The Southland Times. MONDAY, JUNE 15, 1868.

Southland Times, Issue 969, 15 June 1868, Page 2

The Southland Times. MONDAY, JUNE 15, 1868.

Jt will be observed that quite a number of very important auction sales are advertised to take place during the early part of the present week. On Monday (this day). Messrs Russell and M'Collough hold a very extensive sale of sheep and cattle at Sutherland's, Bridge Inn; while Mr Osborne will also sell to-day, on the ground, at the east-end of Yarrow-street, two well-built cottages and a section of land. To-morrow, Mr Osborne will hold a sale at the Railway Station, of a lot of the Oreti Railway passenger carriages and goods waggons. On the day following, the same gentleman will commence the trade sale of general merchandise at the stores of Messrs M'Pherson and Co. ; and, on the same day, a large sale of cattle will bo held at Wallacetown by Messrs Russell and M' Collough. On Thursday, Messrs J. A. Smyth and Co. -will hold their first stock sale at Halfway Bush, for which, we believe, a considerable number of cattle and horses have been entered. We learn, by electric telegraph, that the Provincial Council of Otago was prorogued on Thursday last, the 11th inst. ; aIBO, that Dr Hector had gone on a professional visit to Waimakauri, to report upon the geological character of the locality. The same telegram announces that j Captain Denver had been killed at Timaru — how was not stated. A Christchurch telegram received on Saturday says that wheat was feeling easier, the demand being slack at from 6s 3d to 6s 9d ; while oats were 'nuch inquired for at 2s ls to 2s 3d. In the General G-overnment ■' Gazette" there iB a notice that the public can be supplied with " Hochstetter's New Zealand on the physical geography, geology, and natural history of New Zealand, by applying to the Government Printer Wellington. This splendid work, which has been translated from the German by E. Sauter, A.M., contains two maps, seven chromo-tints, and one hundred and three wood-cuts, and was published for the New Zealand Government, by J. G. Cotta, of Stuttgart. It is in one volume, imperial octavo, and the price is £1 ss. (

At the Resident Magistrate's Court, on Saturday last, a man named Price, who, sometime since, was tried at the Supreme Court on the oharge of having committed a criminal assault on a female at Stewart's Island, and acquitted, was charged with a similar offence on a newly arrived married woman residing in Invereargill. He was committed for trial at tho next session of the Supreme Court.

Sometime since, we mentioned that the Government had commencedthe cleansing and repairing of the main drain in Esk-street by prison labor. The work was begun, and the covering removed from near the corner of Dee-street, to opposite the police station, and the drain was well cleaned. Owing, we presume, to the state of the weather, operations have been pai-tially suspended, leaving the portion opened in a most dangerous condition. If anyone should slip his foot on the rain-soaked wood pathway, he would be almost certain to fall into the drain and be seriously injured. We also observe that the beams and side-boards are rapidly giving way, and imless immediate steps are taken to place this drain in a sound condition, the whole length will be destroyed, and the traffic of the street suspended. - On Friday, tho 12th June, 442 acres of land j were sold, in the district of .Winlon. The Nathan Troupe are to leave Invereargill by . the Tararua this morning. The Provincial Treasurer, Jno. Blacklaclr, Esq., also leaves by the same, vessel. On Friday evening last the performance at the j Theatre Royal was for the benefi^of Mr J. Small. It was also the last appearance of the Nathan Troupe. • Considering the inclemency of the weather, the attendance was unexpectedly large, and it must have been highly gratifying to Mr Small, as showing the favorable opinion entertained of his abilities by the people of Invereargill. The entertainment consisted of the farce entitled "An Object of Interest;" after which the Masters Nathan performed a duet on the cornet-a--piston, which was encored. Then little Marion gave, in character, the song of the " Unfortunate Man," which was enthusiastically received ; and in the encore Mr Small appeared also, attired in sable hue, so that there were two Richards in the field, both dolefully reciting their mishaps. The imitation of Mr Small by little Marion was something rich to behold ; but when he appeared beside his youthful pupil, enthusiasm knew no bounds. Afterwards followed " The Colonial Servant" and the " Irish Tutor," and in both pieces the acting of little Marion was the admiration of all. Mr Small during the evening was called Defore the curtain and warmly applauded. He returned thanks on behalf of the Nathan Company, in the following terms : — Ladies and Gentlemen — I beg to return you my sincere thanks for the very liberal support you have accorded me to-night. I assure you that I did not expect to see anything like so large a house, in consequence of the inclemency of the weather. On behalf of the Nathan Company, I have also to return you their thanks, and to express their acknowledgements for the liberal suppo rt that has been given them, both by the public and the press, during their stay. I think it but right to mention, however, that our thanks are also due to Mr Jones, for the liberal manner in which he has placed the Theatre at 'our disposal, and to state that he has assured me he will be prepared to treat with any respectable company on the same terms ; and I

-ikink-tha publio-of - Invereargill — or-^ifr leire fc the amusement- seeking portion — are to be congratulated on the change that has taken place in the

management of the Theatre, as it will he the means of inducing other companies to visit your town more frequently than hitherto. Agaiu, I havo to return you my thanks for your cordial support, and to wish you a farewell. (Loud applause.)

