland Times, Volume 2, Issue 95, 30 September 1863, Page 2

OTAGO.

CFKO3I OUR OWtf COBRESPONDENT.) Dunedin, Saturday, 26th. Sept. Some wonder has been felt that during the last week there has been no change of ministry. By-the-bye I think there has been one tarn out, but these changes have happened so frequently of late that the surprise is that there have been no more. We are now in the seventh week of the session, and not an iota of business, of any consequence, has been transacted. The estimates are on the board, and the salaries of subs, being voted. When the treasurer rises to move that the Secretary, or some other functionary to the red tape office do receive a certain annual " screw," some member lises to propose an advance or a reduction, as the case may be,— not that he knows or c&res about the merits of the particular officer in question, or understands in the most minute degree what Ins duties are ; but merely, in the true spirit of opposition, to show that he is a free and independent member and has a right to " object." So we go on from night to night, the Council liberally making itself a laughing stock for the public to indulge its merriment upon. Sim c the Council has been stting, the theatre has been but very thinly attended, and this is accounted for. upon the explanation that the people prefer farce and comedy to any thing in the legitimate drama line, and it is pronounced on all sides that the most absurd farces and the most comic acting nightly go on in the Provincial Council. lam quite sure that if the Speaker was to demand a good round entrance fee before the public were permitted to hear the debates, it would willingly be conceded. Tiie escort arrived here on Thursday afternoon, bringing down eighteen thousand and odd ounces of gold, at which we all feel much pleased, and nxe buoyed up beyond measure at such a satisfactory increase. The next return, it is said, will show something like double the quantity. At the Dunstan a rush has set in on the Flat, but no great finds have been made at present. Four prospecting parties have been sent out in as many directions to look for new payable ground. — with what success has yet to be seen. Three hundred drays were counted in the c lrly part of the week wending their way Dunstan ward. Provisions there have run short, and large supplies are immediately wanted. The Hogburn does not progress quite so favorably as was tlie case two or three weeks back. The escort hence only brought down 2,000 and odd ounces of gold for the fortnight. It is said that large quantities remain in the hands of the diggers, but tnjs you know, is the old story, and not greatly to be relied on. What next 9 Why we are actually to have the celebrated All England Eleven among us — a fact, I assure yon. Marshall, who is the importer of the team, wrote, in reply to the secretary of our Local Cricket Club, stating that his men would play us a match providing the Committee were prepared to pay him L 2,000 down, and the passage-money for the lot here and back, besides the run of their teeth while in Dunedin. This arrangement the Committee did not think themselves in a position to comply with, when in steps Mr Shadrach Jones, the enterprising landlord of the Provincial Hotel, and offers to take all the responsibility of the undertaking on himself, providing the Dunedinites came forward liberally with their subscriptions to subsidise the venture. This will be done without doubt. Everybody has promised something, and not a few will contribute very handsome amounts. The Provincial Council is to vote a sum to put the Cricket Ground in good playing order, and the affair at present looks all couleur de rose. What think you of our Prince of hotelkeepers ? L 2,000 for one day's sport, besides, in round numbers, another thousand for the day's expenses. Now then, we shall have a chance of being introduced to you people of Southland, for of course, you will all come to the treat. Perhaps, likewise, you can send us a player or two. He or they shall be warmty welcomed. Canterbury will send their representatives, and all the other Provinces ditto ditto. We reckon upon seeing good sport. Who mows what's to happen. Supposing we were to lick the redoubtables. There's no knowing. The captain and mate of the Pride of the Yarra, tried upon a charge of manslaughter f orrunning into the Favorite steamer, whereby so many valuable lives were lost, have been acquitted, the verdict meeting with general public approval. Next we^k Mr Grant stands his trial fora malicious libel on Mr "Yogel, Editor of the Daily Times. It is generally thought he will be acquitted.