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Tuapeka Times, Volume II, Issue 67, 22 May 1869, Page 2

We observe that the " Timaru Herald " reprints, without acknowledgement, a tale — "The fate of the Spy" — expressly written for the "Tuapeka Times."

The present Government was formed in the following manner ."—When Mr. Duncan undertook the task, he found that a strong Executive could not be established without the co-opera-tion of the Opposition. Mr. Reid was accordingly offered a portfolio, which, after consulting his supporters, he accepted, with the proviso that he was to lead the Government in the Council. Two names, those of Messrs. Turnbull and Maclean, were submitted to the Oppotition for the Treasurership, and Mr. Maclean was selected. About the othei members no difficulty existed, or if any did, Mr. Gillies' sudden conversion smooched the way.

A sieeting of Athenaeum Committee was held on Monday evening, when it was resolved to come to some definite arrangement with the Band as to the terms on winch they were to be allowed the use of the building for practise. The Librarian applied for permission to sell refreshments, which was granted ; so that the earnest student can, by visiting ihe Athenteum. be at once regaled not only with the feast of reason and the flow of soul, but also with the other and more material repast which consists of coffee and cakes.

A good deal of excitement prevails in reference to the wrestling match between Tyson and M'Teague, which comes off at the Shamrock grounds, Lawrence, on Monday, the 24th inst. Tyson's'prowess as a wrestler i% well known, and he is supposed to be particularly strong in the Cumberland style, which has been agreed on. Still, not a few fancy the dark horse, whose splendid physique compares favourably with his rival. Both men have paid up their deposits, and the full amount of £20 each has been lodged, so that the event is certain to come off.

Oun enterprising townsman Mr. Lancaster lately built a house on the road side, near his estate, at the Beaumont Ferry, for stowing the produce of his large farm. On passing it the other day, our attention was attracted to stays placed all round it, a few feet apart, in the form of buttresses, to support the walls. On enquiring, we were informed that this was found necessary to support the building, which was gi'oaning under the pressure of 6000 bushels of out 3, equal to 110 tons weight.

No person need lack amusement next week, unless he is troubled with a sickly purse. On Monday evening, a concert in aid of the Band funds conies off in the Athenaeum, when most of our local vocalists are expected to perform. The Waitahuna Dramatic Club produce a new comedy on the same night, in the Assembly Rooint>, Waitahuna, and the high rejmtation of the performers will, no doubt, attract a large house. On Thursday evening, the Athenaeum Readings are certain to give satisfaction to a crowded audience.

The following motion, proposed by Mr. Mouat, has been carried: — "That an address be presented to His Honour the Superintendent and the Executive Council, as delegates of the Governor's powers under the Goldfields Act, 1866, requesting them that, under section 10 of the said Act, they will cause to be exempted from occupation by holders of miners' rights and business licenses, and reserved for the use of holders of claims and mining leases at the Blue Spur, for the purpose of constructing tail-races and discharging tailings, two areas not exceeding thirty acres each, in Gabriel's and Munro's Gullies respectively, but in such manner as not to interfere with or 1 affect any existing tenement." It is satisfactory to find that the new Government are disposed to consult the convenience of the mining population- A measure of this kind will stop litigation, and prove advantageous to all classes. We understand that a public meeting will be held in Mr. Grieves store, Blue Spur, on Monday, the 24th inst., at 7 p.m., for the purpose of considering the best moan*, of giving effect to Mr. Mouat's resolution.

All the places of business in Waipori are now closing at 7 o'clock, Saturdays excepted.

Land adjacent to all centres of population is tobe thrown open by the new Government, and we are glad to learn that the claims of Tuapeka will receive due attention. Witnesses from all the interested districts either have been or will be summoned, in order that blocks commeasurate with the real wants of the district may be declared open for settlement. Messrs. Gascoigne, Robertson, Cormack, and Evans have been spoken of as suitable witnesses from this district, where it is proposed to declare some twenty thousand acres into Hundreds. The Land League has excited a good deal of ridicnle, but no one can say that its efforts have been fruitlesb.

Mr. Mouat's resignation of his post as a manager of the Lawrence Cemetery has been afeeepted*

A young gentleman rejoicing in the aliases John Ross, George Oliver, and 'IGeordie " has got into serious trouble owing to his penchafit for dealings in horseflesh. " Geoxdie " had, it appears, been working for some time for Mr. Higgs, proprietor of the Junction Hotel, Teviot-

road, from whom, in thmbeginning of , the we'elfr,' he borrowed a horse for the purpose of coming into Lawrence. On his arrival at the Beaumont, he 1 apparently came to the conclusion that, after all, a well-lined pocket was better than a borrowed horse. Accordingly, he disposed of his steed for a five-pound note, and pursued his journey on foot. The roads were bad, and the inclinations of Mr. Boss, alias Oliver, luxurious ; accordingly, lie hired another hoise from Mr. Holmes, and went on his way rejoicing. He 'was 'satisfied with" the nag, but, unfortunately,' the saddle did not come up to his standard of excellence, so, on reaching the Thistle store, he endeavoured to obtain another, stating that the request was made by Mr. Holmes' instructions. Mr. Hopkins refused to listen to his charming, and he was compelled to continue his onward course with the objectionable saddle. His stay in Lawrence was brief ; but Waitahuna witnessed his second transaction in horseflesh, the price he obtained being another "fi,yer." Feeling that, after so successful a campaign, he deserved some relaxation, he took the coach to Dunedin, where he was arrested just as he was entering tho Theatre. On Wednesday, he was introduced to Mr. Strole, who remanded him to Lawrence.

