SATURDAY, AUGUST 22, 1868. " Mtaturei, not Men."

Tuapeka Times, Volume I, Issue 28, 22 August 1868, Page 2

SATURDAY, AUGUST 22, 1868. " Mtaturei, not Men."

The question, on the right or wrong settlement of which, more than on that of any other public question, hinges the prosperity of the Province, is the land question. In comparison with it, other questions appear unimportant and insignificant This is th» vital, the allimportant question, on which, more than on. all questions taken together, depends whether Otago shall for years to come be retrogress sive, advancing, or remain in a stationary state. We can understand, notwithstanding what many say to the contrary, that if the powers of the Provincial Government .are greatly curtailed, or even entirely abolished, our material prosperity may be very little, if at all affected ; and so in reference to many other public questions. Not so in regard to this question ; weighed in the balance with these, J their importance is but as dust In the balance. We cannot conceive how, if the law virtually debars the ' bulk of the people from participating in the natural advantages of the country,, if these are appropriated for the benefit of a few, we cannot understand how the country can be truly prosperous — how the population can increase, or even be maintained at its present level. The wealth of the Province may be .freely spent in the attempt to guide the tide of emigration in this direction ; but if the emigrants, on their arrival, find that the hope which induced them to leave their fatherland — the hope of themselves becoming proprietors of the soil, a delusive one — if they find that the policy, of the Government is to keep them ever laborers, many of them will leave for more favorable lands, and all will assuredly warn their friends and companions in the mother country not to indulge the delusive hopes to which they have become the victims, nor to believe the glowing advertisements of emigration agents. We are convinced that, were the waste lands of the Province, the people's heritage, honestly appropriated for the ■people's benefit, Otago should not require any such specious devices to allure population. . Out numbers would be recruited from the pick of the honest and industrious peasantry and yeomanry of Briton, men and women morally and physically far superior to a great portion of those who under the present system, emigrate. The land policy of the present Government was well characterised in the Provincial Council as one calculated * to make the rich man richer and the poor man poorer." Th» Census shows that! the wealth' of the Province has during tl*e last three years enormously increased: The experience j of any person who knows anything about the" country will teach him ! that this increase has accumulated j :in the hands of a> r very few ; that during that . period ' many of the poor nave become poorer, and that few of the laboring classes, who have created the wealth t have par-^ ticipated in the comforts which it brings. Few of them have emerged i from the position of laborers, while a few of the farmers throughout the Province have improved their cir- j cumstancea. The increase has gone to swell the stores of the squatters, or the dividends* of the banking companies, whose agents the squatters too frequently are. And not only is the material , prosperity of the bulk of the population nindered ty tfct pmmk l»nd uyit^mi but hy

it agencies are fostered, by which, what is of iar more importance, the moral character of a large section of it is deteriorated. The poet says — 111 fares the hind to hastening ills a prey, Where wealth accumulates and men decay. Such, we fear, in some respects, is Otago. X few days ago, we met with a gentleman who insisted on the great benefits accruing to the country from capitalists who have so largely speculated in station and freehold properties in this and the adjoining Provinces ; and, as a case in point, he enumerated the improvements effected on a very extensive freehold property he had lately visited. With one of these improvements we were particularly, impressed. It was the erection of a "men's hut," in one apartment of which there were beds and sleeping accommodation for fifty men. lji the other apartment — for if we rightly remember, the building consisted of two apartments only — their meals were to be<;ooked and eaten. In these two rooms the men had to spend all the hours not devoted to labor, or, at least, those spent indoors. The reader may imagine whether the intercourse of so many men thus herded together without privacy or supervision would be likely to be beneficial or the reverse to the characters of the individuals comprising it. Such is the social condition in which the workpeople on our large stations and freeholds live from day to day, and from year to year. The bothy system, against which so great an outcry has of late years been raised in the home country, was a family arrangement in comparison with this most iniquitous and most degrading system. But so long as the present monopolists in land are allowed to exist, so long shall this system to which we have referred exist and flourish. Under the present land laws, not only are many of the best of our population driven to seek homes in Australia, in the Fijis, and in remote countries, but many of those that remain are subjected to treatment injurious and demoralising.

