OTAGO.

Colonist, Volume IV, Issue 354, 15 March 1861, Page 4

OTAGO.

{From the Witness.) SEPARATION" PETITION".

We understand that the following has been transmitted to Auckland by his Honor the Superintendent:—

Superintendent's Office, Dunedin, February 21,1861.

Sir—Referring to my despatch of date as per margin (February 18, 1861), respecting the petition, for separation, addressed to bis Excellency the Governor, from settlers in Murihiku— copy of which you were good enough to transmit to me by last mail—l have now to direct the attention of his Excellency's Government to the fact that the number of names on the Electoral Roll for the County of Wallace, enclosed herewith, is 254, and that the number of names on the Electoral Roll of that portion of the Clutha district which the Petitioners seek to be inoluded within the boundary of the new Province is 20, making together 274.

In terms of clause 1 of the New Provinces Act, it appears that not less than three-fifths of the registered electors within the district seeking to be separated must petition the Governor. Ou referring to the separation Petition now in question, it will be seen that the total number of signatures is 168, inclusive of nine non-electors. This will leave 159 names of electors actually on the Roll as petitioning for separation, being six short of the requisite number as per clause 1 of the New Provinces Act.

Such being the state of the. case numerically, and even, assuming that the 168 signatures referred to are genuine, I presume, as a matter of course, that the whole affair must needs fall to the ground.

I .-enclose the Electoral Roll of the Clutha District, certified* by the Registration Officer, with the names of the electors situated within that portion of the new Province, marked in red ink.

I also enclose a sketch of the country sought to be erected into a new Province, with a certificate from the Chief Surveyor, from which it t appears that the area is upwards of 4| millions of acres, instead of not exceeding 3 millions, as per clause 5 of the New Provinces Ac*.

In conclusion, I would again express my conviction, that the great majority of the settlers in the south are strongly averse to separation (the district not being in any respect ripe for such, even if good cause existed, which there does not), the best proof of which, perhaps, is the fact that the promoters of the movement, with all their zeal, unwearied activity, and organization, and. with its opponents entirely passive, have only succeeded in procuring 168 uames to the memorial. I feel persuaded that, of these, many have been induced to sign on grounds and representations which, when correctly explained, lead, and fully warrant them, to withdraw their signatures.

1 am, &c, Jambs Macandrew. Superintendent. The Honorable the Colonial Secretary, Auckland.

Dunedin Volunteers.—Our Rifle Volunteers have of late been exercising pretty regularly on Bell Hill, and are now so far advanced with their drill as to be able to enter upon the musket exercise, which, we believe, will commence next week. We hear that there is frequently a great pauoity of attendance at drill; but as the next course of exercise is with the rifle, it is anticipated that the muster roll will be answered by a greater number and more steady attendance; at least it ought to be so, if they wish to merit the name of British Volunteers, of whom Britain and her colonies have become so proud, and France and other nations so envious. As our volunteers are now to be furnished with rifles, the next essential thing is the uniform to be worn ; to consider which a meeting was held on Tuesday at the Court House, Mr. Dick in the chair. Various colors were suggested, and their merits discussed, when a green uniform seemed to obtain favor, and a committee was appointed to call for tenders for the same, the committee to report at a future meeting. Perhaps it may not be out of place in ua to state here that the Wellington volunteers have lately received from home their uniform, which is stated to be of silver grey; but we refer for further information to the paragraph under the head Wellington in another column.

Wool Ships.—The Chi!6 sails for London this day, with a full cargo of wool, valued at about ,£42,000, and 18 passengers. The following are the particulars of the principal shipments :— Bales lbs. Value J. Jones & C 0......... 1,137 371,954 £30,996 Young & M'Glashan... 304 101,752 8,537 Thomas Dick 43 13,533 1,050 W. H. & F. Mansford 57 17,571 1,350 1541 504,867 £41,933 1 The Lizzie Spalding is also a full ship, and is to leave, we understand, to-morrow. We have been unable to obtain the particulars of her cargo.— Otago Colonist, March 1.