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Tuapeka Times, Volume II, Issue 70, 12 June 1869, Page 2

In the Town Council on Wednesday evening, Mr. Hay stated that the reduction of the municipalities subsidy was in a great measure owing to the extravagance displayed in the expenditure of Oamaru, where £130 was expended during the year in deputations alone ! Such extravagence disgusted many into opposing the continuance of the £2 for £1 subsidy j and thus through the fault of the least necfcssifcous corporation in tho Province, the Goldfields municipalities are condemned to financial bankruptcy.We are glad to see that all our members— with the exception of Mr J. Hughes— voted in accordance with the expressed desires of their constituents. Mr. Hughes was absent, and aa the motion was only lost by the casting vote of the Speaker, his vote would have secured the continuance of the present rate.

There was more than ordinary stir at the Blue Spur on Friday, last week, occasioned by the marriage of Mr. M'Neily, one of the claimholders. Mr. M'Neily showed a liberality rarely met with when these happy events 'take place, by treating his friends to a magnificent suppe' in Mr. Medwin's hotel. We are informed thai upwards of seventy persons were present an venjoyed a most pleasant evening. The even speaks volumes as to the prosperity of the Blufe Spur. '] The Deep Shaft Committee have received and accepted the tender of Mr. O'Neill of \ Wetharatones for the further testing of the shaft. Our Waitahuna correspondent reports as follows :— A new rush has taken place at the top end of the main gully, about a mile from Duff's Hotel, on one of the spurs. I believe the claims are taken up for a long distance from the prospectors. The names of the prospectors are M'Leod and Carr ; the latter has been prospecting the last three weeks about here, and has a claim next to M'Leod. I learn that M'Leod has got a nugget two and a-half ounces in weight, but I cannot vouch for the truth of the report. I will give you more particulars in my next. A correspondent informs us that Tapanui has been quite a scene of festivity, owing to the event chronicled among the marriages. A dinner to which forty couples sat down began the frolic, and a ball followed, which our informant describes as being "the jolliest affair of the kind he ever attended," The RegistrarGeneral of England says that marriages are in a direct ratio to the prosperity Of a community : if his conclusion is correct, Otago must be tolerably prosperous. A MEETING of .the Athenaeum Committee was held on Saturday last— present, Messrs. Jamison (in the chair), Morison, Ferguson, Stenhouse, and Dr. Halley. It was agreed to grant the use of the hall for the Debating Society's fortnightly meetings at the rate of ss. a night. Some other business of little importance was transacted, when the meeting separated. The usual Athenaeum Readings took place on Thursday evening. The attendance was really miserable, and we were sorry to see some friends from Wetherstones present, as they must have been greatly annoyed and disappointed at walking two miles to witness such a complete failure. Some other and more attractive means of making the Athenaeum popular must be devised before it can be made the resort of the Tuapeka public. We would remind ticketholders and others interested in Mr. Love's art-union that the drawing takes place at the Commercial Hotel this evening. On Thursday last, Mr. Thomson, Wetherstones, while raising a bucket by means of a windlass, by some unlucky chance lost control over the handle, which struck him with such severity on the face that his cheek one was bbroken. We are glad to learn he is progressing favourably. Thb hopes of the inhabitants'of Tasmania are once more excited on the subject of a payable goldfield. The "Launceston Times" says: — "We have heard but little for some time past from the rich auriferous quartz lead discovered at Waterhouse on the north-east coast in March last ; but Mr, Williams having forwarded a small sample of the quartz to Melbourne for essay, we are now in a position to announce the result- The quantity of quartz operated upon weighed 4501b5., and this produced 14dwt" 2gr. of gold ; equal to 3oz. 2Jdwfc. to the ton. The gold is of the standard of 18 carats, and is value for £3 2s. per ounce .'% It is stated by the " Cornwall Chronicle " that the prospectors have applied for a lease. A public meeting will befheldj on Monday evening, at the Commercial, for the purpose of adopting measures to counteract the machinations of a few persons whose interests or ambition lead them to oppose the declaration of the proposed Beaumont Hundred. We have commented so fully on the matter in another column that further remark is unneoessary. We only urge on every one interested in the v/elfare of the district the necessity of rolling up. A determined and unanimous opposition to such intrigues is the best "way to prevent their recurrence. ON Tuesday next, Mr. Fox will move, in the Assembly, a vote of want of confidence in the present Government. It is expected that the recent elections in Otago will give the Opposition a slight majority, On the sth inst., a severe shock of earthquake was felt at Christchurch. A good many chimnies came to grief, but fortunately no one was hurt. We have received a copy of this month's "Illustrated New Zealand Herald." It contains an excellent engraving of the new Postoffice and Government Buildings, Dunedin, and will no doubt be extensively purchased by persons desirous to show their friends at home "what manner of land we live in." The usual meeting of Town Council took j place on Wednesday evening, when there was a full attendance. Constable Titchener was appointed Inspector of Nuisances for the current year, at a salary of £20 per annum. Cr. Hay stated, in reference to the desired handing over of the Cemetery to the Council, that as soon as the resignations of the present trustees, to whom circulars were to be. sent, were received, the members of the Corporation would be gazetted as trustees. Cr. Keen moved that a dozen loads of gravel be laid on the footpath leading to the Pc^t-office, hut his motion lapsed for want of a seconder. Some conversation followed in reference to the creation of a sinking fund to provide for the debentures falling due in 18[75. The Mayor expressed belief that owing $o the throwing open of land in the vicinity, the town would progress so rapidly that no alarm need be experienced as to the payment of the borrowed money. The Council then adjourned.

