The Tuapeka Times. SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 1869. " Measures, not Men."

Tuapeka Times, Volume II, Issue 55, 27 February 1869, Page 2

The Tuapeka Times. SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 1869. " Measures, not Men."

Some time ago a petition, complaining of the maladministration of the Waste Lands Act in Otago, from settlers in the Clutha District, was presented to Parliament. The petition was referred to a joint committee of both Houses, and several witnesses were examined, the result being a recommendation that Commissioners should be appointed to enquire more fully into the matter. This recommendation was acted upon — the Hon. Mr. Domett and Messrs. Strode and Reynolds forming the members of the Commission. On Saturday last the two firstnamed gentlemen visited Tuapeka, and throughout the whole of that day and Monday, and a part of Tuesday, were engaged in examining witnesses. The examination was conducted upon oath — a measure which will greatly increase the value of the evidence given, and will serve as a guarantee for its trustworthiness. Unfortunately the beneficial tendency of the Commission was .greatly lessened by two unfortunate errors. The first of these was the exclusion of the Representatives of the press — a step preventive of that amount of healthy publicity to the statements of each individual, which is so conducive to the public weal. We were considerably surprised at this action on the part of Messrs. Domett and Strode, as nearly every Royal Commission at home sits with open doors. The evidence taken by the Ritualistic Commission, which investigated a most important and delicate question, was published day by day in the public journals; and this is only one instance out of many. One of the reasons urged for privacy struck us as singularly out of place, considering the semijudicial source from which it emanated : it was that extensive publicity would enable the enemies of settlement to contradict and impeach a good .deal of the evidence. And why, in the name of common sense and justice, should not all be allowed this opportunity ? A squatter is, after all, ahum'anbeing; and we feel so fully convinced of the righteousness of the cause advocated by the Land League, that we do not fear all the machinations of the she'epocracy.- Besides, the argument "is two-e.dged; and as the common tendency is to take >omne ignbty/m pro mirifico, we are likely enough to have a good deal of speculation, as to the exaggerated tales with which th§ Commissioners were crammed. No person who heard the evidence, or who is acquainted with the characters of the witnesses examined, would for a moment entertain such suspicions; but the misfortune is that veiy few had such an opportunity afforded them, The other mistake into

\ w&ich. the Commission fell was/dis<] playing a strong animus against * Provincialism, by eagerly sei^nc every tittle that could be alleged against that system ; and while denouncing the conduct of others in making public interests subservient to partizan purposes, following out the error they condemned. " They saw and approved the good, but chose the evil" We are opposed to the present system, and' have fearlessly avowed that opposition ; but we should father see it perish on the gallows of Haman than fall in a corner by the dagger of an assassin. If Provincialism is on its trial, let it have the same measure of justice meted out to it that is awarded to any other criminal. Let its most able advocates be heard in defence, and even then we believe some important alterations and reforms would be found necessary before it would meet the requirements of the country. Further, we are thoroughly convinced that to deprive the Provincial Government of the administration of the Land Laws simply to hand it over to the General Government would be avoiding Scylla in order to perish in Charybdis. The great fault of the existing system is that the present Board is not directly amenable to public opinion, and this would certainly not be altered by exchanging Dunedin for Wellington. No fwe have had enough of political manoeuvring already to warn us from such a step, and to lead to the conviction that no member of any Government should have anything to do with the administration of the public trust. Much of the evidence given here went to show that -this trust has been shamefully, or rather shamelessly, used- for political purposes; and the problem is not whether Mr, Stafford is a better man than Mr. Yogel, but how we may be enabled to dispense, with both^ these worthies. The only solution possible is, we believe, the creation of local boards, holding their office directly from the people, and not nominees of a party. Were the duties of administration entrusted to such bodies, we may rest assured a close watch would be kept on their proceedings by every resident in their particular <^flHfl| At present our empire is a /P^jlH oligarchy — a rule more detestable "^ than an absolute tyranny. The people are allowed so little voice in public affairs that they give up the' matter in despair, and either start for the Fijis or keep entirely apart from politics, with the philosophic determination to grin and bear it. We should like to see local affairs entrusted to bodies similar to the Commissioners of supply, who so efficiently regulate the affairs of the Scotch Counties. At all events, we desire to see a Waste Lands Board which is not the Provincial Executive, on the one hand ; or the nominee of a Colonial Secretary, on the other. The evidence given here showed that the agitation for land is no clap-trap; and the thanks of all persons having the welfare of the Province at heart are due to the Land League for the manner in. which they prepared for the reception of the Commissioners. We trust these gentlemen will in future remember they are conducting a judicial investigation, and not stumping the country for a party. With this hope we leave, them, intending to resume the subject at an early opportunity.