We learn from the Dunedin papers- that, in consequence of the illness of his Honor Mr Justice Chapman, there was no sitting of the Supreme Court on Tuesday, the 9th inst.

The '.'Evening Star," Bth June, says:— "We understand that the Banks, acting in unison with similar institutions throughout New Zealand and Australia, have reduced the rates of interest allowed on fixed deposits to 2 per cent, if fixed for three months ; 3 per cent, for Bix months j and 4 per cent, for twelve months ; and that they now charge 7 per cent, for short-dated bills. The rates ruling hitherto were 3 , 4, and 5 per cent, for deposits, the minimum rate of discount being 8 per cent.''

The following appears in a recent number of the London "Times" -.—"The Chancellor of the Exchequer begs to acknowledge the receipt of £5 from X V Z, New Zealand, on account of income tax, not charged in New Zealand." The " Lyttelton Times" enquires if tliis can he Mr Stafford.

The sudden death of H. A. Julius, Esq., a gentleman well kuown to most of the inhabitants of Soutliland, must be universally regretted. Though not actually a resident of this province, he was well known and esteemed in it, for his gentlemanly demeanour and honorable character. For some time previous to his death he took part in the politics of the colony, and represented the district of Oamaru in the Provincial Council of Otago, and there gave promise of becoming a politician of note. The subjoined notice of the funeral is taken from the " Oamaru Times." It says : — " The funeral cortege conveying the remains of the late H. A. Julius, Esq., whioh left Dunedin on Tuesday at noon, arrived at Totara at about eleven o'clock on Thursday afternoon, where it was met by a number of gentlemen, mounted, or in vehicles, from Oamaru and the neighborhood, who had gone out for" that purpose, and who then acted as an escorc. The procession was joined at the town boundary by some twenty or thirty citizens, intimate friends of the deceased. On reaching St. Luke's, the coffin was carried into the church by the following gentlemen, who volunteered to perform that office, viz., Messrs Harper, Miller, Paterson, Luke, M' Master, and O' Meagher. During part of the day many of the establishments were closed, flags were displayed at halfmast, and a geueral feeling of sympathy was evinced. — The funeral took place on Friday, and was most numerously attended."

The " Pall Mall Gazette" says : — " It would appear that the art of reporting is of far greater antiquity than the last century. Plutarch, at all events, says of Cicero that he ' dispersed about the Senate-house several expert writers, whom he taught to make certain fignres, and who put down all that he said in little short strokes, equivalent tb words.' It would look, therefore, as if there must have been something like a 'reporters' i gallery' in the Roman "Forum." '

The collapse of tho Bogan River Company j (New South Wales) is thus referred to by the J "Pastoral Times "^ — "This Company's stations : are taken possession of by Mr Diir-cm "M'ltae and i Mr Gray for the mortgagee- Tims hn,s Fiillon 0113 of the largest squatting companies in t lie Au-;

tralias. There are one hundred thousand pounds overdue in debentures, and though the company's property, in stations and stock, is worth little less, if any, than a quarter of a million sterling, such is the depressed condition of pastoral securities that the company is compelled to succumb to difficulties not of their own creating, and which they tried to stem with a perseverance perhaps never equalled in pastoral Riverina."

For some years past Lord Brougham has, (we " Pall Mall Gazette") understand, been collecting the manuscript letters of himself and his contemporaries, including King William IV., Earl Grey and his cabinet, &c, with a view to the publication of an autobiography or memoires de servir. Some differences, however, which have arisen between his lordship and the gentlemen to whom the examination and preparation for the press of the voluminous documents thus collected are entrusted, now threaten, we believe, to postpone the publication of the work.

The " Wellington Independent" of the 30th, referring to Mr Fox, writes: — "We recently announced the fact.that W. H. Watt, Esq., had resigned bis scat in the House of Representatives as member for the Rangitikei district, and by the Wanganui mail of last, night we havo received a copy of his valedictory address to his late constituency. Mr Watt explains that, when elected in 1866, it was on the understanding that, should any other candidate, entertaining similar views with himself, come forward, he should be at liberty to resign j and he goes on to say that he would not have consented to be put in nomination against Mr Robert Pharazyn, hart it not been for that gentleman's action in connection with the Manawatu purchase. After a passing allusion to the fact that he attended two sessions of the Assembly, at considerable inconvenience and loss in business, Mr Watt says that the return of Mr Fox to the Rangitikei district now furnishes him with a fair reason for retiring. We think 'that Mr Watt has not only done the State good service, but that, in resigning his seat, he performs a wise and graceful act. During the period that he represented the Rangitikei district he secured the confidence and esteem of his constituents, and proved himself a trustworthy painstaking, and useful member. Under existing circumstances, it is of the highest importance that Mr Fox should take his seat agitin for Rangitikei, and Mr Watfc deserves the gratitude of the colony for enabling him to do so. Mr Watt, as a business man, made a considerable sacrifice in becoming a member of the Assembly in 18G6. because his own affairs required a consta-it personal superintendence ; and in not having liesi-

tated to sacrifice personal benefit for the public good, he deserves the highest credit. Again, in

resigning at the present moment in favor of Mr Fox, he renders a iraterial service alike to his party and the country at large, which they will not be slow to acknowledge."

