The Puapeka Times. SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 1868. "Measures, not Men."

Tuapeka Times, Volume I, Issue 32, 19 September 1868, Page 2

The Puapeka Times. SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 1868. " Measures, not Men."

Of all the safeguards of liberty a free press is perhaps the most impori tant. The unreserved discussion of public measures serves as a check on any meditated inroads on the prerogative of the people. • A question, then, which concerns the efficiency and utility of the press has a. vital importance to the whole community which cannot be easily overrated. There is a general and natural desire for early and correct information on all questions of public interest. In this country it can only be gratified by the metropolitan papers, whose great circulation, and large profits enable them to pay a telegraphic tarriff virtually prohibitive to the up-country press. The best remedy for this Would be undoubtedly to raise an agitation with a view to compelling the Government tp offer more, liberal terms for the transmission of intelligence. But this course would take time and an amount of logrolling and lobbying not at all pleasant to contemplate. The oth^r mode is combination, which has been successfully attempted in the United States of America. The leading journals there have formed themselves into a society called the " Associated Press," and have paid correspondents all over the world, whose duty it is to telegraph the more important items of news to the head office of the association in New York. The expense of this, though it might prove heavy if paid by one proprietory alone, when dividedamonganumber proves comparatively trifling. Jt is further reduced by the society furnishing country journals with a summary of the latest intelligence for a moderate subscription per annum. Were our leading journals to initiate a system resembling this, they would benefit not only themselves but also the whola community. A combination of the whole newspaper press united on this, though differing on other questions, would prove a combma-r tion powerful enough to extrace their own terms from the Government. There might be head agencies in Dunedin and Wellington; and no doubt many unpaid correspondents might be found throughout the country willing to supply intelligence from a sense of the benefits I conferred by their services. That the measure would be a popular one there can be little doubt. In a young colony like this the desire for varied intelligence must naturally be very strong. Some of its inhabitante are bound by tender ties to look with interest on the actions of each country in the globe, and would eagerly welcome the most fragmentary information of their fatherland. The restless spirit of a large portion of the population makes local incidents from all parts of the colony of general interest unknown in any other part of the world. By providing such intelligence, the press would obtain a position in the hearts of the people, peculiarly adapted for its noble duty of educator and civiliser. We appeal to our brother journalists to unite with us in advocating so desirable a measure; to buiy for a time their petty animosities and little differences, for the sake of the advancement and improvement of the whole community.

The " House that Jack Built " is a well-known and popular specimen of nursery literature. Jack's edifice may have possessed every good quality possible in a house, hut it had unfortunately a train of attendant consequences, beginning with malt and ending in tatters and matrimony. The Provincial Government might derive a useful warning from Mr. John's building experiences, in their treatment of their new Jioaee— or rather .palace

— in Dunedin. Built for a Postoffice^ we have already an University and M useum looming in the future, with what other consequences beside only heaven and Mr. Macandrew can guess. Against a Museum wo have nothing to say ; but an University in a Province with barely 50,000 inhabitants can never expect to be much more than a kind of upper school. Inducements cannofc be offered sufficient 'to attract first-cla^s professors, and tho attendance o£ students mast of necessity be extremely limited, while the "Little Pedl\ngton" nature of tho whole aftnir would make the degrees worse than valueless. The King of Siani, when he wishes to ruin a subject, presents him with a white elephant, the cost of whose maintenance soon reduces the unfortunate recipient to a position in the columns of the " Bangkok Gazette." The Siamese courtier dare not do away with his giftanimal : we can at least leave our incumbrance empty for a time. Let the Government devote its resources to opening up and improving the country ; to the encouragement of manufactures and agriculture, and cease to try and compete with larger, wealthier and older countries. Speedy advancement^ may sometimes be a good thing ; but to outrun the constable is hardly a kind of progress to, be much desired.