Gold mining does not, after all, appear so unprofitable or precarious a pursuit as some people suppose. "We learn that a Chinaman working near Tua'jeka Mouth, who was examined in the recent assault case, swore that his weekly earnings averaged £17 10s. ; and we hare been credibly informed that some miners working on the spurs down the Tuapeka Creek on runs 106 and 123 ate averaging £3 a ffewy w Such returns would not be so uncommon were it not for the perversity of some of our agriculturists, who persist in throwing every obstacle in the way of mining progress, by refusing to permit races to be cut through their ground, and obstructing prospecting parties. The grievance is so great as to call for the interference of the legislature. The ladies of the Lawrence Presbyterian congregation have embibed much of the missionary spirit. They have been labouring for some weeks in order to' make up a box of female clothing for the New Hebrides Mission, -which, we believe, is to be forwarded to the Rev. Mr. Inglis in a few days. We had the pleasure of inspecting this donation, which appeared well adapted for the climate and suited to the circumstances of those who are to be^+ha Jiappy recipients. The articles are d|gfoligh7 jackets and skirts for -females, anflfortfa over £20 " Such an effort reflects great credVupon" Mrs. Copland and her assistants, Mesdames Jamison, Stenhouso, M'Kinlay, Searle," G. Morrison, Stewart, P. ltobertson, A. Robertson, Howisen' all of Lawrence; Mrs. Smith, the Camp* "Wetherstones ; Mrs- Brydie, Blue Spur ; and j Messrs. Herbert and M'Beath. ' Fm From an advertisement in another coltunjv^JC I our readers will observe that Dr. Goodjar hJ^ll commenced practice in this district,

