PROVINCIAL.

Southland Times, Issue 1170, 24 November 1869, Page 2

PROVINCIAL.

Since our last Summary, provincial politics have assumed a quieter tone. At that time a general election had just taken place, the leading hustings' question having been one which aroused the whole body of electors into activity, and created more feeling, probably, than had ever been experienced since Separation. During the interval which has elapsed, however, the excitement has considerably subsided, and would by this time most likely have died out bub for two incidents which tended to keep it alive, the first being the choice of a Superintendent by the new Council, and the second, the election of a gentleman to fill the seat rendered vacant through that body having chosen one of its own number for that position. The new Council met on the 10th of the present month, and with little delay proceeded to the appointment of its chief executive offi.-er. The reunionists mustered strongest in the House, and being anxious to place one holding their own viewa at the head of the Government, adopted an expedient which, if it did not Hecure the election, of the ablest man to so important an office, at least prevented a split in their own party. This feat was accomplished at a private maeti ng, when the matter was decided by lot. Of course after such an arrangement there was no difficulty ia carrying their man in the Council, and Mr Wm. Wood, M.EI. IJ-, was in due course declared Superintendent of Southland. The district of Campbelltown was thus deprived of its representative and had again to undergo the ordeal of a keen political contest, which was won by the re-union party returning Mr T. M. MaICDONAId, solicitor. Immediately after the question of the Superintendency had been disposed of, the Council adjourned for a fortnight, to permit of the formation of a Oovernment, and the filling up of the vacancy. It inlets a*ain to-day, and will, no d jubt, soon undertake the discussion of the great question which has so long kept the country in turmoil — the re-annexation of this province to that of Ofcago. By next mail we ought to be able to state how the matter has been settled, as far at least as our local legislature can settle it, but even supposing the Council to pronounce in favor of re-union, it is doubtful whether it will ever be effected. Otago herself is not warmly inclined towards the connection, and then there is the G-eneral Government to consult. The Assembly will scarcely pass the Bill necessary to legalise the relationship, unless it is clearly shown to be in accordance with the wishes of the people of

both provinces, and this cann >t be fairly ascertained unless by a plebiscitum. Notwithstanding the majority of re-union members in the Council, it is almost certain, from a comparison of votes, that the majority of the electors are opposed to the scheme, the seeming contradiction being explained by the number of small country constituencies which returned members holding those viewß.

In other respects, provincial affairs wear a more cheerful aspect than they have shown for some time. The season, so far, has been an exceptionally fine one. The crops look remarkably healthy, and are well forward, giving hope to the farmer, and buoyancy to his further operations. The prospects of the squatters are also steadily improving with regard to the price of wool, and the returns from their runs this year promise to be very heavy. As a consequence, many of them are exerting themselves with renewed vigor, both to improve their flocks, by the introduction of superior blood, and the appliances for perfecting their fleeces for market. The establishment of an extensive meat-preserving and boiling-down plant near town, is un fait accompli, and has contributed not a little to the encouragement of both farmers and runholders, by providing a permanent and ready market for surplus stock, while the high price ruling for grain for some time back has induced an extended cultivation of cereals.

The much-talked of Oreti, or rather Great Northern Railway, is naw being rapidly pushed on. The first seven miles from town are completed in the most substantial manner, and as large a number of men as can conveniently be employed, are engaged on the works, so as, if possible, to have the line open ia time to bring down this season's wool. When finished, the Eail way will forma valuable acquisition to the province, stretching forty miles inland from the port, and affording an outlet to the produce of a large tract of splendid agricultural country at its northern extremity. In the Eastern district also, communication is being attended to, tenders being now out for the completion of several more miles of the Mataura road, which will make it a good highway as far as Long Bush.

A new industry which has of late been attracting much notice in both this and the home country — the manufacture of native flax — is also receiving its full share of attention in this province. A considerable amount of capital has already been embarked in the trade, several mills are now at work, others are in course of erection, and the produce is likely soon to form an important item in our export list. In the Longwocx? district a determined effort is being made to find auriferous quartz-reefs, and appearances would indicate a successful result. A large number of men are now at work in scattered parties, several of which have come upon very satisfactory indications. A good many valuable nuggets have been found, some of them from three to four ounces in weight, nearly pure gold, while likelylooking reefs have been struck in several places. A lucky discovery of a good lead in this district is all that is wanted to dissipate at once the commercial gloom which has so long hung over Southland.