The Tuapeka Times. " Measures, not Men." SATURDAY, APRIL 1l, 1868.

Tuapeka Times, Volume I, Issue 9, 11 April 1868, Page 2

The Tuapeka Times. " Measures, not Men." SATURDAY, APRIL 11, 1868.

We have received the following article from a Dnnedin gentleman, who is rereputed as a financier ; and as the subject is one intimately associated with the interests of a mining community such as Tuapeka, we gladly give it the place of our " usual leading article ; and trust that the scheme he so ably sets forth may lead to some praotical measures being adopted for Jhe development of the well-known gold resources of the Province of Otago. PROPOSAL FOB, AID-IN-MIN-ING AND MINERS' BANKING COMPANY. •> — ________ . " Without seeking to give any undue preponderance to the mining interest, I feel that it is one which will specially repay the best attent ion of the Government. There "is every reason to bettsseihat the golden resources of the Proviuce have", as yet, been scarcely , touched." — Extract from hit Honor the Superintendent's address to the Provincial Council, April 8, 1868, It is an ancient saying, " That God helps those who help themselves;" this "helping" not "being understood in the old Rob Roy sense of " lifting," but in employing active and persistent endeavor to overcome difficulty, and to attain any object we may set before us. In England, at the present time, this ' feeling and meaning are exemplified in the carrying out there so extensively the -principle of co-operation. Through the action of this principle, l the- working men of England have become, conjointly, large manufacturers, extensive calico printers, *- weavers' and spinners, flour millers, bankers, &c, and have been success-./ fuj in all the various businesses in

which they have engaged; and have obtained for themselves, by this combined action, individually, an amount of independence, and comfort for their families, never before enjoyed, nor even anticipated. In this Colony of New Zealand, there is no wide field of labor in which this principle of co-operation can be exercised. There are, as yet, no manufacturing, no woolspinning or weaving, requiring large and pombined capital ; in fact, no branch of domestic industry in which men in numerous bodies can be employed. In agriculture, there is no room or space for co-operatien; and the squatting interest is carried on by individuals who are cojnpetent, from their own means, to carry on wool growing on a large and independent scale. There is, however, one branch of labor in this Colony to which the principle of co-operation is applicable, and at present is, in a degree, so applied, namely, in gold mining; but, as yet, only to a limited extent. But in this direction increased combination might be used, and be not only advantageous to the miners themselves, individually, but especially to the Province of Otago, as a community; a community whioh depends so much for its continued prosperity pn increased (C out-put " from the goldfields. In this Province, it is well know that the production of the goldfields of Ofcago has, during the last four years, decreased much in quantity and value, being, at this time, only about onefourth, on average, of what it was in the earlier period of gold discovery ; and that in proportion to this diminution of gold production, the general trade of the Province has decreased ; profit more difficult to be realised, and payment of d§bt uncertain, The Jraportapt question npw i§, how can the previous quantity of gold production be restored, or increased, and new life and vigor animate provincial trade, puefits made certain, and property of all kinds hold a stable and continued value? It is quite probable that other Gabriel's Gullies are but waiting to be discovered; that but careful and persistent prospecting is required, and a busy and rejoicing population be again profitably employed in their rich clefts and bottoms. Of course, to make such new discoveries as this much vaunted and widely-famed gully, capital is required, and time and leisure necessary. These the present miner cannot afford to give from his limited and hardly- won earnings. He must be daily at his labor, however barely remunerative, to provide for necessary wants. But by co-opera-tion, this difficult and costly department of prospecting may be easily overcome, and funds, available for many mining agencies, easily and largely obtained. It is proposed that the miners of Otago, as a combined body, should found, say "An Aid-in-Mining and Banking Company," of twenty-five thousand shares of ten pounds each share, payable at stated intervals, and by instalments, in all two hundred and fifty thousand pounds sterling of capital ; and allowing there are eight thousand miners, as a whole, in the mining districts, and each miner worth, on average, thirty pounds sterling, less or more, there would be little difficulty, with the assistance of the commercial body, to found such a Company as now proposed. This Company, on usual