to a press of advertising matter we I ■^Bmpelled to hold over the report of the 1 sefo* cricket match between the Waitahuna \ andf okomairiro clubs, in when the latter prom victorious ; also, a letter signed " One Preslt at the Meeting," from Tapanui, and I seveil items of local interest. Mb«ay h as received the following communicatilfrom the Government : — 1 Provincial Government Offices, I Dunedin, 16tn February, 1809. Sir,-! have been directed to acknowledge the rec*t o f your letter of the date quoted in the marK addressed to the Secretary for Land and Wol on the subject of the road from the main lin|o Tapanui Township, and to acquaint you thatle -works to which you refer are in progress fe will, it is expected, be completed pn or abolthe beginning of next month. ■ I have the honour, &c, 1 Alex. Wilus. I Clerk, Executive Council. M. Hay,|sq., M.P.C., Lawrence. Mb. Tayl the gentleman appointed by the Government]! the capacity of Music Master, Las paid tMßlue Spur School sundry visits. The children although advanced a stage in the rudiments o»iusic, are visibly improved by his instruction, 4much so, indeed, that on his two visits the chi»en made very creditable efforts to sing in para The Otago Government have done much for Ye cause of education — perhaps more than that if any other province of New Zealand— and iiahe appointment of Mr. Taylor they have made i wise choice. TTe learn tha- i. deer has been seen near the Blue Mountains \This maybe pne which, has escaped from soha private owner. The second of (the series of readings in connection with the ;Tuitpeka Athenaeum came off on Thursday evening. Owing to sufficient publicity not having bten given to the change of day, the attendance was. not so large as it would have been, still it \va& much, larger that on the former occasion. A large number of the fair sex attended ; and ai they appear to have taken those entertainments under their patxonage, little doubt can be' entertained of their ultimate success. The nimerous readers acquitted themselves admiraay, and received their due meed of applause. Mi Taylor, Provincial Music Master, sang two songs in an admirable pianner; and if he succeeds in making the rising generation as proficient as himself, an Qtagan Prima Donna is within the possibilities of the future. Ws trust the public will give their warmest support to the Athenjemn Committee in their efforts to^catoffor the general amusement -a support merited by not only the intrinsic merits of the performances, but also by the good object aided by the funds collected, "We commented severely in our last number on the gross disregard for the public convenience displayed by the Post-office authorities, in aiterthe hour of closing the mails from 8 p.m. to furth^fefcwjsliip is now added by the Announcement that no mail will in future be . made up on Sunday. The result of this will be to prevent our business men from being able to reply to their correspondents* letters -received here on Saturday until the following Tuesday. We trust prompt measures will be taken to show that the postal authorities are the servants, not the masters of the public ; and that, however pleasant it may be for them to curtail their hours of service, it is not their convenience, but that of their employers, which must be finally consulted. From the indignation generally expressed, we believe a memorial to the Post-master-General, protesting against the alteration, will be numerously andinfluentially signed. "We hope some of our public men will take a lead in this matter. The Galatea, Captain H.R.H. the Duke of Edinburgh, has arrived at Adelaide, and for the next three months we may expect a display of ilunkeyism and fulsome adulation sufficient to sicken the strongest stomach. We trust, but dare not hope, that New Zealand will abstain from any such ludicrous outbursts as characterized the reception of H.R.H. last year by New South Wales and Victoria. Loyalty and courtesy demand that the Duke be received with due honour, as a representative of Her Majesty ; but to pay almost divine honours to a young man who has not as yet distinguished himself ' in any way appears an absurd and expensive extravagance. But it is no use talking : toadies will be toadies, aud flunkies continue to grace the plush in the Southern as well as the Northern Hemisphere. As accident, which might»have been attended withiserious. consequences, happened on Thursday aa Livingstone and Co. 's claim, Blue Spur. A laige fall of earth, caused, it is supposed, by the heat of the sun disintegrating the mass, buried a couple of men employed in the claim. One of them was well enough to return to work atonw, and although tbe other haA been confined to bed, we hear his injuries were not sufficiently serious to call for medical attendance. The escape was, however, fax too narrow to be •xactlylpleasanti. I ( A MELANCHOLY accident occuned at vhe Beauaont this week. A man in tbe employ of Mr. Lancaster was holding the horse attached .to a heavy dray when the animal, by s^ sudden jerk, threw him down, and the wheei k the , waggon passed over his body. The unfortunate / sufferer was*t once conveyed to the Tutpeka Hospital, where- he lies in' a mo3t precajious condition. = . I A BDNjfiNG match, for £5 a side, tetweenW. T l?ritchard, ' Dunedin, and our worthy Major, came off on Saturday forenoon. The coirse was a portion of the Gabriel's road, and bdth competitors appeared on the ground. " Full Vf high hopes and girded for the'f ray," Mr. Basting ( gave five yards' to his adversary; but in spitt of this He held the place of honour in the betl r ting. The spectators ,were numerous, and the . excitement was intense. At last a start was "".effected, Pritchard keeping the lead for only about twenty yards, when Bastings rushed to the front, and won as he pleased by fifteen yards. Such a display of activity on the part of a Mayor is, we believe, unparalleled, and is sufficient proof that turtle soup is a scarce commodity on the Tuftpe'k* goldfields.

