TAPANUI.

Tuapeka Times, Volume II, Issue 82, 4 September 1869, Page 3

TAPANUI.

' (From, our Own Correspondent. )

The Otago Hundreds Regulation Bill has stirred up tlie public spirited here, and awakened the political feeling into activity. In order that the voice of this district might be heard among the rest, a public meeting was held in the Hall, on Friday, 27th ult. Mr. Eodgers was called to the chair. After stating the object of the meeting and reading the bill, he spoke at some length upon what he very appropriately termed the Otago Hundreds Ruination Bill. Much alarm and regret was expressed by the various speakers that ever such a bill should become law in Otago. The following resolutions were then passed : —

1. That this meeting is of opinion that the Otago Hundreds Regulation Bill is passed in direct opposition to the views of the Commission appointed to enquire into the working of the Waste Land Ordinance, will materially impede the progress of settlement, and cause the present population to seek a more favoured country. 2. This meeting, having viewed with alarm and regret the active part taken by James Macandrew, Esq., Superintendent, in the passing of the Ofcago Hundreds Regulation Bill, is of opinion that he has sacrificed the interests of the majority of his constituents to serve the interests of the minority ; and, -therefore, hereby request him to resign his trust. A Committee was then appointed to exert themselves in the present crisis. On Saturday, the 28th, the Committee met, appointed a chairman, drew up a report of the public meeting, to be forwarded to Mr. Gillies, Tokomairiro, asking his opinion and information as to what steps should be taken to prevent the bill becoming law. The forthcoming election for the Wallace District is causing some stir. Mr. J. C. Brown seems to be the favourite candidate in this district.

(From a Correspondent.)

The Otago Hundreds Regulation Bill is evidently just now the rage all over the entire the Province. The newspapers teem with reports of meetings held to cpnsider its provisions,

which invariably terminate with denouncing both the bill and its originators. The mania lias at length reacted Tapanui — notorious for its apathy in matters political, and the dire indignation of its residents evoked. And, it is not to be marvelled at, for the district will sufFer materially from the passing of this perfidious Act, inasmuch as the Provincial Council, at its late sitting, decided that a hundred of twenty thousand acres should be declared adjacent to the township. In all likelihood this ruinous measure of Dillon Bell's will abrogate and nullify the decision of the Council, to the great detriment of Otago. We were looking forward to the declaration of the hundred with great pleasure, as I know of a certainty it would have increased our population significantly, besides rendering those already in the district much more prosperous. A public nieotinor was held on Friday evening, to determine upon some course of action. The meeting was numerously attended by those having any stake in the district. Mr. James Bodgers, who was called to the chair, in stating the object of the meeting, said he trusted all present would con- { duct themselves with propriety, and those who intended taking part in the proceedings would speak relevantly, and keep in view the question at issue. He also thought it would be judicious and prudent to act in concert with the Tokomairiro Committee. After readj ing the bill and a speech delivered by Mr. Gillies at Milton, as an exegesis of it he asked any one in the room to arise and express their opinion. Mr. ¥m, "White, in a homely but forcible speech, described the languishing condition of the Province ; the pressing necessity that existed for good largo hundreds ; and the injurious effect the bill under consideration would have upon the prospects of one and all. Mr. Strean then proposed the first resolution. lam sorry I have it not at hand, but its purport was to the effect that the bill was passed in direct opposition to the wish of those who were to live under it, and would impede settlement. Mr. Strean, at considerable length, enforced his resolution, and concluded by exhorting all who had a vote to send a man to the House of Representatives next month who would endeavour to get the bill rescinded. Mr. MTarlane, in seconding the resolution, said that as we had taken action late, we ought to double our diligence and so make amends for our dilatoriness. Several others addressed the meeting, after which a resolution was proposed and seconded, that the Superintendent be requested to resign. A committee was formed to forward the resolutions, and to communicate with the Tokomairiro committee. The forthcoming elections is likely to be well contested. I have heard the following names : — J". C. Brown, C. H. Nicolson, Captain M'Kenzie, H. D. Maddock, and a gentleman in Southland. Mr. Brown is to address the electors in the Hall on Tuesday evening. From all I can hear, he is likely to be returned by a large majority from Tapanui. As Mr. Strean is about leaving our district, he intends giving a supper and ball to-night. I believe the whole township is invited. In a late issue I observed a paragraph, stating that three gallant bachelors had given a ball. I may be allowed to say that not only three, but thirteen (a dismal state of society) had a hand in it. The majority of the aforesaid bachelors have resumed their wonted sfcaidness j but in the case of one or two of the most illustrious, a speedy marriage or six months' solitary confinement, is the only thing likely to recover it. lam reliably informed that one young lady is inundated with declarations of eternal devotion, stong attachment, and unconquerable attachment. Not long ago I heard our Registrar declare he had almost forgotten how to write out a marriage certificate. He is likely to have a little of the wished-for practise soon.