application, could obtain a bankipg license to carry on usual banking business ; but its chief aim and object would be to assist in forwarding mining interests, advancing certain amounts to the miners on security of shares taken Up and held in this Company, and on deposits ; thus affording means, at current rate of interest, to carry on successfully their individual or present company efforts, to purchase necessary machinery for crushing or pumping, to cut water races, erect fluming, or more stable aquaducts, engage in deep sinking, or purchase whatever material might be required to further ithe progress of the mining body, all of which investments, on their part, would be held as securities for advances by this Banking Company. These loans would be for certain and fixed periods ; and if effected safely for the general interests of the Company, would lift the miner out of that state of helplessness and insecurity in which he now seems to exist. Great natural reservoirs could also be easily made, and at a limited expense, containing, at all seasons, a large and constant supply of water ; and fluming carried to what , might now seem impossible distances, to supply the various scattered goldflelds. Were such a Company as this now proppsed entered into, great activity would

be given to mining interests, and the production of gold largely increase 4 through the Province. The beneficial influence would spread, and a new tone given to provincial trade, and especially new life and activity to Dunedin ; for thither, as to a centre, the results would flow, and our metropolis proceed on a renewed course of prosperity and commercial vigor At present, £he goldfields are becoming a kind of myth, or mere remembrance of the past, in spite of favorably colored reports of Wardens of great " finds " by this or that company, or of the wondrous effects of some fampys "blast.' But, prosperous as our goldfields may have been in the past, they may be more so in the future, and bestow an unlimited a&d a mpre continued prosperity. In regard to the proposed Banking department, it may be avouched that this branch would form a valuable connection. Discount on bills, and interest in advance, as charged in Otago, are exceedingly profitable, and have afforded, under safe and thoughtful management, large dividends ; but becoming also sole purchaser and receiver of all gold obtained, at current price, the profit on re-sale of this gold would also add largely to the dividends of the Company, which, being payable to the miners themselves, as shareholders, would be equal, to them, to an increased price obtained for their gold, of at least four shillings additional per ounce. Doubtless, upcountry merchants and storekeepers would tend to do business with the " Miners' Banking C 0.," its aim and object being the increased prosperity of tjie variqus gold mining districts in which they may be respectively located. From the greater consumption of commodities that would ensue, their individual profits in trade, would also be surely added to. Of course, in arranging the directory of the Company, one moiety pf the number would be selected irom the great body of the practical mining shareholders, and the other moiety from the mercantile community. Valuators also would be appointed, of experience in all mining matters, who would decide on amount of advances to be given on mining properties, on the characters of the borrowers themselves, and on the prospect of success from the individual " claims ; " in brief, every care taken that the Company, as such, should be safely and profitably conducted. There can be no doubt but such an undertaking as this would be successfully carried out in Otago. The necessary funds, though now scattered, are in existence to begin with ; and every month, once in operation, would add to its capital from the number of shares taken up, payable in gold, if wished by the miner, and at full current price, and by instalments, as said, and at the appointed times. In a brief period, the mining body would find themselves in a condition of great influence and independence. Provincial Executives would be at all times ready to listen to and carry out their practical suggestions ; and the complaints of inadequate supervision and inattention to their wishes cease. No necessity would exist for expensive " gold committees " sitting to consult regarding goldfields management; but, thinking and acting for themselves, the miners would become, as they ought to be, the leading and most influential members of our community. Availing themselves also of the opportunities now offered to purchase land, the miners might become yeomen, and independent, though small, proprietors and farmers, still, however, chiefly interested in their mining properties ; and, becoming settled as such, their present wandering habits would cease, and they Woul4 b§ added to the body politic as a large and most valuable section of the provincial population. Being the basis of a