THE PROVINCES.

Tuapeka Times, Volume III, Issue 150, 22 December 1870, Page 6

THE PROVINCES.

We understand a petition has been forwarded to the various districts of the Province, to obtain signatures, requesting the Superintendent to recommend the General Government scheme of works. We would warn the electors not to sign until they hear a full explanation of what has been aptly described as a sham and delusion. The fact that the General Government cannot find money to pay the Southland debt, long past due, is sufficient in tlie meantime to causo people to pause until th^y hear more regarding it.

Thero is an effort being mado to establish a battalion of volunteers iv tho south, to consist of the two Clutha companies, the one at Tuapeka, the East and West Taieri companies, and tho Bruce .Riiles. The yield of gold from the Thames for the month of October, as nearly as can be ascertained, was 12.481 ozs. from 88-10 tons quartz, showing an increase of 2452 ozs. over that of the previous month.

It is reported that lime-water is an infallible antidote to the poison of the tutu, and that the juice of the plant ran be largely used in dying, as it yields several brilliant colours that will fix themselves readily in ck>th or yarn.

The Christchurch Temperance Society have issued an elaborate report regarding intemperance in that city, in which the following sentences occur :

— " It has been shown that nearly every case brought before the police court iv this place has originated in drunkenness, or been connected with it. Evidence has also been given that the majority of the criminal cases which come before the Supreme Court, aud sometimes nearly all the cases in the ca^ndar, have been attributable to excessive use of intoxicatiug liquors."

A Tai'anaki paper says that the most of the root crops have been destroyed by a black slug, that has during the past week made its appearance. From all quarters we hear of the failui'e of the crops of carrots, mangolds, and even onions. Potatoes, however, seem

to have escaped