For the last four or five days the weather has been magnificent; the roads are very good, and in consequence everything looks well, and every body happy. Our Mutual Improvement Society still holds its ground. Last Thursday evening was devoted to readings and recitations, a number of both of which were tastefully rendered. Active operations are being proceeded with at the Victoria Saw Mills, to commence boiling down. I hope soou to be able to report a start. The footpath so muck talked of, is now in the course of construction, and should the fine weather continue, will shortly be finished.

A Trfliing Mistake— A drunken north countryman returning from a fair, fell asleep by the roadside, where a pig found him, and began to lick his mouth. Sawney roared out, " Wha's kissen me noo? Ye see what it is to be weel likit amang the lasses. "

An elderly gentleman accustomed to "indulge," entered a room of a certain tavern, where sat a grave friend by the fire. Lifting a, pair of green spectacles upon his forehead, rubbing his inflamed eyes and calling for hot brandy and water, he complained to the i'riend that "his eyes were getting •weaker, and that even spectacles didu't seem, io do iheni any good." "I'll tell thee friend," replied the Quaker, " what I think. If thee was to wear spectacles over thy mouth for a fe,w months, thy eyes would get well again.."

"WALLACE ELECTION.

(To tKe Editor- of the. TiKxpeJM Times.)

Sir,— When at the solicitation of several of the most influential electors of Wallace I permitted myself to be brought forward as a candidate for the representation of that district in the House of Assembly, 1 was not aware of any other Liberal candidate being ready to take the field. Since that time I have learned that a gentleman for whose talent and probity I have the highest admiration, and whose election will, I believe, prove beneficial not only to Wallace, but to the whole Province of Otago, has expressed his willingness to become a candidate. Permit me, then, through the medium of your columns, to announce my retirement in favour of Mr J. C. Brown, and to return my cordial thanks to the gentlemen who so kindly volunteered to support me. — 1 am, &c,

Charles Nicholson. Miller's Flat, September Ist.

OUR MEMBERS.

(To the Editor of the Tuapeka Times.)

Sir, — How is it that Mr Hughes makes no sign in reference to the Hundreds Bill. In a matter so closely concerning the district, I think it is only the duty of a representative to make his views known to his constituents. Mr Hughes has often been asked to explain his conduct to his constituents, and has always refused and said he would do it by letter, but the letter has never yet been sent. I think he should have one more chance ; and if he treats that like the others, a requisition calling on him to resign, should be got up. -I am, <tc,

A Voter.

ISLAND BLOCK.

(To the Editorjof the Tuapeka Times.) Sir, — Can you tell me when boring operations are to begin on the Island Block, as the rods have been up for a long time, and many people are desirous of getting the land for settlement. Surely a long enough time has passed to have the flat thoroughly tested.- -I am, & c > Subscriber. Horse Shoe Bend, August 17th. [We believe the necessary tubing has not as yet been supplied to the prospector.—Ed. "T. T."J

"WETHEESTONES DEEP SHAFT.