new prosperity in Otago, they themselves industrious and energetic, as they have always been, would be the first in the community to become prosperous, happy, and independent. The attention and consideration of the mining body is requested for this idea — 'the establishment in Otago of an " Aid-in-Mining and Banking Company." The scheme may seem new and extensive ; but, without doubt, it can be carried ' out and managed. All banks now existing, and other great commercial companies, have originated from similar causes, ana in a similar manner, — the necessity of obtaining aggregated and combined funds to carry on, increase, or originate a new and profitable branch of industry ; and no industry can be of such importance to Otago as a large and soundly-based extension of its mining interests,

The English Mail via Suez, closes at Lawrenge on the evening of Thursday, the 16th inst., at eight o'clock. Morris and party, of Wetherstones, have washed away the broken stuff caused by their first blast, and are putting in another drive for a pegond blast. This drive will be of very limited extent, as the stuff they are npw operating upon is in close proximity to a water race, which, if distuibed, wquld involve a larger outlay than they are prepared to meet, while uncertain of the payable nature of that part of the cement they are working, which is high up the hill, with a bottom of rock rising at an angle of about forty-five degrees. In a few weeks, we hope to be able to give a satisfactory account of how this part is likely to yield. A congregational meeting of the Lawrence Church of England, for the election of churchwardens and vestrymen, will be held in the Schoolroom, pn Wednesday evening, the 15th instant. All those interested in the Church of England are requested to, attend. We have pleasure in noticing that Mr. Young Henry, who is well known in Tuapeka, hag opened the Washington Hotel, Wetherstones, lately occupied by Mr Chalmers. We can now look upon him as a fixture in the district ; and pn that account we heartily wish him success. A meeting to. f subscribers of the Lawrence Athenaeum will be held- in the Commercial Assembly Booms, on the 14th instant, at half past seven o'clock p.m. The other day, we saw in Mr. Harrop's shop, the latest wonder of the age. An edition of the complete writings of the Bard of Avon, the immortal William Shakespere, comprised in one volume, of upwards of one thousand pages, published in London, at the small price of one shilling. The type, as might be expected, is small; but it is clear and distinct, and the paper is not at all amiss. As a commercial speculation, it can only pay by several hundred thousand copies of it being published. The sweet sonsp and the grand plays of the Swan of Avon will now reach the humblest cot ; and their ennobling influence upon the mind* of all who come in contact with them cannot be fully estimated. A Petition signed by almost all the male in. habitants of, Waitahuna, was a few days ago forwarded to the Provincial Executive protest* ing against the. sale of certain sections of bind in Murray's Flat. The land in question has been advertised in the " Gazette " for sale by auction at the upset price of twenty-five shil* lings per acre. No answer has as yet been received from the Government, but as the advertisement appears again in this week's issue of the " Gazette," it is supposed that they do not mean to accede to the request of the inliabitants. In that case it is intended to petition both the Provincial Council and the Colonial Gpvernment to stop the sale of the land in question. The road from the Round Hill to Waitahuna is being rapidly pushed forward, and it is expected that in another week the traffic to Waitahuna will follow tliat route. The heavy fall of rain at the end of last week has replenished the supply of water which had fallen off very much during the three or four weeks of dry weather we have had, and miners are mostly now able to work full time, ■ We clip the following from yesterday's "Daily Times":— "An artistic memorial of the Mining Conference recently held in Dunedin, has been shown to us. It consists of medallion photographic portraits of the mem. bers of the Conference, arranged in an oval, except that Mr. V. Pyke, who was the Chairman, has his likeness placed as a centre-piece. Ox the ten members, Seven were elected by the miners in the several appointed districts ; and we understand that the cost of the memorial has been defrayed by the seven, each of whom has secured at least one copy, wnile jointly they have presented a copy to each of the three members nominated by the Government. We have said That Mr. Pyke's portrait is centrally placed. Beginning at the top of the oval, and keeping to tne right, the other portraits appear in the following order : — Mr. Swyre, Wakatip ; xUr. Hoyle, Teviot ; Mr. Gaff ney, Manuherikia ; Mr. J. Mouat, M.P.C. ; Mr. J. L. Gillies : Air. fll intyre, Duustan ; Air. Carr, Tuapeka ; Mr. Shannon, lUuultou • and Mr. Lette, Kawttrsm. Altogether, the collection oi 'heads' is a strikingly good one; and the portraits, as photographs, are excellent. They were taken at the London Portrait Rooms."