RIVERTON.

Southland Times, Issue 1752, 10 June 1873, Page 3

RIVERTON.

(FROM OTJB OWN CORRESPONDENT.) On Saturday evening, 31st May, Mr Theophilus Daniel, M. P. C, addressed his constituents here. The meeting was held in the Courthouse. The night being very rough, and very short notice having been given of the address (Mr Daniel bad only returned from Dunedin tbe day before), tbe attendance was not so large as might have been wished. Mr James Ireland was called to the chair. Mr Daniel, after some preliminary remarks, went on to say that tbe Superintendent's address evidently proved bim to be in favor of progress. The favorable change in the labor market since last season was most satisfactory, and placed the district in a position to receive a still larger population. After describing the leading events of last session of Council, Mr Daniel went on to show that wbat we needed, and wbat we must have, was railways to open up our rich and beautiful Western district. The formation of an ordinary metalled road to Orepuki would be far too costly and not half so serviceable in opening up the district, as a light railway would be. The coal, whicb was easily obtainable, was equal, at least, to any he had seen. During a late visit of His Honor and Mr Eeeves, on seeing the state of tbe roads to the Otautau, they said tbat to make a road was not practicable — they must have a railway. The folk in Dunedin seemed in blissful ignorance as to tbe whereabouts of Orepuki, which was one of our richest gold-fields, awaiting what must ultimately prove a most successful development. A gentleman of high standing in Dunedin lately paid a visit to the Longwood, and though he went no great distance into the bush, he expressed surprise at the density of tbe timber as compared with other timber bushes he had seen ; he also stated tbat white pine commanded a good price in Australia, and was in good demand in many places. Native woods were now being used where the American and Baltic timbers formerly had the preeminence. There were parties who were opposed to the construction of railways in the district, but on finding out its real producing qualities they were now as much in favor of tbe iron road as they were formerly opposed to it. Mr Daniel had moved that maps should be prepared and on view similar to tbose of other parts of tbe Province, and that a list of unsold land should be published. This had but in part been adhered to, the Western district being almost entirely neglected. Mr Basstian and himself had both made enquiry about tbe 5000 acres of land wbich were voted for the Otautau railway, as also regarding the 1000 acres voted for the Wallacetown road. Although all other votes which were carried in the Council had been expended, these had apparently altogether dropped through. A proposition had been made for the expenditure of some £L6OO on our main roads ; but at present two men appeared to have some forty miles of road between them. Last session, it was proposed by Mr Basstian that our roads should be inspected in July. That and other matters he (Mr Daniel) would see into should he again have the honor of being elected. Mr Daniel then read a letter received from the Superintendent with regard to public works, stating that though there were parties willing to carry out the construction of our railways, taking land in payment, still, more benefit would accrue were tbe works paid for in cash. He dwelt at some length on the attention due to the Eiverton harbor, and tbe necessity there was of some expenditure being made to obtain a greater depth of water. With regard to education, Eiverton had been practically forgotten, but be (Mr Daniel) promised that he would do his best to get the present school buildings, whicb were already over crowded, enlarged. He would also have an eye to tbe wants of Orepuki. He was greatly adverse to tbe gold duty. Eeferring to immigration bills, Mr Daniel stated that several families had been debited with sums wbich they would never be able to wipe off. Some few questions were then put to the candidate and answered by him, when it was proposed by Mr Young, and seconded by Mr Grant that a vote of thanks be accorded to Mr Daniel for tbe unselfish and untiring energy which be had displayed in promoting tbe interests of the Western district at large, and also a vote of confidence in him as representative, which was carried unanimously.

So far, I have not heard of any one going to contest tbe seat with Mr Daniel, and I feel sure that a more untiring and persevering representative, and one more adapted for the wants of this district could not readily be found.

A dramatic performance was given in the Odd Fellow's Hall on Friday evening, in aid of tbe Volunteer Band Fund. Notwithstanding tbe rough night it proved a success, tbere being over 100 persons present, and the performers have been requested to give a repetition of the same pieces at an early date. Mr Wardrop's school is now remarkably well attended, so much so in fact tbat the building is not large enough to accommodate all the pupils conveniently. Mr Wardrop has just started an evening class for the winter months, giving those who are engaged during the day a chance of studying at night.