Mb. Warden Robinson, writing from Naseby on the 10th ult , reports regarding mining matters as follows :— " Unmistakeable signs of the approach of winter are now to be observed, not only in the snowy covering of the high ranges,, but in the sharp night frosts, and in the occasional squalls of sleet and snow which visit the lower lying country. Still, the weather is not unfavourable for mining, except in the xery highest localities, such as Mount Burster. Already some of the Chinese are beginning to come down to the Kyeburn from Clark's diggings. At the Serpentine, a moderate population continues to do tolerably well, notwithstanding the inclemency of the season in that elevated region. The miners there are scattered over a wide extent of hilly country. Unfortunately, they have not much water to work with. "Were the supply abundant, there would, no doubt, be a heavy yield of gold to be shown. The sluices about Naseby are mostly doing well at present, being fairly supplied with water for their workings. The population at the Kyeburn i»* increasing— not only Chinese but European miners have been repairing tothat part of the field ; and, as usual, some business people have hastened to take advantage of the circumstance by erecting stores, &c. Estimated population . — Miners — Europeans, 850 : Chinese' 350 ;-total, 1200. Others, 1050—Total, 2250.

As a proof of the strength of rope made fioni New Zealand flax, the " Southern Cross" states that on a recent occasion some very heavy machinery had to be drawn up a hill at the Thames, and a four-inch Manilla rope used snapped like a packthread. At 2^-inch New Zealand rope was then employed, and it stood the strain without a bingle strand being injured. It was, too, only an ordinary rope, vith nothing reuiiirkable about it.

In Committee of Supi>ly of the Provincial Council on Thursday the following items were passed :--- Sheep Inspector, £525 ; Education, £13,790; High School, £3,330; Hospitalsalaries, £2,570 ;— expenses, £3,020 ; Lunatic Asylum, £4,620 ; Jetty Dues Collection, £772. Miscellaneous : — Cattle Inspector, £75, postponed ; and Messengers, £470, Keeper of Quarantine Hospital, £50 ; Matron of Immigration Brarack, £100 ; Chaplains, £300 ; Meteorlogical Observer, £50, were passed. Police and Escorts as per estimate was carried. The salary of Chief Commissioner and Surveyor was, on the motion of Mr. Asheroft, reduced from £843 to £643 ; the other items under the head Land Survey were passed as per estimate.

A correspondent comments forcibly on the state of the road between Beaumont Ferry and the Teviot. The road, he says, is absolutely a sea of mud in many places, and reflects very little credit on the Road Engineer. The surface men have during the summer done more harm than good, by filling up the ruts with mullock and soft loam. The matter has been represented to Government, but unless immediate remedial action is taken, freight to the Mount Benger district will rise to £12 per ton. The driver of Cobb and Co.'s coach had, on the 19th inst., to hire additional horses to enable him to carry the mails and passengers to the Teviot. The state of this road is, we believe, only one instance out of many of the gross carelessness of the Government Engineers

Mb. Coveblid's new premises in "Whiteliaven street are completed, and are both commodious and elegant. We believe Mr. Coverlid intends opening a hair-cutting saloon.

A gentleman recently arrived from Dunedin has informed us that that the premises of Messrs Findlay and Gilmore, timber merchant*,, are well worthy of a visit. The stock of imported timber on hand is varied, and the prices remarkably low.

The Eev. Mr. Stanford will preach here tomorrow, when a collection in aid of the Molyneui Island Church of England fund will be made. The contiibution will be a large , one if the congregation here feel any gratitude for the services of Mr. Stanford in byegone times, and for the liberal assistance to the parsonage fund accorded by other congregations. * '

Mb. Love, whose reputation as an artist extends far beyond the limits of this district, intends disposing of seven valuable- oil-paintings by art-union. The prizes are* on view at the Commercial, and will amply repay, a visit inspection.

To-MOBKOW tho Catholic Chapel, Waipori. will be solemnly opened.' - The Rev. Mr- Norris will preside.

At a public meeting held yesterday evening at the Commercial, Messrs. Bastings, Keen,jHayes Armstrong were appointed a provi-' sional Committee to report on the best means of forming a Fire Brigade. The meeting was ad|j6arned' until Friday next, when the committee' are to bring up their report. The election of a representative in the Cfoiu^fc cil, in the pla*e of Mt. Yogel, resigned; to^B plSae on Thursday, The result ftxs as follows : —Dillon Bell, 688 ; Dods, 396 : J. G. S. Grant, 3; J. Graham, 1. Mr. Bath^vte retired in favour of Mr. Dodds. \

The English Mail is expected to arrive in Dunedin this evening j it will therefore be due here on Monday., '

Monday, being the Queen's birijiday, will be a holiday in the banks and public office. The members of the Brass Band are to sh»w their loyalty by a full dress parade.