The Southland Times. TUESDAY, SEPT. 20, 1864.

Southland Times, Volume I, Issue 48, 20 September 1864, Page 2

The Southland Times. TUESDAY, SEPT. 20, 1864.

• ■ •"■"- ' .- *' Now that the electors of the Province appear in some measure to have awoke from their slumber of indifference; and set themselves to the consideration of the duty which "they will soon be called on to perform, it is interesting to mark those points which seem more particularly to have arrested their attention. Those who have been present at the meetings of the Elections Committee, or have listened to any of the many discussions hourly taking place relative to the respective merits of the various gentlemen mentioned as fit and proper persons to occupy seats in the Provincial Council, must have observed that there is a strong tendency to make the manner in which the candidate would be likely to vote on the question of the Superintendency the test of his eligibility. "Whilst we should be sorry to see the present Superintendent again elected to the office, and should be very apt to reject the candidate who pledged himself to endeavor to secure his return, we are averse to allowing anyone the honor of a seat, upon tlie mere grounds that his views on that point are sound. And yet it seems probable that in many instances votes will be given to a candidate if only he be a follower of Dr. Menzies, or not, as the case may be. To make this the only warcry, without staying to consider what the personal qualifications of the aspirant to legislative honors may be, is the very height of absurdity. Almost equally bad will it be to allow a candidate to rest his chance of success on a too general statement of opinion on matters provincial. There are several points on which each should be closely questioned, and rejected if satisfactory answers are notreturned. In the first place, there is the " Education Ordinance " at present in force, anil doing an incalculable amount of harm, which may be set against the smallest possible modicum of good ; an absurd and unjust law, which fails, after all, to accomplish the object proposed, and which nevertheless finds favor in the eyes of some. Next there is the " Eoads' Ordinance," which, however just in theory, requires important modifications in order to adapt it to the wants of the Province. Each candidate should be compelled to pass a searching examination as to his views on both these laws, which are at the present time inflicting substantial injury on Southland, by retarding settlement — by keeping some from establishing themselves amongst us, and by making it a question with others whether it would not be better for them to seek other spots where the legislature has not placed such heavy burdens on the shoulders of the colonist. These are no cases of fictitious wrongs ; they cannot be placed to the score of the ordinary grumbling which is said to be the birthright of Englishmen. They are cases of real wrong and hardship, inflicted on men who have expended perhaps their all in making themselves a home, only to find at last that the paternal government under which it. is their high privilege to be citizens, has so deep a regard for the welfare of the people, that it is prepared to ruin them, if only it can give their children the rudiments of education, or cause the roads of the Province to be improved in the smallest degree. Let those who wish for seats in the Council state what their knowledge of the working of these two ordinances is, and whether they think it possible to effect a change for the better in the future. Nor must they be let off with that admission. Let them show how that change is to be effected, and pledge themselves to exertion in the matter. We do not think that any man is entitled to the confidence of the electors who has not these subjects "at his fingers' ends," and who is not prepared to go in for sweeping changes. On such points as those to which we have above alluded the Council has great power ; but there are others which will necessarily be brought under its notice, and on which it will have to express opinions, although the ultimate - course taken must in a great measure rest with the General Government. It is quite impossible that things can be permitted to go on much longer in Southland as they have been for the last few months. We should rather say " standstill," for really the whole system of Government appears to be dragging out a miserable existence. Dependent at one moment on the, forbearance of creditors, and the next on the generosity of the authorities in Auckland, Southland has been, and still is, held up to. ridicule throughout New Zealand ; and in" some ' quarters it has been gravely suggested that the extent of her misdeeds has been bo great that the time is come. when the people should Be deprived of all power, and be ruled by- a commission appointed by the Governor. We are 'not going in this place to discuss the legality or even the ; advisability of such a' step, but the very feet that it has been talked ,of, as suitable and fight under "the" 'circumstances, is enough to , show hoyrlow the Province has sunk. The Council will hkve to take .all -this • mto .cpiisideratiort, and- ; although ' 'theJr^j^al^y&xincaKoii' of Southland from its difficultieM must rest witbf ihe A&teaihty, ft4iiM>&lfoo duty of

tlxe Council to consider the situation mall its bearings, and also devise soine scheme which, may stand the inspection to which 'it will be 'subjected by the G-overhment. "We can scarcely imagine, a moment ofgreater importance to Southland," or one in whichitismoro essential that nonebut good men should be sent intp,the,Coiin- ? ciiY No man, in our opinion, has aright to: a ■ .seat . in .the House ydio ... has , .not a, : thorough knowledge of the state the Province is in, and who is not qualified, .we will not say to initiate a scheme of finance, but at least toaid by hiß^councila those who "have the brains to devise- such a scheme. It is a mighty, pleasant and easy; method of getting rid of the difficulty to talk of the vast resources of Southland as certain to carry her in safety, through the ,., crisis ; . to hint that, for the sake of the credit* of the Colony, the Greneral Government must come to the rescue ; to sit with folded arms, and await with serene .composure the inevitable result ; but no Government will be willing to assist us without receiving an adequate ~ security — without making us pay for the assistance. The less we do for ourselves, the greater, the sacrifices we shall be called upon "to pay for the services of others. The more we expect from the General Government, the harder the terms upon which help will be allowed us ; and if, when the Provincial Council meets, it shall become apparent that there is a lack of common sense and prudence amongst the members comprising it, it is not beyond the bounds of probability that, by the appointment of a commission, or by some other method, the General Government will take from us the power which we have proved ourselves unable to exercise for the benefit of the Province.

