Untitled

Southland Times, Issue 1626, 30 August 1872, Page 2

The telegram of news by the San Francisco mail is unusually meagre. It is possible tbat the delay occasioned by the quarantine regulations left but little time for the compilation of a summary on Wednesday. The defects, however, ought to have been supplied yesterday, unless Messrs Grevilie & Co. wish to retire in favor of the Press Association. The following telegram was received la9t night by the Chief Postmaster, Mr Butts, from Wellington : — "The Rangitoto is engaged to convey the Suez mails to Melbourne in time for the steamer of the 11th. She will leave Dunedin on Wednesday afternoon, and will also bring your Californian mails. — W. Gray, Inspector." A telegram was forwarded to Mr Calder, M.H.R., on Friday last, respecting the proposed misplacement of the Waihopai Bridge, but no reply has yet been received. Yesterday afternoon another message was forwarded, and one to Mr Dillon Bell, representative of the district. The evil is a most S3rious one, and besides being a source of danger, will prove a mo3t conspicuous eyesore when the bridge is completed. It is well that owners of sheep in tha Southland district, whether upon runs or private pro - perty, fenced or unfenced, should be informed that, according to the provisions of the Otago Sheep Ordinance, it is necessary to forward, in the beginning of September in each year, to the Sheep Inspector, luvercargill, a return of the number of sheep owned or depastured by them. Forms may be had at the Inspector's office, Invercargill, or from Mr C. Rout, Crown Grant office, in the absence of the Inspector. We may state there is a heavy penalty for non-compliance with this regulation. The Rev. Mr Westbrook, of the Primitive Methodist connection, gave a lecture last night, in the Temperance Hall, on the origin and principles of Good Templarism. The Rev. A. H. Stobo occupied the chair. There was a good attendance. The lecturer explained the principles and constitution of the order, which is to a certain extent a secret society, and has for its objact the accomplishment of the ends aimed at by the ordinary temperance societies by a more perfect and efficient organisation. Females aa well at males are admitted as members, and it i 3 said that the order, in various parts of the world, numbers upwards of 1,000,000 persona. Mr Westbrook urged on his audience the importance of forming a lodge in Invercargill. The lecture was well received. After a vote of thanks to the reverend ! lecturer, the proceedings were olosed with prayer. At a general meeting of shareholders in the Old Wakatipu Deep Sinking Company, held last evening at the Prince of Wales Hotel, Mr D. Smyth in the chair, Mr Shirley, the company's manager, reported that as the water had risen to such an extent in the shaft, and was still rising, in his opinion it was impossible to overcome it by horse power. He attributed the rise chiefly to the melting of the snow, and was of opinion that it was advisable to Buspend operations for the present. Some considerable discussion took place on the question of the employment of a steamengine, it being presumed that tho bottom was nearly reached. It was resolved " that the second call of 2s 6d per share on the second issue be advertised as now payable," and " that an extraordinary meeting of shareholders be called for Thursday, September 12th, to consider the propriety of resuming operations in three months, or of disposing of the plant of the company, the advertisement calling such meeting to specify the object of same, and also to call for all accounts against the company." It was also resolved " that all moneys due upon shares be made payable in 8 days, and that at the expiration of that time defaulters be proceeded against by legal process. Mr Shirley reported that ho had arranged for the safe custody of the gear at Mr Rogers' a station, and that the shaft was carefully covered up. I At the meeting of the Town Council last night, there were present the Mayor and Councillors Luiusden, Jaggers, Goodwillie, Tapper, Blackwood, and Garthwaite. A long discussion on the minutes of last meeting ended in a protest by Councillor Jaggers against paying for the removal of the engine house out of the general fund being expunged from the minutes. Letters were read from His Honor the Superin» tendent, stating that he could not come to the railway demonstration, and requesting the Mayor to act for him ; and from Mr Conyers, that the Government could not grant free passenger trains on that day, but that trains would be run at reduced fares. The report of the Finance