* . An accident occurred yesterday afternoon at Wetherstones, to a miner named Will. He was struck directly on the shoulder by a fall of earth, which bioke his shoulder blade. He was soon after accompanied to the Hospital by Mr. Ogilvie, one of his mates, and was then immediately attended to by Drs. Stewart and Halley. We are informed that he will be confined to the Hospital a fortnight or three weeks. At the Resident Magistrates Court, Lawrence, qn Wednesday, Messrs. John Michael and Richard Lancaster were each fined £5 for a violation pi the Slaughtering Ordinance in not giving the usual notice to kill. They pled extenuating circumstances, but th,e magistrate stated that he had no option but to line them in the mil penalty. The Tapanui School Committee held a meeting on Tuesday labt, when Mr. Neish the. newly appointed-teacher was present and made several suggestions as to school requisites— he is going to Duuedin to select the books, maps, &c, required for the School. The road between Gabriel's and Wetherstones. is progressing satisfactorily, and will soon be completed. Although the road is. not all that could be wished, it will doubtless be a great boon to the district. Yesterday being GoQd Friday, the Banks and Post Office were closed, and business during the day was almost entirely suspended. There was a good attendance at the English and the Roman Catholic Churches,

has favored us with a copy of the following letter which he has received from the Secretary of Land and Works, explanatory of the delay which has occurred in the formation of the bridle track between Lawrenoe and the Blue Spur : — Land and Works Office, Dunedin, Ist April, 1868. SiR| — I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 10th March, 1868, on the subject of the track from Lawrence to the Blue Spur, and to acquaint you that it has been taken in hand by the proper officer of the Pepartment of Roads and Works, It appears that hitherto it has been absolutely impossible to get a party of men together for the work.— l have the honor to be, sir, Your obedient servant, Geoboe Duncan, Secretary for Land and Works. M. Hay, Esq., M.P.C., Lawrence. Wift reference to the above letter, we might remark that the bridle track to the Blue Spur referred to is making rapid progress, but we are informed the £200 granted will not complete the track further up the gully than the big rock. We trust therefore some means will be adopted by the inhabitants to induce the Government to increase the amount of the sub* sidy, so as to carry the track to the Spur, as was intended. It would then join the new road to Wetherstones, and thus complete a circle of road which would cqnfer many advantages upon the inhabitants of Tuapeka. A general meeting of the shareholders of the Tuapeka Building Society will take place on Friday the 17th instant at 7 o'clock p.m. Ths purchaser of Mr. Coverlid's Brewery, sold by auction on Saturday last, by E. De Carle, was Mr. M'Coll, Timber Merchant, and the amount it realized was £SQQ, It is notified in the " Otago Police Gazette, 1 , that to Mounted Constable John Dunne, at Waipori, the sum of £3 has been awarded from the "Police Beward Fund," for zeal and energy displayed in the pursuit and arrest of William Devine, convicted at the last criminal sittings of the Supreme Court, Dunedin, of hone stealing. The practising members of the Lawrence Athenaeum Band held their fortnightly meeting on Tuesday night last. We are happy to say they are making great progress in . their practice, and ere long we feel confident that our town will soon boast of an efficient band to lend their harmony at all occasions where their services may bo required. "We hear that several parties who had promised subscriptions have not paid with that promptitude which the starting of such an undertaking requires. As the cost of instruments amounts to a considerable sum (we believe neai'ly £30), and the committee is personally responsible for the sa:ne, it would be hardly fair for the public to allew them to pay this out of their own pockets, and we would suggest that should they not be able to raise the whole amount by paid subscriptions, a benefit should be given them in the shape, of a vocal concert, the band assisting with one or two of their best practised pieces. The business transacted at the meeting was as follows :— The secretary reported having received from Mr. G. A. Martin, Volunteer Bandmaster, six pieces of music arranged for the different instruments, and that he had acknowledged the receipt of the same, and had written io Mr. Martin for another piece. An apology was read and accepted, from Mr. Speedy, stating his inability to attend through bad health. The following resolution was adopted— " That a sub-committee be formed to get up a local entertainment