The Rev. Father Hickie has arrived at Dnnedin. He has been commissioned by His Holiness the Pope to collect funds for the establishment of an University in Ireland. We trust the Rev. gontlemnn will not omit Lawrence in his tour, as we have little doubt persons of all denominations would contribute to 30 good a cause. The complimentary soiree in honor of the Presbytery which took place in Lawrenoe Presbyterian Church on Tuesday evening last, Dr. Copland in the chair, waa a signal success, the: c being about 200 people present, who all seamed to enjoy themselves thoroughly— the short, instructive, and humorous addresses which were delivered by the various rev. gentlemen were so much appreciated, that we would recommend a repetition of the attempt at any early date. Mr. Todd opened with an. excellent and instructive address "On the Power of Little Things in the Formation of Character, " which was followed by an interesting speech fiom ur. Dunn "On Opinion." The choir then enlivened the proceedings ; and the Rev. Mr. Martin acknowledged the invitation ho had received to attend, sir. Allan, "Waihoja, addressed the raeetiug on "Sympathy," and air. TJrie on '"Short Hours," Loth judicious and improving speeches. Mr. Ross, Dunstan district, spoke "On Subjects toSpeak upon and How to Treat Them," with point and effect. The choir again sang, and then the chairman addressed tlio meeting on the subject of supporting Missions. He regretted to have to state that the contents of tho Missionary box when opened la,at gave £1 16s. 9Jd. aa the result of six months' collection. He suggested that every one when leaving would drop a sixpence into the box, a proceeding which would greatly augment the funds. If any person present had no small change, he had no doubt that they would find no serious objections to their dropping a half crown, or even a half sovereign. (Laughter and applause.) Mr. "Waters then moved a vote of thanks to. the ladies for their efforts in getting up this soiree, which was enthusiastically accorded. The meeting then dispersed. G-BEAT difficulty it is anticipated will be found in bringing home the charges against Conroy. Last Thursday he was brought up before the Dunedin Police Court on a charge of sticking up Mr. Dunn's house, but was. remanded. On Thursday he was again remanded to Tokomairi,ro. A MEETING of the. Blue Spur Library Com. mittee was held on Monday evening in the schoolhouse, Blue Spur, Mr, Cormack in the chair. The ipembers present were Messrs. Ledingham (Treasurer), Jlf'Lelland (Secretary), Keppel, Morrison, Rae, and Cor. mack. The secretary reported that he had remitted £3 to Air. Hislop. He had also received books to the amount of £4 18s, from'a bookseller in Dunedin, and which were laid on the table for the approval of the members. Mr. Hislop in a letter recently written, hafl stated that a bookseller's receipt would be accepted by the Education Board as a sufficient claim for the subsidy. They had therefore to receive from the Government store books to the value of about £13. It was moved by Mr. Keppel, and seconded by Mr. Morrison, " That the new catalogues be sold for 6d. each," and on being put to the meeting was carried nem. con. The secretary stated that he. hail written to Mr. Batligate as directed at last meeting, requesting him to lecture to the inhabitants of Blue Spur, but had received no answer as yet. In the event of a favorable reply being returned the secretary and treasurer were instructed to make the necessary arrangements. Mr. Keppel asked the secretary why the Irish history he had mentioned at a former^ meeting had not been ordered with the other books, they had histories of England and Scotland, and be did not ! see why they should not do justice to Ireland. i After some conversation Mr. Keppel expressed I himself satisfied with the explanation offered, and the matter dropped. It was moved by Mr. Morrison, and seconded by Mr. M'Lelland, , " That a history of Ireland be added to the library as soon as possible." This was carried without a vpte. Several accounts were then audited and ordered to be paid. " Mr. Morrison moved, and Mr. Al'Lelhind seconded, "That ■ the books laid before them be accepted as an i addition to the library," which was unanimously carried. The proceedings terminated with * vote of thanks to the ohainnan, and the meeting brolce up.