Committee, recommending the passing of certain accounts, and advising that lists should be prepared and tenders in-ited for the supply for six or twelve months of all articles usually required by the Corporation, was adopted. The report of the Public Works Committee, recommending the construction of a box-drain at the intersection of Kelvin and Leet-streets, and a small box- drain across Leet-street, opposite section 14, block 68, also kerbing the footpath on the south side of Esk street, between Deo street and the railway Station, was agreed to. The report of the Reserves Committee, relative to the leasing of the municipal reserves, was read. 1^ was resolved that the first paragraph of the recommendations be amended as follows : — That the following sections be offered for lease by auction for 21 years, viz., section 13, block 72 ; section 1, block 68 ; section 1, blocK 13 ; and for 14

years, section 3, block 72 ; sections 1 and 11, block 63 ; sections 9 and 19, block 64 ; sections 1 and 11, block 53 ; section 9, block 54 ; section 7, block 55 ; sections 7 and 17, block 70 ; section 15, block 61 ; section 13 , block 57. The consideration of the remainder of the report was postponed. Letters were read from Messrs Dillon Bell, Caldor, and Mervyn, disapproving of the provisions of tho Invercargill Special Rates Bill ; and from Mr Bathgate, stating that, as Provincial Solicitor, he had introduced it in obedience to a resolution of the Council. The performance by the Amateur Dramatic Club at the Theatre on Wednesday night was scarcely so well attended as it should have been, considering the announcement that the surplus funds were to be devoted to the Hospital. The curtain rose upon the comedietta of " Delicate Ground," which was put upon the stage in a manner highly creditable to the amateurs, who showed that their parts had been well studied. The piece may be fairly pronounced to have been a success. The son?, by a gentleman amateur, " Let me like a Soldier fall," met with a welldeserved encore, which was responded to by '' Thou art so near, and yet so far." This was a first appearance, and we trust it will not be the last, by a great many, of the same gentleman. Both songs were admirably accompanied on the pianoforte by Mr T. V. Twinning. The farce of "The Area Belle" brought on a local celebrity, Mr Wotton, as " Pitcher," the policeman. Mr Wotton sustaiued his reputation a* a comic actor of experience and versatility, and was well supported by the various amateurs, who proved that they only want to be a little better known by the public to be more liberally supported in their praiseworthy efforts to furnish amusement, while at the samo time contributing to the oharitable institution s of the town. We understand that it is the intention of the Club to devote any surplus funds which may arise from its performances to benevolent purposes. The effect of the entertainment was materially enhanced by the excellent performances of the Invercargill Brass Band, uuder the leadership of Mr Stevens, who gave their assistance gratuitously on the occasion. The nomination of candidates for election as members of the Board for the Waikiwi subdivision of the Makarewa district, under the Otago Roads Ordinance, took place yesterday at noon at the echoolhouse, Waikiwi. Mr L. Longuet, the returning officer, presided. Twelve nominations were made, viz., Messrs Perkins, Townshend, R. Preston, Lawrence, W. Preßton (gardener), M' Arthur, M'lvor, Toshack, Grant, Horman, J. Ott, and James Taylor. Mr Grant, with consent, withdrew his name, and the poll for election of throe members was fixed to take place at the schoolhouse on Friday, 6th September, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There was a fair muster of residents present, and several of the candidates shortly addressed the meeting. The aspect of the gathering and its proceedings was that of extreme liveliness, as compared with the usual dreariness of country meetings, aDd especially so, when contrasted with the exceedingly tame character of similar meetings in other subdivisions. " Special tsxation without special representation is tyranny." We imagine that this maxim of constitutional government will press itself forcibly on the residents in the suburbs of Sylvan Bank, M'Master's estate, &c, in their connection with the Invercargill Road Board. At a meeting held in tha Council Hall on Wednesday afternoon, Mr Wood in the chair, the arrangements for the intended demonstration at the turning of the first sod of the Mataura railway were discussed at considerable length. It was resolved that a treat for the school children