(To the Editor of the, Tuapeka Times.)

Sir,— I have heard with some degiee of pleasure that Mr. J. C. Brown has succeeded in^raising upwards of £80 by subscriptions towards further testing the deep shaft. This speaks well for the indomitable energy of that gentleman, and for the faith of the public in the undertaking, which already has cost both the public and the Government an enormous sum of money. I suppose that £80 represents, with the Govervment subsidy, at least £250, and before any of that money is touched I would suggest to the subscribers the necessity of a public meeting being called, to consider the question as to whether the present contractor's mode of operation is the least expensive under the circumstances, and the most likely to be successful. Speaking for myself, I do not believe it ia either the one or the other.

The main shaft should have heen sunk at least from fourteen to thirty feet into the bed rock before driving was commenced ; tins plan would have been in accordance with the original tender. After sinking to that depth, a drive should then have been made till the gravel was again struck, when, if the reef continued to dip at the angle now reported, namely, 26 deg., the reef should then have been followed as is now done. The work, carried out in this manner, would have been done at one-half the cost of the present contract, and besides, would have been attended with far less difficulty. Any person who knows anything of deep sinking can seethe advantage of following the reef from the main shaft, instead of the clumsy and inconvenient method adopted in the case of the Wetherstones shaft, where there is a drive from the bottom of the main shaft for some twentyfeet ; then a blind shaft of some eighteen feet, and then the following of the reef from the bottom of said shaft. I believe the contractor will be deprived of air before he follows the reef ten feet further, when additional hands, and of course additional expense, will be entailed in forcing air down. It may be said that the contractor is not altogether to blame, as he simply carried out the instructions of the Committee ; but he well knows that there is not a practical man in that Committee. I therefore consider, — and I am not alone in thinking so,— that the Committee are entirely in the hands of the contractor, and no one will blame him for making the best of his position. My object in writing this letter is to impress upon the public the necessity for a committee having at least two practical men on it — men who have been employed in sinular work on Bendigo or Ballarat; there are a few such men in our district, and I believe they would willingly bring their experience to bear on the Wetherstones deep shaft. — I am, &c,

Miner.

Wetherstones, Sept. Ist.

MUNICIPAL EESERVES.

(To the Editor of the Tuapeka Times)

Sib,— l believe the Town Council has postponed the consideration of the important question of letting the reserves, so I venture to throw out a few suggestions. The most valuable sections belonging to the corporation are two in Ross-place— one next the cafe' and the other at M 'Coil's corner. Now at present the latter is a perfect eyesore and nuisance, although the best building site in the township, and the future of Rossplace will depend a good deal on how it is made use of. I would suggest that it only be leased to some one who will erect a handsome store or hotel on it— the latter for choice— and that to such a person it be given for a trifle. — I am, 4c, A Batepateb.

Rosa-place, Sept. Ist,

EDUCATION. (To the Editor of the Tuapeka Times.) In. your issue of Saturday I&vfc there appeared a leiier signed "U," concerning educational matters in this place. The writer states that " he can count twentyfive children within a radius of a mile or less of the township, who arc growing up without even a knowledge of the alpha- j bet." Startling as this statement may appear, every resident in Waitahuna must admit that "B." has not exaggerated, nay, that he- has greatly underrated the number. Nad* "he said sixty or seventy he should still hare been within the number. For as he well remarks, "though the population is small, it is amazing the large proportion of children composed in it." As a proof of the truth of "13.V assertion, both as to the great number of children and their deplorable ignorance, I learn that the Register Book records the birth of more than a hundred children within the last three years, and though most of these live within the circle defined by "8. ," none of them have attended school, or perhaps " even know ilxe alphabet." Agreeing so far with "8.," I ara sorry not to see with him "in this lamentable state of things " a call for extraordinary exertion on the part of the School Committee ; for, judging from experience, it is probable that the parents of these children may of their own free will see to their education when they are a little older At all events, of the children in the district "B." has described, all over six years of age and under twelve, with three exceptions, have attended school for a longer or shorter period since tlis commencement of the present year, as the School register shows ; and, thei'ofore, 1 think it probable that the twenty-five which "B." so much pities may, when they arrive at what is popularly considered the age for going to school, be sent to school accordingly. Allow me to express the hope that "B." will continue to superintend the School Commifctee and the educational affairs of Waitahuna. — I am, &c., Mark Higgles. Waitahuna, Ist September, 1869.