Our Blue Spur mining correspondent says :—: — " Shares in several of the sluicing companies have recently changed hand 3at satisfactory prices. Mr. John Mouat has sold fifty shares j in the Great Extended Company, being one seventh of the company's shares, to Measre. Nicol and Cormack, for £250. Mr. Matthew M 'Neilly has sold a- one seventh share, in Fiffe and Co.'s claim and race, to Mr. Samuel Curregh, for tho sum of £800. Mr. M 'Neilly purposes returning to Ireland in the Great Britain, which fiu-orifce passenger vessel leaves .Melbourne on her return, voyage in a f&w weeks. One of our old residents, Mr. Robert Elliot, of Livingstone «nd Co., has leturned to. the Spur after a two year's absence in Ireland. Two of our well to do shareholders— viz., Mr. Thomas Hines and Mr. John Fiffe. are at present in Australia. There is a great demand for water, and the quantity available although large, ib 'nsufficient for present requirements. The Perseverance Company use twelve hour's water daily, and during the last month they have washed away more dirt than any Blue Spur Company ever before did in a similar length of time. They have still enough loose dirt to keep them sluicing for eight or ten months, before they will have any need to blast again. The shareholders are now. reaping a splendid golden harvest in return for the heavy outlay they incurred, and the pluck and sjk.il! they displayed under difficulties that would have disheartened most men. The tailings difficulty is fast becoming a serious question with several of the sluicing companies on the Gabriel's side, and any well devised plan by which the tailings could be removed furthec down the gully would be a boon to the claimholders A vast quantity of tailings are accumulating near the bottom of Mr. Hales' garden, which are choking the bed , of tho creek and preventing the proper discharge of tailings frpm several of the tail races." On Saturday, the 12th inst., ft meeting of the Athenseum Committee was held, attended by Messrs. Jameson, Morrison, Stenhouse, Hayes, and Secretary, 'Mr. Jameson in the chair. It w.it> agreed that the. new buildinjpbe taken over by the committee on Wednesday, the 16th inst. Mr. Morrison then stated that as he had been appointed to make inquiries in reference to lamps for the lighting of the new building, he had called on Mr. Ba.-nett and. also on Mr. Meyer. Mr. Barnett's lamps were cheapest and best, costing 10s. each. Afr. Stenhouse moved, " That Mr. Morrison be empowered to.purohase lamps from Mr. Barnett, and also to attend to the fitting up of them." Mr. Hayes seconled, and the motion was unanimously carried. The secretary read a letter from Mr. Tuckey , the Inspector of Nuisances, respecting the stagnant water on the section in Ross Place, the propei ty of the Athenseum. It was re3olvod that I the matter should be left over to next meeting, the meanwhile to call on Mr. Tuckoy to inquire I what he wanted done. Mr. .Morrison moved, " That all the furniture and books betaken to the new building on "Wednesday, the 16th inst., and that Mr. Tolchev's kind offer to provide oarriage, be accepted." This was put, and car. ried nem. con. Mr. Morrison nlao moved, " That the secretary should bo instrusied to write the Superintendent, inquiring whether they, could give the new building as security for two years." This was also earned, and with the usual vote to the chairman the meeting dis- j persed. _ j On Friday and Saturday, the 11th and 12th j insts., the Supreme Court was occupied in j hearing the case of Campbell v. Petchell (special Jury). It was a claim for compensation for injury done to the plaintiff by the breaking of his I leg, through the carelessness of the defendant. It appeared that the plaintiff's father is in charge of the punt at Clutha Ferry, and also of a sta^e with a movable flap on the south, side of the river. The accident occurred on the 22nd of 6ot:>ber last, the day on which Hi 3 Honor the Superintendent went to Balclutha to address t'.ie electors after the session of the General Assembly. Mr. Pe.tchell, the defendant, who is a farmer, was waiting on the stage to. receive Mr. Macandrew, and by wrongful in^ terferenoe aa alleged by the plaintiff, or by accident, as stated by himself caused the swing boaul to fall and break Campbell's leg. Mr. Petchell went away alp'ig with the Superintendent after expressing his willingness to pay all medical expenses entailed by the accident. The plaintiff laidthe damages at £1,000, and- lodged a note claiming spesial damages to the amount of £275 25., viz.— costs of medical attendance, &c, £7f» ; loss of employment, £100 2s. ; permanent injury, £100. Mr. James Smith assisted by Afr. B. C. Haggitt, appeared for Mr. Campbell, and Afessrs. Macassy and Howarth, for Mr. Petchcll. For the plaintiff, William Campbell, his father, Archibald Burns, Thomas Burns, John Phi an, F. Lockley, William Ralston, and John Gibson Smith were examined at great length, occupying the whole of Friday. For the defendant there were examined on Saturday the following witnesses :--J. ilfacandrew. Esq., Superintendent, John Petchell, John Sibbald, and Robert Smith, auctioneer. After the judge's summing up, the jury retired, bub not being able to agree, parties through their counsel, consented to accept the verdict of the majority. The foreman stated the finding to be for the plaintiff, damages £100, and the judge certified the case for expenses. Mining operations are being vigorously prosecuted at Waipori. Considerable dissatisfaction is expressed among the mining population at the change made by the Warden in the day of holding the Court there from. Tuesday to Friday. Afi Saturday is only counted for half a day's work the probabiHty is, that a man after losing Friday, would hardly think it worth while to resume work for a' fow hours, thus losing a day and a half instead of Wff a day per week. We trust this grievance wiC oe speedily remedied. Tha Chinamen who loft the. neighborhood during the winter for the banks of the Molyneux, are returning to Waipori, «?here the, weather is now admirably suited for mining purjiosev The fact that the climate oL the Wiupbri'only permits of mining opeationHur 4 limited period of the year, increases the^Hka to the ohangt In Court day* made , Ward«n.