of Invercargill and the neighborhood should form part of the programme, and Messrs Garth waifce, Goodwillie, Saunders, and Hall, were requested to act as a committee to make the necessary preparations. It was decided that the members of the Railway Committee, with power to add to their number, should undertake the charge of the out-door arrangements. The Ball and Dejeuner Committees, already appointeJ, professed their willingness to perform their •pecial share of the duties ; and it was decided to hare another meeting this evening, at leven o'clock, to hear reports, and make •uch further arrangements as may be required. At the meeting of the District Waste Land Board on Tuesday, there were present Messrs Pearson, Baker, and M'Arthur. J. A. Ross applied to be allowed to purchase section 21, block 4, Campbelltown Hundred, which he stated he had occupied since December, 1863, with permission of the Southland Government. On the strength of being promised a lease, which had never been executed, he had built on and improved some of the land. If the land were thrown open for sale, he wished that it might be sold s übject to valuation for improvements. The matter was adjourned to next meeting to enable Mr Ross to get the improvements valued. Messrs G^isow & M'Arthur appeared again before the B^ard, complaining that they had not as yet obtained any of the money due to them for surveys, which money had been deposited in trust with the Government by the purchasers, before the surveys were made. The Chief Surveyor explained that he had forwarded a memorandum to the Provincial Treasurer urging the immediate payment of the •urns due. The Illustrated New Zealand Herald for this month contains engravings of the township of Clyde ; camping out on the West Coast ; New Zealand surf- boats; and a number of illustratrations of Australian incidents and scenery. A very excellent colored engraving — a Manilla Girl waiting for tho Ferry — well worth framing, from a sketch by M. Chevalier, is presented with this month's number as a supplement. The New Zealand Gazette of the 22nd inst. contains a notification of the appointment of William George M'Clure, M.D., M.R.C.S.E., as Honorary Assistant Surgeon in the Invercargill Artillery Volunteers. At the Resident Magistrate's Court on Wednesday, Mildred Robinson was fined 40s, or aeven days' impriaonment, for being drunk and disorderly in Dee-street on Tuesday night. The Diseased Cattle Act, 1871, has been brought into operation by proclamation under the hand of His Excellency the Governor, the following gentlemen having been appointed members of the Local Cattle Board for the province of Otago : — Messrs J. Macandrew (chairman), J. A. R. Menzies, M. Holmes, W. A. folmie, James Smith, aud John Maclean. Mr Fielder, of Invercargill, is appointed a Cattle Sub-Inspector for tho district of Otago.

The Hydaspea, according to a letter from the Agent-General, was to sail for Otago with emigrants on 21st June, and another Teasel, not named, on 13th July. The Parliament of New South Wales having refused to vote funds towards representing the colony at the London Exhibition, it was resolved at a public meeting to raise funds for the purpose by subscription. Twelve firms subscribed £100 each. The children of Auckland, according to tho Southern Cross, " start swearing" at the age of four and a half. It must be a senseless plan, says & writer, of everybody taking everybody to have a drink whenever they meet, whether they want one or not. How ridiculous it would seem, if instead of " Have a drink," the query was " Hare a chop." "Thank you, I've just had one." "Well, never mind, have another." Human nature could not stand thia sort of thing, and it doss geem extraordinary that the substitution of liquids for solids should prevent us seeing the utter absurdity of the indiscriminate system of | " shouting" which still prevails. Private advices received in Melbourne from Noumea, New Caledonia, state that copper has been discovered there within one mile of water carriage. The lode is said to bo rich and plentiful. An analysis which has been made gives a return of forty-two per cent, of copper. The price paid in Melbourne for Tasmanian freestone is 4s 6d per cubic foot. The " Northern Tasmanian Dog Society" is the title of an association recently formed in Launceston for the encouragement of the better breeding of dogs. The Lounceston Examiner says that a private company, formed in Melbourne, has leased 400 acres of land at York Town, from the Government of Tasmania, for the purpose of working the iron deposits there. The necessary plant is being prepared, and