Wb are informed that Mr.iM'Gffl. the well, known Tokomairiro miller, has gone to Moa Flat to secure a site for the erection of a flour mill on the Benger Barn. It is rumoured that during the night of Monday last some fat cattle, intended f\^ slaughtering, were let out of the paddock iW which they were grazing, and driven away. Should this be correct, we can only say that it is a pitiable and dastardly exhibition of malice. We iru it, however, it is not correct, On "Wednesday evening next, the 16th inst., the Loyal Koxburgh Lodge M.U.1.0.0.F. will be formally and legally opened. We are informed that a goodly number of gentlemen have given their names for membership, and that theie is every appearance of the Roxburgh Lodge being a strong addition to the honourable Order of Oddfellows,' which now, with kindred societies, carries with it such a power for good in Otago- As there is no other friendly society at the Teviot, we should advise every man in the district who is dependant upon the labour of his hands for subsistence to join this Lodge. By doing so he will not only provide for a rainy day, but he will carry into effect one of the instincts of human nature— that of social fellowship one man with another. Many have blest the day they associated themselves with these societies, which, we may state, are founded upon the purely Christian precept, "Bear ye one another's burden;" and. as such, deserve all the encouragement that can be given them. In reference to the inquest considered necessary on the body of the miner Boulton by the Coroner's jury, we may state that Drs. Halley and Johnston have started for Switzcrs in ordes to make the necessary investigation. Oar readers will find a detailed account of the unfortunate affair in our Switzers correspondent's letter. Fkom advertisement it will be seen that the Bey. Mr. KealJ will deliver a lecture at the Blue Spur, in behalf of the Wesleyan Church Circuit debt, on Thursday next, the 17th inst., at 7 o'clock ; subject— "Absalom." We do not wonder at members of the Provincial council complaining bitterly of the reports which appeared in the Dunedin newspapers. They arc not only meagre, but also inaccurate to an extent going far to show that the touchiness of the reporting staff was quite equalled by theii incompetency. One case of the kind complained of nearly affects this district. Mr. Hay brought forward a motion recommending that a weekly mail service should be established between Lawrence and Waipori, According to the "Daily Times'" report this motion was lost, but we have great pleasure in contradicting such a gross misstatement* The motion was carried, and we may soon hope to see two of the most important mining centres brought into close connection with one another. The condition of the footpath from the side walk to the Post-office is a perfect disgrace to the town. The Town Council do not, however, appear averse to mud, as no seconder could be found to a motion of Councillor Keen's pro- ; posing the outlay of a few shillings in gravel for the purpose of remedying the present state of the road. Fits of profuse liberality and absurd economy appear to possess the local senate by turns, and, unfortunately for the comfort of the community, they are suffering from the latter at present. In the meantime we have to exercise our patience and wallow contentedly through the mud. We are glad to learn that steps are being taken to raise the sum necessary for the repair of the Smith's Bush road, Only £75 is required to secure the Government grant of £150, and when we consider that every firewood consumer will benefit by the reduction of price consequent on increased facilities of carriage, we feel confident that no difficulty will be experienced in raising so small a sum. The Government of Victoria appear convinced of the necessity of adopting a liberal land system. The bill introduced into the Assembly by the Land Minister amounts to an adoption of free selection before and after survey, to the extent of 640 acres each applicant. The runholders are to have a preemptive right to their homesteads, but to nothing eke, and priority of application is to take the place of the lottery method at present followed. The weekly meeting of the Waste Lands BoaTd was held on Wednesday, the Oth inst., when it was agreed that Mr. Walkers lease of fourteen acres, near Lawrence, for working lignite and making bricks, should be issued as soon as possible Mr. Brannigan's request for the appointment of Constables Dunne and Purdue Crown Rangers was complied with. A letter from Richard Heritage, claiming his right to purchase section 1, block XLL, Lawrence, was received. It was agreed that unless he took up section 4, block XL., by payment within one month, it would be put up to auction. The fixing an upset price for Havelock Township was postponed ; former sections had sold at not less than £12 10s. ; Block XL., Waitahuna, to be sold at an upset price of £1 per acre. The application of Mr. Allan to purchase sections at Tapanui was granted on condition that he should advertise for objections. If none are lodged he is to get his land at the last highest bid. On Mr. Smith's application for Clutha Island, it was agreed to make it a section of block 11., Waitahuna, and advertise it for sale as land of special value. It was agreed to issue a lease for Low's lignite area Teviot. The bad condition of the roads has induced Cobb and Co. to make two stages between here and the Toviot— one at the Beaumont and the other at Mr, Patrick's Spylaw Hotel. The Duke of Edinburgh, Lady Bowen, and Lieut. Beresford have bought shares in ths Long Drive Claim, Thames, where a recent crashing gave 1,185 ounces for 3501b5. of stone^ Another proof of the richness of the Thames Cfoldfleld is afforded by the sale of Hun*** share in the celebrated claim bearing hfl name for £49,000.