"We have received "An Account of theProvinoe of Otago, Its Present Constitution, Ke» sources, and Prospecte," published by authority of the Provincial Government, and compiled we believe by Mr. Vincent Pyke. It gives a well written, but very highly colored account of the oplony, after the usual manner of Government publication!. We strongly question the wisdom of the policy which endeavors to attract immigration by painting all things coulcur de j rose, a policy having as its only possible result a discontented and restless population. A noticeably feature of this little volume is its lavish praise of Government officials, which may be j accounted for by the old Scotch proverb, "Hawks dinna pyke out hawk's een." There are some very good illustrations, and the work is wonderfully cheap, considering the manner in which it is got up. A rOBLio meeting was held in the Oddfellow's Hall, Waipori, on Friday, the 4th inst., to take into consideration the best means for instituting a public library for the distriot. Mr. Samuel Cawdwell was called upon to occupy the choir, and after explaining the object of the meeting made a few remarks, showing the advantages of obtaining a library for the district similar to those possessed by the other Goldfields. Mr. Cairnes read a letter received from Mr. Hislop, to the effect that tho Education Board expect a large consignment of books specially selected from Britain in a few months, and that Public Library Committees can obtain a grant of those books on the pound for pound principle. It was then proposed, that a pro. tern, committee be formed to take primary steps towards instituting a library — the committee not to. exceed nine gentlemen, and that their duties continue for thrae weeks, when a permanent committee might be appointed by subscribers. The following gentlemen ware selected members : -Messrs. Cairnes, M'Lachlan, M'Cay, Farrant, Ritchie, Samuel Cawdwell, Gormley, Parker, and Lomaa, Five to form a quorum. Dr. M'Lachlan to act as secretary. It was also agreed that the first instalment of money be sent to Dunedin on Tuesday, the 15th inst., so that they might obtain a preference choice of books. That the subscription be £1 per annum, payable in advance. That a public meeting be called three weeks fiom date, to hear report of progress from .pro* tern, committee, and appoint a permanent committee. This concluded the business, and with a vote of thanks to the chairman the meeting dispersed. We have received the following from our esteemed contributor, " Craigielee." We trust that all young and good-looking ladies will profit by the moral conveyed-: - Let go my harm, ye silly fool, Yc're no the man for me, For I will hae a young guidman. Or I'll ne'^r •wedded be. ' I d<nna want yo here a'va — I tel't ye that before ; And what thfi mischief brings ye back t See, look ye, there's the door. Preserve me, man, ye'r getting. bhV, You whezel and ye wheze ; And what care I for a' yer kye, Your sweet milk, or ye'r cheese. j Biythe Jammie's smile is warth them a.', ! Love dances in his cc ; Sac ye may wed wi' wha ye like, Yell never wed wi' me. Sac ye may turn yo roun' about, And look some ither airt ; But I'll gi' ye a frien's advice, And that before we pairt. Sjnc,e ye're determined, richt or wrang, In wedlock to.be paired, Then, honest man, tak my advice — Gang name and shave your beard. Craigielee. August'l6th. On Wednesday evening a beautiful phenomenon of an auroral nature was seen illumining the slcy. It would be interesting to discover how the magnetic needle was affected on this occasion. Great advantages might result from the Government encouraging meteorological ob•ervers in the different districts, by grants of instruments, &c. At a congregational meeting qf the Lawrence Episcopal Church held in the Bchool-houss on the evening of the 14th inst., K. B. itfartin, Esq., was elected to represent Lawrence in the General- Synod, and the following resolution was unanimously arrived at — " That this meeting expresses its extreme regret that so short notice has been given by the standing committee, especially as no communication could by any possibility be received' from any of the other goldfields upon this important subject. The meeting also regrets that the information received from the Rural Dean has been' so meagre that those concerned could only act according to the best of their ability, not knowing what mistakes they might unwittingly make, thereby causing considerable unfairness in the election of lay representatives." OS Tuesday evening a meeting was held in the Assembly Room of the Union Hotel, Teviar, to prepare means of resisting the recent action of Qovornment. in. regard to land set aside for Agricultural Leases. We have been favored, with a report, but press of matter compels us to defer it to our next. A. meeting of tho School Committee was held in the school-room, and attended by Messrs. HaiTop, Aimers, Jameson, Brown, and Hay. A letter from Mrs. Searle, resi'jning her position as female tea.cher, was read. It was resolved on the motion of Mr. Aimers, seconded by anr. Hay, "That the, meeting adjourn to Monday evening, and that written intimations of next meeting be sent by the »ocretary to all the members. " With the usual vote to the chairman, the meeting broke up. The Callorou ship, 674 tons, from London on June 13th, arrived at Port Chalmars on Monday. She brings twenty-sii seoond cabin and steerage passengers and an assorted cargo. The Schleswig Bride, whioh Bailed from Glasgow on June 24th may be shortly expected. She is bringing noarly 230 passengers, of whom about, ninety aro unmarried fasftlef, Baobelorf~]o*k out!