The tender of Mr. G*. Robertson, for the supply of bread to the Hospital, for ths three months from this date to 20th December, has been accepted. Our Bluff correspondent (it will be seen from his letter elsewhere) adheres to the statement made in his former letter, and we have received corroborative testimony, but prefer to wait the event of the inquiry wh icb is being made. A facetious li&atic of our acquaintance, alluding to the rivalry between the two agents, says that ho is of opinion that the Waddell of the Times would always beat the Gallop of the Daily News. 1 The " hangers on " at the Resident Magistrate's Court got a sharp rebuke administered to them yesterday, for presuming to evince, as the legal gentleman who complained of it said, " a most indecent ebullition of feeling " during the examin ation of a witness. Ou the Magistrate requesting the eye of the constable in attendance to watch that the proper decorum be maintained, the Court suddenly become still as the grave, "or eren Peebles," as a Scotch wit remarked, on endeavoring to convey to the mind of liis friend an adequate idea of the silence he wished to express ! If people shoidd have the curiosity to attend day after day, and month after month, to witness the proceedings of the Court, the least Ihey can do is to conduct themselves in a proper manner. It would be a capital subject for the philosopher to investigate the motives which can possibly induce such a number of men to spend so much of their time in our Court-house. They appear to be for the most part healthy and ablebodied, ancl one would imagine, from observing the same faces for months together, always in their accustomed places behind the railing, that they coidd afford the time. If, on the other hand, they are men out of> "employment, they certainly do not, in thus idling their time away so uselessly, evince much of a desire to change' their position. It may just possibly be, however, that there are a few o't the Micawber class amongst thorn, and that they are " waiting for something to turn up !" The Otago Daily Times, of 17th instant, reports that during the month of August last the immigration to Dunedin, from places beyond the colony, was — 129 males, 36 females, 18 boys, and 12 girls ; and from places within the colony, 407 males, 52 females, 17 boys, and 9 girls. During the same period the emigration was — To places beyond the colony, 506 males, 50 females, 23 boys, and 20 ; and to provinces within the colony, 619 males, 324 females, 8 boys, and 6 girls. We observe from the Argus that a new weekly paper is to make its appearance in Melbourne on lst October. It is to be named " The Australasian," and with it will be incorporated the Weekly Argus, the Yeoman, and the Examiner. As a singular illustration of despatch cai the part of the Post Office authorities of Soutliland, we have to state that a firm in luvercargiU received on Saturday last a copy of the first issue of the Riverton Times, published on 25th January last ! What "renders the affair more absurd is that the paper came from the publishing office of that journal, ancl inside was a request that the firm alluded to would become subscribers! The Riverton Times has been defunct somewhere about six months. We understand the arrangements for the public festivities on the occasion of the opening of the Northern line as far as the Makarewa, on the 3rd proximo, are not yet finally concluded; but it is most probable that they will take form of a trip on the line, the company returning to a dejeuner in the station buildings. Accommodation will be provided for about 200, and when at the other end of the line, we believe the purveyor will be enabled to satisfy the cravings of the "inner man " of all who may be so inclined. Other arrangements are being mooted, but as there is nothing definitely fixed, we refrain for the present to give currency to them. The last of the course of free lectures, under the auspices of the Winter Evening Lecture Movement, will be delivered tliis evening in the Mechanic's Institute, by J. S. Johnstone, Esq. He has chosen a subject which never fails tp attract attention, i.e., " The History of Scottish Poetry," and we have little doubt but a crowded assemblage -will be the result. • We may here mention tbat in future the . admission to any lectures which may be delivered will be to subscribers to the Mechanic's Institute gratis, and to non-subscribers at a small charge, not yet determined upon. The No. 3 locomotive and tender, for the Great Northern. Railway, was, wo believe, completed at Ballaarat oil the 3rd -inst. Tliis engine is an exact counterpart of the one wliich is now daily running between Invercargill and the Waihopai. There is a slight difference only in appearance, the No. 3 being a little hi'ore ornamental than her predecessor. Each engine is GO-horse power nominal. The manufacturers have got into great favor from . the manner in' wliich they have turned out the; two engines, and hopes were expressed by several' gentlemen who visited the works, on the above date, for the purpose of witnessing- the first trial of the engine before shipmehtj'that" it 'would hot' be the last contract of this description for which thoy would be the" successful "tenderers. The schooner "Leohidas, "the- vessel; which » brought the first engine here, has arrived in Melbourne, and will probably. be chartered "to bring this one 'dowh; as her hatchway was made larger for shipping the No. 2.- - We notice that the contractor for the railway (Mr.-J.R. Davies) is determined to do syllin ? his power, to have ; everything in readiness' for the opcrringYof the-;lirieV&s the ballasting is being carried-on-almost night -and j i .. ■ • ■•|A* meeting ofHhejEWetiDH^Cpmtoittee was' held', in Colxer'sYßrihcesOiotei; Dee-Btf eet, last njghtj The following were present :— Messrs. Munro, Pratt, Osborne, Button, Efere, Tapper, aiid

