The Southland Times. MONDAY, OCTOBER 11, 1869.

Southland Times, Issue 1145, 11 October 1869, Page 2

The Southland Times. MONDAY, OCTOBER 11, 1869.

We are compelled to hold over a large amount of matter, including several letters, until next issue. A correspondent of the Dunstan Times, writing from Alexandra, says that a bed of guano of considerable extent lias been discovered by some Chinese on ihe side of the precipitous range failing into the Molyneux, a short distance from that township. The fortunate discoverers appear to be making a fine thing out of it, as they are selling it at the rate of £40 per ton, and a good demand at that price. The manufacture of flax-machines is now one of the local industries of Oamaru. The drought in the Oamaru district is, owing to its steady continuance, beginning to be looked upon in a serious light by the farmers, as unless rain falls soon, the crops will be much injured. During the past week the weather in the district has been of an unsettled character, notwithstand - ing which but a small quantity of rain has fallen. Mr G-eorge Webster addressed the Campbelltown electors, at the Eagle Hotel, on the evening of theßth inst. He wished them to understand that they would not be conferring any obligation by returning him, a? he went in to attend to their work — for the public good — not for any private benefit. He was, however, of opinion that things had been badly managed here hitherto, and, as he was largely interested in the prosperity of the province, he would like to see the* G-overnznenfc better conducted. He, in common wifch the rest of the inhabitants, would thus be benefited. He alluded to the state of the roads as requiring immediate attention, and characterized it as false economy to have the pilot service so far reduced , as to impair its efficiency. It was disgraceful that public servants' salaries should be months in arrears, while most of the members of the late Council had been receiving their pound a day while wasting time squabbling. He would advocate being handed over to the General Government, and the functions of the Council being reduced to merely expending local rates. He was not an owner of property at the Bluff, but, being a large exporter of wool and other produce, he was interested deeply in its welfare. He had had no idea of opposing Mr Wood, until he had seen statements in the papers, made by Mr Wood, which were untrue, and, as he was ona of the class referred to, he felt it a duty to come forward and correct them. Mr Wood had said the squatters opposed re-union, in the hope of seeing the land forced into the market at a reduced price. This was simply false. There was a letter in that morning's paper showing that they were prepared to purchase largely at the present price, provided the money were expended on public works — a railway to the Mataura — that was sufficient contradiction of Air vVood'a statement. He thought the terms proposed for re-union very liberal. If other means to overcome the difficulty could be devised, he would prefer to maintain our independence, failing that he would accept re-union, with a guarantee that the conditions would be faithfully observed by Otago. Mr Webster then answered several questions put. to him by electors present. The usual rote, however, on being put to the meeting, was declared lost. j The nomination of candidates for the representation of Campbelltown in the Provincial ! Council, took place at the Courthouse at noon on the 9fch inst. After the Writ had been read by the Returning Officer, Messrs Geo. Webster and Win, Wood were duly proposed and seconded. Both gentlemen shortly addressed'the electors, ifter which a show of hands was taken, and declared to be in favor of Mr Wood. A poll was demanded on behalf of Mr Webster, and will take place this day. It will be seen from our advertising columns that Mr Calder will address the electors this evening at the Theatre. Mr G. M. Bell, of Waimea Plains, a candidate for the representation of Oteramika in the Provincial Council, met the electors of the Seaward Bush portion of the district at Bay Bush, on Friday, Bih in9t. In an able address Mr Bell stated his views to the meeting ; and after a series of questions by Messrs Mackay, Nicolson, Denniston, and M'Leod, it was moved by Mr Nicolson, seconded by Mr Mackay, and carried unanimously — " That Mr Bell was a fit and proper person to represent the district of j Oteramika in the Provincial Council." The Otago Daily Times of the 4th inst. understands that " about 200 writs have been issued for the recovery of sums due to the Immigration Department, and judgment obtained in each case. It would be well for those persons who have not made fresh arrangements for the payment of sums due by them to do so at once, in order to save She Court expenses, &c. Any reasonable proposal, we believe, will be agreed to, as there is no desire on the part of the Government to deal harshly with the debtors." The Tuapeka Times of the 2nd inst., says : — The great scarcity of oats in this district is severely felt by all owners of horses. The price has been steadily rising for some time, and may now be quoted at from 3s. 9d. to 4s. a bushel, with an upward tendency.