ARTICLED CLERKS

(To the Editor of the Tuapeka Twigs.) Sir, — I was rather amused at your most illogical defence of bush lawyers. The fact is that these men deprive persons of business, who have passed through a long training, and who pay license fee to the revenue. The question is precisely similar to that relating to licensed victuallers and sly&.og selling : the bush lawyers acting in a precisely similar manner to the latter class. — I am, &c, Fair Play. Dunedin, August 24th.

THROUG-H MUD AND MIRE.

(To the Editor of the Tuapeka Times.) Sir, — I learn that a great many people have been pulled up and fined for riding on the footpaths within the municipality. Now this is fair enough if there happen to be any other place to ride on, but in some instances such is not the case. Who, I should lika to know, having a proper respect for.tra safety of his own neck and his horse's legs, would attempt to wade through the Slough of Despond at the junction of Colonsay and Whitehavenstreets ? I wouldn't for one ; and if you show the man who would, I'll show a very suitable inmate for the brick ward at the Hospital. Not only in the case I have referred to is there a thickness of several feet o£ mud io he encountered, but also the risk of being caught in the mantraps formed by the giving way of the culvert roofing. Talk of a Town Council ! it is indeed all talk and nothing else, for all the good they are to any except a favoured few of the ratepayers. I for one would be glad to see the old Progress Committee again in existence. — I am, &c, Horseman. Lawrence, Sept. Ist.

THE MARRIOTT FUND.

(To the Editor of the Tuapeka Times.) Sir, — Can you inform me whether the loss occasioned by the criminal conduct of W. J. Speedy is to fall on the unfortunate widow ■ and children of the late Mr. Marriott ? I believe that the self-consti-tuted committee, whose gross carelessness caused the whole mischief, by throwing temptation in the way of a weak and untried man, are morally, if not legally, responsible for the amount. Had it not been for the ill-regulated enthusiasm and anxiety for publicity, shown by these gentlemen the Oddfellows would have taken the matter up, and all this painful and distressing business been spared. I trust, however, this case will cause an entirely new system to be adopted. — I am, &c,

Charitas. Lawrence, September 2nd, 1869.

Dunr^a the recent election riota in Paris, Baron Alphonse de Rothschild was arrested — of course by mistake. Much astonished, he gave his name to the commissarie, who replied that emutiers invariably styled themsalves counts, marquises, and dukes, and even assumed diplomatic rank, stating their occupations to be those of ambassadors from Tartary, or minister's plenipotentiary from Otaheite; and desired his subordinates to take him up, heedless of the baron's coronet. M. de Eothschild had to send for his friends to prove his identity, and none being near at hand, the Consul-general of Austria had to wait some time before he was released. This adventure recalls the temporary incarceration in the mad-house of a late Lord Chancellor of Ireland, who, wishing to of judge of the condition of a lunatic asylum which he had an unfavourable report, drove thither in a hired vehicle at an hour when his visit was not expected, and asked admittance. On the -porter's steady refusal, he gave his name as Chancellor of Ireland, " Oh, then, step in at once ; we have seven of you already, and one of you did get loose this morning, so I am glad you have come back of your own accord " — at the same time summoning a batch of warders to take him in charge. Like. Baron Alphonse de Eothschild, his lordship was only released on sending for his secretary to identify him.