the manager, Mr Lennard, has arrived from Melbourne. The Melbourne Argus observes that the con" signment of canaries ordered from Eugland by the Victorian Canary and Pigeon Society, which arrived by the Somersetshire, was distributed among the members on the art union system. The shareholders were nearly all present, and the greatest excitement prevailed as the various prizes were drawn from the box. Owing to tho birds having moulted on the passage, the number shipped fell far short before arrival, 18 having died, which reduced the number of prizes to 29. The birds are chiefly of the Norwich and Belgian breed, but unfortunately some of the best birds are dead. The Norwich birds are of splendid co lor — a red yellow — many of them being marked or variegated. E. H. Derby, of Boston, gives it as his opinion that China and Japan will absorb 50,000 tons, or 111,000,000 pounds of butter and cheese per annum, whenever producers shall be able to deliver it. It was stated at the opening of a flour mill in the Waikato that in the year 1858 the Maories exported 76,000 bushels of wheat from that district. Mr Steward, the member for Oamaru, hag introduced a short Bill into the Assembly, intended to check tho growing evil of larrikinism. By it any male person under sixteen years of age may be cited to appear before a Resident Vlagistrate for any ' act of mischief, committed without felonious iutent, or for annoying any person in any public street, place, or thoroughfare, or for mischievously causing any injury to any person or property, without actual malice," and on conviction, may be sentenced to solitary confinement, with or without whipping, for a period not exceeding ninety-six hours, and to be kept on bread and water if the Oourt so direct, and the Court has further power to order whipping without imprisonment. In cases where long terms of imprisonment are given, the Court may nrder whipping on committal, and again on the day prior to the offender's discharge. The whipping is to be administered in all cases within the gaol, in the presence of the medical offi ;er, with a common cane, birch, or leather tawse, and is not to exceed twenty stripes for the first, or ten for the second or same punishment. The latest Fiji news (says the correspondent of a contemporary) is very encouraging. Crops splendid, Government working well, and bo Btrong that it has been enabled to suspend for a year from his functions as Governor of the Bewa district one of the oldest, most powerful, and most venerated of Fijian potentates — the old king of Rewa. As this Tui Dreketi is of a long race of kings, whom his subjects look to with awe and respect, you may see the significance of the step — taken, I should add, at the suggestion of the Upper House (Natives), without whose aid it would have been impracticable. Tui Dreketi's offence was drunkenness, and general misconduct in his place in the Upper House. In the Assembly the Committee on O'Conor'a case has reported : — 1. That he intended to purchase the land in question before a special value was attached to it by the action of the Committee. 2. That he was present at the meeting of the Committee and could have heard their decision. 3. That he states on oath that he did not hear it, and the Committee is bound to believe him. 4. That immediately the decision was published, and before any disturbance was made, he offered to surrender his purchase. 5. That by documentary evidence he satisfactorily accounted for having made the purchase at the time he did. 6. That he did not, in the transaction, act dishonorably, and that there was nothing in his conduct derogatory to his position as a member of the House. Mr Stafford moved that the House receive the report with great satisfaction. Mr Fox seconded the motion. Mr O'Conor spoke at some length regarding his persecution by evilminded enemies. Mr Luckie defended the action taken by the Nelson Provincial Council in the matter. The motion was then adopted. Tanning is now being carried on upon a large acale at Woolßton, Canterbury. A party of seven men, who have been prospecting for gold in the Mackenzie country, have returned to Christchurch. They state that j they made £3 per week each, and that they have come to town to procure the means to make further researches. The Thames exhibition ia said to be a great success. Otago is represented by Moagiel , woollen goods, preserved meats, cod liver oil, blasting powder, and distilled spirits. Thomas Trumble, jun., Esq., of Otaria, is gazetted a Justice of the Peace for the Colony. Tha South British Insurance Company will open in Auckland on Monday next.