Ms. James Robertsoh challenge* to plough a match for £50 with the ploughman, whoever he may be, who is successful at the ploughing match at Evans' Flat on Friday next, he (Mr. Robertson) being allowed to select the greund. Wi received information late lut night that Mr Cowap, storekeeper, Beaumont Ferry, had met with an accident, supposed to have had his leg broken, near Dale's house, about four miles from the river. Dr. Halley was sent for ; but up to the time of our going to press we could gain no further information. In our leading article of last week a typo, graphical error occurred, which, although easily overlooked, might greatly mislead those of our readers who are not in a position te refer to published statistics. When referring to the diminution of the population of Otngo during the last three years, or since the last census, we state that the diminution over the whole Province had been " 5000 " souls ; this should have been " 500 ; " but we may here remark that, if the present ruinous polioy is continued, a diminution of 5000 souls will be nearer the mark than 500 when the next census it taken. Wi have received a copy of a new poem by Mrs. Fulton ; but we must reserve any comment upon it till a future issue. Ws regret that the Total Abstinence meeting lapsed last evening, on account of a poor attendance. The Rev. Mr. M'Nicol feared those who had joined the pledge »t the last meeting had broken it, and were ashamed to show face ; but he thought the true^cause might be owing to * mistake in one of the local . papers, which advertised the meeting for the 28th instead of the 21st. The Tuapeka Jockey Club held a meeting last evening in the Victoria Hotel. Present — H. Bastings, Esq. (President), Messrs. Stewart, Farrar, Hay, Lancaster, Hayes, and Potti. The minutes of previous meeting were read and confirmed. The following gentlemen paid one guinea each as their subscriptien to the fund, namely, Messrs. Hayes, Stewart, Bastings, Farrar, Potts, Lancaster, and Hay. The following resolution was adopted— " That no member be allowed to vote until his subscription has been paid." A letter from Mr. Willii, in answer to one forwarded by the Secretary of the Club to Mr. Hughes, was read. It was then resolved, "That Mr. Bastings be deputed to wait upon the Government in reference to the trusteeship of the race course." A letter was read from the Dunstan Jockey Club, requesting, to-be informed of the date of the next Tuapeka race meeting,— Received. It was then resolved, "That the next races take place on the second week in February." The election of officers for the year was then proceeded with. IH.l H. Bastings., Esq., was elected President, M. Potts, Esq., Vioe-President, W. E. Farrar, Esq., Treasurer. Dr. Stewart and A. Armstrong Auditors, and W. Hayes, Secretary. The President referred to the -fact that steps were being taken to get up a spring meeting; it was, however resolved — " That in the opinion $f this Club the resources of the district would "hot warrant the getting up of a spring meeting," This concluded the business of the meeting. We remind our Lawrence readers who are at all spotting inclined, that the Teviot racus come off on Monday and Tuesday next, the 24th und 25th mstaut. WB would draw the attention of our Teviot readers to the sale of Mr. Hicksou's household furniture, &o, which will be.held on Friday the 28th instant, ut one p. m. k It will be observed from our advertiing column* that Mr. Matthew Hay will hold a ■ale of cattle and hordes at Cogill's yards, Bridge Hotel, Waitfthuna, on Thursday, the 3rd proximo, when a Urge number of good fat ste«k, also & few well-bred horses, will be •ffered for »le. We understand that Mr, Hay, at the desire of tome of the Waifcahuna settlers, purpos«i holding * sale of borses and cattle at Waitahuaa on the firrt Thinday of every