The Eoyal Commissioners (Messrs. Domett and Strode) appointed to enquire into the administration of the wasts lands of Otago opened their enquiry on Saturday. A meeting of the Land League was held previous to the Commissioners sitting. The attendance -was fair, the following gentlemen representing the different branches of the League : — Waitahuna ; Messrs. Grundy, Frazer and Low ; Tuapeka Mouth : Mr. Mailler ; Tuapeka Flat : Messrs. Lindesay and Mcc; Teviot :• Messrs. Nicholson, Beaton and M'Lachlan : Evans^]»t : Mr. Evans ; Blue Spur : Messrs. Cormack and Michael ; Lawrence : Messrs. Bastings, Keen and Ferguson ; Tapaaoi: J. C. Brown, Esq., M.P.C. Mr Keen was called on to occupy the chair, and stated it would be unnecessary for any of the Teviot delegates to give evidence, as tho Commissioneis intended visiting that district. Mr. Mouat was appointed to watch the interests of the League and assist in the examination of witnesses during the sitting of the Commissioners ; and there being no further business, the meeting resolved itself into a deputation and Waited on the Commissioners. The Eoyal Commission having been read, the following witnesses were examined : — Saturday (favourable to throwing open of runs) : Messrs. Mouat, Cormack. Keen, Gascoigne, Grundy. Monday (favourable to throwing open of runs) : Messrs. Grundy (continued), Fraser, Mcc, Evans, Tolcher, Brown. Unfavourable to the League : Mr. Adams, Provincial Government employee. Mr. Nicolson gave evidence as to matters of fact, and in explanation of pUy&ical features of the country mentioned byoth.9p witnesses, On Tuesday, Mr. Bastings gave evidence ; and no other witnesses having appeared, the Commissioners left for Teviot. Owing to the decision of the Commissioners that reporters should not be permitted to attend,, we cannot in courtesy give our readers a detailed account of the evidence ; but this matter will be found treated at full length in our leader. Mb. Eoss, well known at the Blue Spur and Monro's, is at present a patient in the Tuapeka Hospital. We understand .a visit to a warmer and more genial climate has been recommended by his medical adviser as the best chance of recovery, and that some of his friends propose raising a subscription in order to enable him to start for New South Wales. We trust thia appeal will be liberally responded to. The gospital has been surrounded by a new fence, and the old gates have been replaced by excellent iron ones. The irapi'overaent is very great, and Mr. Aimers deserves credit for the manner in which he has executed the work. The new meat safe is also an excellent piece of workmanship,- and will, we have no doubt, prove highly useful. The Tuapeka races were wound up on Saturday by a hurdle race for LlO, which was wan by Mr. Pritchard's Deborah, and v hack race for a 6addle and bridle, won by Mr. Evan's Dandy,- Mr. Foote's Gipsy Queen claiming second honours. The attendance waa very fair, considering that all the great events had been decided. The exact amount obtained for Mrs. Macnamara at the entertainment will Lepublished in our next, the returns of tickets not having been yet received. Ox Monday evening last, a most successful entertainment was given in the Sportsman's Arms Hotel, Wetherstones, as a benefit to Widow Macnamara and children. The large room was crowded : there must have been at least 200 ladies and gentlemen present.. It is very pleasing to note the readiness with which the public of TTe therstones and Lawrence turn out to the call when any really charitable object is in view. We feel assured that the large gathering on Monday evening was chiefly owing to a belief that the recipient was one highly deserving of their consideration, and they now will have the consciousness of having contributed their mite to cheer a lonely wayfarer on life's journey. The Committee, Messrs. Donovan. Crow, Af'Swiney, and Jlf'Ciusky, are deserving of great praise for the energy they displayed in completing the success of the entertainment. My. iff'Swiney occupied the chair ; and the readings, songs, and recitations afforded a splendid display of local talent, the , performers being Mesdames Hunter and Cianley, ikfisses E. and M. Scott, Afessrs. Bastings, Donovan, Sutherland, Keen, Fenwick, Thompson, Legerwood, Afilligan, Ferguson, Abrim, Tolcher, Swanwick, and Dr. Halley, The Brass Band enlivened the proceedings by playing a selection of popular airs. A most pleasant evening was passed by all present, and the result must be highly gratifying to the committee of management. We believe the handsome sum of £20 was realised by tbe performance.