Mb. J. L. Gillies is at present in this district. His mission, we believe, has no reference to the Beaumont Hundreds, his object being to make some satisfactory arrangement with the runholders in regard to the eoVenar.t blocks. • - . . . whose daring and skill kept the whole countrywide in a fidget, has received the reward due to his enterprise as a burglar. It appears that some ardent admirer has resolved to tread in his illustrious footsteps as a competitor for the fame conferred by "the il Police Gazette." Like many other aspirants, his first attempt has resulted in failure, but a narrative of the circumstances will show how bold was his endeavour. Last Tuesday night, while Mrs. Gascoigne was sitting by her fireside, reading 1 she was suddenly alarmed by the appearance of a man's face at the window. Instead of fainting or shrieking, she boldly went to the door and demanded the business of the intruder, but he, thinking discretion the better part of valour, ignominiously skedaddled. On Mr. Gascoigne— who was in bed in another room being informed of the circumstances of the case, he placed a loaded shooter by his pillow, and he and his wife retired to rest. Barely half an hour elapsed before a smothe ed cough, betrayed the prowling marrauder, whom a second display of vigilance on the part of his intended victims again put to flight. ■ In the morning his slot could be traced in the garden from the house to the boundary hedge, the foot- - prints being of an unusually ■ large size. Information of the attempt was given to the police, who are on the alert to act upon any *' information received."" We are compelled f or- want of space to omit the detailed report of the proceedings of the Warden's Court. The cases heard were as follows •— Bently and Tucker v. British American Co., for an injunction against damaging plaintiffs' claim, was deferred until the TTarden could inspect the gronnd. Ponsonby and party v. M'Nab and party, Blue Spur, damages for injury to race, was also deferred. Chairman of Board of Wardens v. Sutherland and Poison, depasturing sheep on the cattle reserve, was also postponed. A meeting of the trustees of the Lawrence Cemetery was held in the Commercial Hotel on Thursday, 10th inst. Messrs.. JF. Herbert? Kobertson, and Bastings attended. Mr. Bastings, as a member of sub-committee, reported that Mr. Nicolson had nearly completed a plan of the Cemetery. The Secretary was requested to apply to all persons indebted to the Cemetery, and unless payment was made before Monday, 14th inst., to take steps for its recovery. The Secretary was also instructed to enquire at what price — if any — Government would supply quicks for planting. t THE accounts from Adam's Flat are very discouraging, indeed there is every reason to "believe that_the ground is a "duffer." A correspondent informs us that one experienced Australian miner, after working a fortnight, Jound his earnings amount to the magnificent of six shillings. Two miners, who came frbm Switzers with three pack-horses laden with a complete assortment of mining tools, were hardly more fortunate, the result of a week's washing being only thirty shillings. Our informant states that he had seen the prospects of about thirty different miners, and - in no case was the result .more than equal to about ten shillings a week. He declares his belief that there is not twenty pounds weight of gold in the whole four hundred acres, and that men are leaving daily, quite disgubted at the disappointment of all their hopes. The statements of our correspondent are confirmed byajjarty of three miners from Tuapeka Flat, who have returned disgusted with the duffer character of the ground. Owing to the frightful condition of Ross Place, the services of the Church of England will, for two months, be held at 3 p.m.