i .. ! *m x»onaia. jur v .uayies, junior, «*». »ui«vi -au wj.- t y -., ditional memher of Jthe Committee. g^A.long and^Yp very desultory discission then :took*':place 'qn €ha ""**- proper dutie A;o^=uhdertaken hyytiayASfOniwX^^yz but nothing lJkeTunahimityySould* he t amved^^^*Y*s At length Mr. Munro moved af resolution, to the "effect " that the Secretary "be instructed „tq; v ..invite„.,,J;he .;. gentlemen ..whose > , names . have been proposed, to meet ' IKe* * electoi*" witto a 'view^ to .becoming candidates." Hare ''seconded the resolution. Mr. Osbpirn&pro- - posed, as an amendment, "that the meeting a<3U _. journ until Wednesday' evening, and 3Kai Ythe' secretary be requested to advertise- the eamein th» newapapers." The amendment found no seconder, and ! it; consequently fell to, the ground;, ... Miy ; Munro's resolution was ! then* carried 7 by a / -'" majority, df five to iwoY; The meeting then /prp-YY^ ceeded to the naming o£ more gentlemen^who.-m, tlieir opinion, should be requested to becbme-can-didates for the Provincial Council. The names of Messrs. .Matthew Price, Watson .(Bank of "New Zea-l / . land) Bright/and.Mortoh'Y^ereaddedtotheh^t'of-;- - ;- elicible candidates/if they chose to come .forward. v _^. It was then resolved upon that the.; secretary^bo^Yy requested to convene ft pubhc meeting of the electors, in the same place, on the evening of Thursday firsthand that the gentlemen whose names Jiad. been proposed" as candidates should be requested to be present. During, the proceedings, Mr, r _ . Osborne, one of the members -of : tßa committeei gave in his resignation, assigning "as a -reason tliit - A his views differed with.those of themajority present. A-'- ' '•'•■■'*' '* *■- * •' ' ■' '■ "'-r- z.Z-z. r-zr,,.. ■■■ We observe there will be. another Ypeiformauoe in the Theatre Ttoyal on the .evening^of Eriday "first, on whidi occasion Messrs. Sfreetdri** and Hoskins take, their .first, and only benefit, during _^„ the season- Miss Eloise ; , Juno . is. announced to i-A' lend her assistance, and will appear in three i pieces. We hope to see a full house present. • A With reference to our recommendation of Mr. : Matthew Holmes (supposing, him to be. able and „ willing to devote the necessary time) for the - Superintendency of Southland, . as expressed- ih' our issue ofthe 13th inst., the Otago Daily Times, ry of 17th inst., says :— " Our contemporary pays ft: just comphment to Mr. Holmes, and it would be ,' a fortunate thing for Southland if it had [at the ' head of affairs a gentleman of his capacity and^ business ability." ■ - The Otago Daily Times of 17th inst. says: — " The organ built by Messrs. Telford and Son, of - Dublin, for St. Paul's Church, in thiscity,*:is now*/ m course of erection, and will be, completed in a few days. Judging from what- we have - already seen and heard, this organ • will • prove vto be the best, aud certainly the most powerful, instrument in the Australian Colonies. It is intended, to. open it by special services on Sunday, the 25th hist., when Mr. George Loder will preside at the organ. The choir will be considerably augmented 'on the occasion. Mr. Loder has, by the. kind permission of Mr. Lyster, commenced to practice, the. choir . ■in the music intended to be sung ; and' it is expected the choral portion of the opening service will be most effectively given. It is satisfactory to know that there is reason to . expect an early liquidation of the debt incurred- by the purchase of the organ." The Otago Daily Times, of 17th instant, reports the following fatal accident :— " A messenger rode into town last night, about nine o'clock, to inform the police that an accident bad occurred ' near Silver Stream, about two hours previously, whicli, it was feared, had terminated fatally, atleast to one man. It appears from the messenger's statement that a farm servant of Mr. Macgregor, farmer, at Silver Stream, was in townyesterday witli a liorse and dray, and was expected to return in the evening with a heavyload. Ih the evening, the liorse brought the dray, home, but without a driver. Fearing that some accident bad occurred, search was made along the road, and near the top of Silver-stream hill, at the cutting, the man was found lying on the roadside apparently dead. A youug woman was also thero severely injured in the leg. She states that from some yet un-.. known cause they both fell off the dray, and the wheel passed over them, and, as it was supposed, killing tho man, and breaking the woman's leg. The name of the unfortunate man is David . Robertson. A mounted constable and a doctorwere immediately despatched to the scene of the accident, to render assistance and make further inquiries. " -