A meeti ng of thelCommittee for the Tuapeka district ploughing match was held in the Commercial Hotel on Tuesday evening last, at eigh o'clock, Mr. J. B. Gascoigne occupied the ohair. The meeting waa chiefly occupied in drawing up a code of laws for the* regulation of the match, which will take place on Friday next at Evuns' Flat, in a paddock belonging to Mr. David Evans. The regulations will be found in our advertising columns. The induce* ment for a good number of entries is very good; there will be five money prizes, ranging from £1 to £5. Mr. Vause gives a prize for the best kept harness. Mr. M'Beath gives one of the value of £2 for the best turn-out ; and if the funds will admit of it, there will be other prizes, such as one for the best feering, and ons for best finish. The affair will wind up with a dinner, as is usual on these oocasiom. The Wetherstones Readings continue to attract large audiences. The attendance on "Wednesday last surpassed any previous occasion. There must have been upwards of one hundred and thirty persons present. The programme, although it did not consist of a great many selections, lasted to an unusually late hour— about a quarter past eleven o'clock .The Glee Olub led the way by singing one of their favorite pieces ; but we regret to say the Club, which we have hitherto had just reason to extol, has suffered, from some . cause or other, a great loss— in fact, such a loss as shall compel it to collapse unless speedily repaired. The voices of the ladies are hushed — not one representative appeared ; and however well the gentlemen may acquic themselves, it is absolutely useless for them to continue to give the satisfaction the Club has given in the past. After this weakened Club had done its best, Mr. Clinkskale read a piece from "Artemus Ward." Mrs. Hunter then recited "The Village Bells," and was quite equal to her usual excellent delivery. Joseph Short then read "Tarn O'Shanter;" but we fear the pith of Burns' masterpiece was lost upon a large portion of the audience. When a piece of that description is well read to an audience that thoroughly understands the native doric in which it is written, their risible faculty is excited the one moment and their feeling of superstition the next ; but although Mr. Short failed to produce these sensations, when we remember that he is not a Scotsman, we can make sufficient allowance for him. Mr. Kemp sang, "ThePedler and his Pack. Mr. Donovan read a piece entitled "Artemus Ward and the Fenians." Mr. Herd read a piece from "Maobeath ; " he suited the action to the word and the word to the action, and thus gave a true impersonation of the scene depicted by the poet. Mr. F. W. Morris read with much humor one of the "Caudle Lectures." Mrs. Grove ■ang, "Erin is my Home." Mr. Donovan then read a "local" on tho township of Wetherstones, in which were some hits which took very well, othen were not so much appreciated. We imagine that those whose names were not included would best enjoy the effusion. Mr. W. Abernethy read, "The Banting Bellman." Miss Rebecca Hart read, " The Blind Girl to her Mother," and from her simple recitation of this affecting piece the young Miss gave much satisfaction. The Glee Club made another effort, with similar success to their first piece. Mr. Joseph Russell gave a reading from Dickens' works. Master George Herd recited a fable. Mr. Ferguson gave a reading from " The Merchant of Venice ; " but we know he failed infinitely in hit attempt to impersonate tome of the characters, old Shylock especially ; this was visible from the small applause he- received. Mr. Hamilton told a story in rhyme, " The Pewter Pot," with excellent effect. Mr. Jas. Legerwood Bang, and received an encore, in reply to which he sang, "The Day we went a Shooting." This gentleman has a fine tenor voice, and with a little tra ning might excel as a vocalist. Miss Emma Scott recited, "Harry of Navarre," in a highly creditable manner. Mr. Benjamin Hart read, Barmaid." Mr. Granger Clark gave a reading from " Sam Slick," which" *was received with much laughter. Mr. Samuel Abrains sang, and wu encored ; he replied by singing, "The Poker." Master Harry Carr recited, "The Soldier's Dream;" after which the Glee Club concluded the entertainment by singing the National Anthem. Several of the audience remained for the dancing. Thus finished another evening's real enjoyment which the Wetherstones Headings never fail to provide. The School Committee go into their work with an energy which might put the Lawrence School Committee to shame ; as a proof of this, we may state that the member of Committee for the "Wether-stones. School who has to prepare the programme for next Headings has already secured nearly as many ladies and gentlemen as complete the programme* The late excessively wet weather, followed ai it has been by severe frost, has greatly retarded mining operations in the Waipori district. The weather stems, however, to have changed for the better, and better times may therefore be hoped for. From the Upper Waipori, we are informed that the extensive water-race belongs to the Magdala Gold Mining Company was completed last week. This Company has been long known under the name of Simmonds and Shaw, but since the late war in Abyssinia the Company have adopted the above title. They deserve much praise for the energy they have displayed in supplying with water the locality in which they are situated. This is now the second race they have completed within the last six months, the total length being fifteen and a half miles, at a cost of six hundred pounds for labor and. material. The advantage to the miners in the locality from the construction of these races has already been experienced, as the Magdala Company, from the large supply of water now at their command, are supplying it at about one-half the price paid for it during last summer.* We are further informed that Mr. M'Knight will complete his race, from Burnt Creek to Magdala Point, within a. week or two. Thjbs Rev. Mr. JlfartJn will deliver his lecture, " Recolleotions of India," in the school* room, Blue Spur, on Thursday evening next, tA eight o'clock Spur time.