to raise funds to pay for the remainder of the instruments and music —said committee to consist of Messrs. Francis, Marriott, Watson, Ford, and Morrison." Carried. The members paid their first monthly subscription — namely, 2s. 6d. to defray the working expenses. THE Provincial Council was opened on Wednesday last, when His Honor the Superintendent read a long and comprehensive address touching upon nearly every subject affecting the welfare of the Province. He complimented the Council that they had got rid of General Government political interference. He stated that a considerable reduction was about to be made in the official staff on the goldfleld*, and the saving so effected would be devoted to their material development. He felt that the mining interest was one whioh would specially repay the best attention of the Government. Towards the development of the gold resources of the Province, he proposed the construction of water reservoirs upon a scale which could only be undertaken by the Government. He proposed to ask the Council to refer to a Select Committee the consideration of the subject of the Proclamation of Hundreds. He thought the time had arrived when a college should be instituted, and he proposed that a hundred thousand acres of land should be reserved as an endowment for its support. He had hoped to be able to announce that arrangements had been concluded for the construction of the Southern Trunk Railway -it was possible that before the session terminated, he would still have that pleasure. •He believed that notwithstanding all the drawbacks and difficulties, the Province had to oontend with during the past year, it was never in a more sound and healthy condition. The great want of the Province was population ; although thirteen vessels with immigrants had arrived from Britain and Ireland during the hut nine months, he believed they could have absorbed three times the number with advantage. The longest paragraph in his Honor's address was devoted to an extollation of the Provincial system of Government. He continued by stating that it was his desire to appropriate the revenue at their disposal equitably throughout every district in the Province. Thought it would be well to get clear if not of political, at all events qf financial partnership with the North Island, and towards hastening this objeot, he suggested the union of Otago and Southland. His Honor oonoluded his lengthened address, by expressing the hope that the result of the Council's deliberations might be the advancement and happiness of the whole body of the people.

We are informed that Messrs. Simmons and party* Race, from Rooky Creek into Waipori, was completed this week. It is eight miles in length, and carries eight head of water. One heavy item in the construction of this race was a flume 50 ft. high and 200 ft. long, ftcjtfjua gorge. Another race of theirs will be qcm* pleted in about three weeks time ; they >iU then have the entire command of alltheter. races on the north side of the Waipori i, river. , We have pleasure in intimating that the ! Loyal Waipori Lodge. M.U.L0.0.F,, hold their first anniversary in their hall adjoining the Commercial Hotel, Waipori, on Monday next (Easter Monday), at 10 p.m. Brethren of the Lawrence and Blue Spur Lodges are cordially invited to be present on the auspicious occasion. The Wetheratones Schoolhouse .is being altered and fitted up for the. comfort and cob* 1 venience of the children. The School Committee advertised, by posters, a grand entertainment to inaugurate the opening of the School, on the evening of Easter Monday, at half -past seven o'clock, in the Sportsman's Arms Hotel ; and we anticipate a large audience on the occasion, aot only on acc.ou.nt of the excellent programme 1 for the evening, but as a means of encouraging the promoters of the School, who have brought to bear upon the work before them a degree of energy, such as we have seldom seen excelled. On the morning of the Bth instant, a large quantity of underclothing, valued at L 5, the property of Mrs. Alexander Will, of Wetherstones, was stolen from a tub, which had stood at the door of her house all night, Several other thefts of a similar nature have occurred at Wetherstones lately. W« shall refer to them in our next issue ; meanwhile, we understand the police are on the alert for the discovery of the thief or thieves. THfl case »f Charles White, Waitahuna* was heard on Thursday. The evidence for the prosecution and the defence occupied the Court the whole day. As the case is a most important one, our reporter took a minute detail of the deposition of each witness ; and as we could not insert the whole of the proceedings in our issue of to-day, we thought it would do more justioe to the prisoner to hold it over till our next publication, rather than publish the case for the prosecution alone; The case will appear in full in our next pub, lication. The Magistrate will gire his decision on the case on "YVednesday next,