The '' Lyttelton Times," 4fch June, has the following :— " A meeting of the promoters of the Grey River . Coal Company, limited, was held yesterday afternoon, at Messrs Wilson and Alport's office, High-street, for the purpose of receiving

the report of the hon. secretary's visit to the coal fields. Mr Olliver, hon secretary, said that.pre^. liminary drives were being carried on ac the east end of the reserve— under~tne direction of Mr Usher,' and that the indications of coal were very satisfactory. These drives were to be continued for two months, solely with the view of testing

the lie of the coal.:! Mr Kilgour had undertaken to remove the coal as it was

taken from the pit, and take it down to Greymouth for sale. He (Mr Oliver) recommended that Mr Usher should be instructed to commence another drive at the western end of the reserve, considerably above the level of the river, so as to test the upper seams. The promoters shares offered to the inhabitants of Greymouth had been eagerly taken up, and there was little doubt but that an efficient local directory could be formed there to co-opera?e with that in Christchurch. After some conversation, the secretary was requested to prepare a prospectus, aud submit it to the next meeting, so as to open the share lists to the pubhc at once. The next meeting was then fixed for Monday next, at 3 p.m., at the same place," This should act as a stimulant to the people of Southland to endeavor to develop their coal resources.

The " Lyttelton Times," says : — " The question as to whether bankrupts should be allowed their costs was mooted some days ago by Dr Foster and Mr Joynt, who had charge of a number of bankruptcy matters. The learned Doctor again brought the subject under the notico of Mr Justice Gresson, in connection with the case of Thomas Tennant, yesterday, referring to cases in Doria and Macrae, in which costs had been allowed to bankrupts. After considerable discussion, his Honor was pleased to make the following order, which applies to all cases m wliich similar amplications had been made : — " Until further or general order, the bankrupt shall have his costs up to and including the gazetting of the trustee, subsequent to Court fees and trustee's costs, and , prior to the distribution of dividend to the creditors."

j The Wellington correspondent of the ptago j " Daily Times," under date 29th May, writes : — " The mission of Mr ITifczherberfc to England is beginning to show fruit: Ono result is, that the Consolidation Acts have been allowed, which, but for Mr Fitzherbert' s exertions, would not have been the case. By the mail received here last month, it was privately circulated that the Acts were in danger. Mr Fitzherbert had not been in London for several weeks without finding that out; and, although the best face was put on the .matter, there was a strong feeling of uneasiness felt among the few who knew anything shout ifc. The mail had scarcely been delivered, than the news flew from mouth to mouth that the Acts had been allowed j but allowed only on the stron" representations, which Mr Fitzherbert had made, of the evil that would resnlfc if the intention to disallow were presisted in. The details of tlie Consolidation Scheme were always objectionable to Wellington politicians, as is very well known j but I fear whether, after the Acts had been passed and the loans considered as guranteed in the London market, very much more damage might not result to the credit of the Colony by their disallowance, than would be gained iv mere pounds, shillings, and pence, by • any more judicious system o£ Consolidationjbeing determined , upon." '

Another newspaper has been added^to the long list of New Zealand journals. The Thames goldfield has now its press in full operation. The name of our contemporary is the " Thames Adverti cr." We extract the following from its first number : — " The Thames Goldfield is only isi its earliest stage as yet. It remains to be fully

developed by the energy and enterprise of those who aie jn the field, and of thousands who are yet to come. What was the state of this district twelve months ago ? It was purely a native district, strictly shut ngainst Europeans. The native owners had not come to see that it was their interest to throw their land open for gold prospecting ; aud they viewed with jealousy an encroachment by tho white man. But hotter counsels at length prevailed ; and now see the result! On the 17th August, 1867, the Thames was proclaimed a goldfield, on which day the pioneers of recent discovery h?re first set foot upon Earaka. Hunt's reef was discovered ; othe r discoveries were made about the same time ; and the success of "Karaka Goldfield was assured. The first miner's right was issued about the same time j there are now 4778 miners' rights issued. The population, which then consisted of a score or two of men, now numbers about 7,000, of whom many are women and children. A large and populous town has been formed, and homesteads are dispersed everywhere throughout the districts open for prospecting. * When it is remembered that, with very imperfect appliances, the Thames Goldfield has produced over 15,000 ounces of gold, worth more than £35,000, in the last six months, it may be readily imagined what the yield would be if adequate machinery were in the district."