Thk Tuapeka Dramatic Club performed, in the Commercial Assembly Room on Thunday evening last, for the benefit of th« Lawrence District School. The charge for admission wis four shillings : and although ire heard &om« complaints of the price being too high, still yr» were glad to see the Hall well filled, in fact, during the" latter part of th« performance we may say, crowded. We observed present, ladies and gentlemen from far and near, and the enjoyment of all appeared to be excessive. The Club on this occasion has thoroughly established Hself as having the power within it, apart from any foreign assistance of supplying an evening's pure healthful amusement. At a few 7 minutes past eight o'clock the curtain rose to Courtney's Drama in two acts, "Time Tries All, 1 , and all the characters being impersonated by ladies and gentlemen of the district, the interest in the success of the, piece was, as may be supposed, eagerly watched by many present having not only the welfare of the Club at heart, but also that of the District School. Mr Bastings and Miss S. Vye took tbe leading characttrs, as Mr. Leeson and his daughter, and their acting was perfect. We had previously had tho pleasure of seeing Mr. Bastings in another character, and we had every confidence that he would acquit himself equal to some of our best professionals, but as for Miss Vye she was new to us, and we understood it to be her nrst appeal ance. We have no wish to overrate this young lady's acting— she performed her part so admirably well, that it would be difficult to over-rate her. Her manner- was quite in keeping with the character, and although the part she took whs the heaviest in the piece, she carried it out with a confidence which enabled her to be natural. A> tho young coquette full of life, she reiv&ed the hand of her cousin, Matthew Bates, who loved her passionately (Dr. Halley) and other suitors, she embodied the spirit of tbe author extremely well, and the change which after the supposed lapse of three years came over her mind was very correctly portrayed. The love-making scene of the Hon. Augustus Yawn was admirably executed by Mr. Twigge. When in the act of popping the question to Laura he yawned himself asleep, and was awoke by Mr. Leeson (Mr. Bastings) the house was convulsed with laughter. Mr. Menxa, as Tom Tact the cool and calculating Tom with one eye always on the savings bank and the other on matrimony, } performed his part carefully and well. ' Mia. Parker, as Fanny Fact, always in search of a husband, coull hardly have been excelled. Her description of .a bachelor was inimitable. Mr. 1 Sutherland's duties as 'Charles Clinton were light, hut well performed. The curtain fell at the close of this original and well arranged Drama amid great applause, everybody seeming, with ourselves, somewhat agreeably disappointed. During the interval between the two pieces Mr. Sutherland sang a comic song, which received an encore, to which he replied, but this gentleman's comic singing is bo much appreciated, that he was obliged still further to respdhd to the continuous calls for "Kafusalera," which is allowed to be his masterpiece. In a few minutes the curtain rose to the sidesplitting farce of "Taming a Tiger." To say this piece waa performed well would be to say too little, even exceedingly well would not be sufficiently forcible, admirable or to peifection would be uearer the trush. Mr. Farrer, as the Bengal merchant, Jlfr. Keen as his servant, Mr. Downes as a Traveller in Wines, each performed his part without a single hitch, and it was indeed amusing to watch the countenance* of the audience while this farce was being enacted. At the close of the performance Mr. Bastings came before the curiaii>, and as President of the school thanked the audience on behalf of the Committee, for their presence. The benefit to the school will be something handsome— about L 25 clear. This result must be encouraging both to the Sohool Committee and to those of the Club who have given so much timo in preparation for the entertain* ment which has proved so successful. A Tapanui correspondent, writing on tha 22nd inst., forwards us the following communication :— -Our little community continues to j flourish, satisfactory evidence of which is displayed in the number of new buildings that are in course of erection. It seems but the other day that I rode o^er the site of the present township, when nothing was to be seen but a few houses, and a flock of sheep quietly grazing. Since then, however, a wonderful change ha 3 taken place. The bleating of sheep aud the lowing of cattle have, made way for the din ftf I traffic and the hum of commerce ; and what was once a quiet and unassuming village has now | become a busy town, which is destined to be, at no distant date, the centre of a large and important district, We have experienced a great i convenience^ the hands of the General Government, inasmuch as this has been declared a registration district, and Mr. G. S. Neish appointed Registrar. This is a boon the benefit of which can scarcely be estimated, as previously those who required the services of a registrar had either to go to Popotunoa or Switzers. Our Mutual Improvement Society has had a brilliant career, and is a credit to its founders. It would be difficult to refer to any similar society in the Province of Otago more earnestly conducted or more carefully fostered. The weekly nights of meeting are looked forward to with keenness, and the members seem to carry out the objects of the institution in a proper spirit. Essays are well and carefully delivered, and debates hotly contested, to the edification and amusement of aIL Last Thursday evening there wa» a large attendance, and a very enjoyable evening was spent. The essayist was Mr. Neish, our worthy Secretary and district Schoolmaster, v/ho delivered an excellent e3say on " Money : its vie and abu*e." It was given extemporaneously, and illustrated with numerous anocdotes from practical life.