THE COLONIAL PRIZE-FIRING.

Tuapeka Times, Volume III, Issue 219, 11 April 1872, Page 6

THE COLONIAL PRIZE-FIRING.

(Fromtte Evening Star's Special Correspond- ■ ent.)

If one is to judge by the number of newspaper representatives now assembled hi Christchurch, the Colonial prize-firing has assumed an importance, so far as the public are concerned, which the authorities never expected for it. The principal journals in the Colony have been duly accredited repre* sentatives, with strict injunctions to keep their papers fully informed as to the pro* gress of the shooting. This, of course, means an unusual strain on the already overworked officials of the Telegraph department —and let me observe here that Christchurch, is known as a "receiving station," and has to get through nearly twice the amount of work of an ordinary station— the officers doubtless wish that the Government had chosen a spot as far away from here as it was possible to get it. As Cashmere has been chosen, there is no help for it; and 1 don't think the operators will totally sink under their extra work.

It does not require any stretch of the imagination to understand that for the moment Christchurch is volunteer mad ; everywhere you go you stumble across a rifleman ; ordinary conversation is put aside, and all and sundry talk of " the rifle and how to use it." The first instalment of representatives arrived here on Thursday by the Wellington, and soon secured comfortable quarters. The Otago men went up, as your readers are aware, by the Maiori, and reached Lyttelton on Saturday morning. On disembarking from the steamer, they were met by Colonel Paeke, who commands the Canterbury Volunteers ; and on reaching the railway station were received by the fife and drum band of the Orphan Asylum, which played "Cheer boys, cheer," to remind us that our troubles (for while on the water most of us were decidedly "queer") had ended for a time. The little fellows greatij pleased cur men, andaredeservingof a passing notice. The big 'drummer is the largest of the lot ; and he stands hardly a foot higher than his drum, the rest are such mites that the wonder is that they are able to find wind enough to blow their instruments. They play remarkably well, and present a most creditable appearance. A short ride in the train brought us to Christchurch, and the men created considerable interest as they marched, headed by the band, from the station to the orderly room, where, after reporting themselves they were dismissed. Then came the task of securing quarters — a matter of more difficulty than might have been supposed. Their northern brethren in arms had been able to steal a march on them, and had stowed themselves into the most comfortable . quarters, so that Otago had not much to choose from in the way of hotel accommodation. Pretty well every house was filled before our arrival ; and to make room for us some landlords had to turn out of their own apartments. Well, after a little rushing about we all got accommodation, though some are not over pleasant with it. Sunday, and the following Monday being observed here as a holiday, enabled them to have a look round the place ; so that by to-morrow they ought to have fully recovered their shooting trim. The firing is to take place at a place called Cashmere, the property of Mr J. C. Wilson, C.8., situated about three miles out of town. In company with the staff officers, I went over the range to-day j and was greatly pleased with it and all the arrangements connected with, the tiring. TKe range allows of four targets being used ; is backed by fine hills, is as level as a table, permits of the men moving up to the 600 yards without any interruption; and has only one drawback, which, for a little, will be a serious inconvenience. The paddock is covered with "dock," fully nine Inches high, which will embarrass the men when they have to lie down to fire. Mr Wilson mentioned to me that he wanted to have the land ploughed, harrowed and well rolled ; but the authorities would not hear of it. lam sure if the old gentleman had only been allowed to have his own way, the range would have been unexceptionable ; a? it is it is the finest, I believe, in the Colony. The firfng will, of course, be conducted under the immediate superintendence of Colonel Harrington, who will be assisted by Colonel Packe, Majors Atkinson and Stapp (the last mentioned is adjutant for the xaranaki Province) and Captain Thomson of the Cristchurch rifles, who will take charge of the squads, which will be four in number. In the first there are fourteen men, including Wales, Muir, Marshall Lean and M'Farland ; in the second fifteen, including M'JLaren, Reid, Key, and Cowie ; in the third fourteen, including Christie, Henderson, Dixon, and Blatch; and in the fourth fifteen, including Taylor, Brown, Buchanan, and Wilson. The general arrangements are as nearly perfect as it is possible to make them, are of a vast improvement on former years, and reflect great credit on Mr Stevens, of the Defence Office, who is entrusted with the carrying of them out. There will be no bother nor delay ; everything is so cut and dried that firing will commence sharp at the appointed hour each morning, and be continued, with only an hour's intermission for lunch, until five each evening. Officers in charge of squads will experience no difficulty in carrying out their duties ; while the markers, well drilled by SergeantMajor Sievens, are unusually well up in their work. Yet, with all this preparation, there is some- talk of the firing being spun out until an unnecessarily late period. The general public say it can't be got through in less than ten days ; while the Volunteer authorities are as close as possible, telling you that time will show. It is said that a straw will tell which way the wind blows ; and if what transpired at the range to-day give an indication, I incline to agree with those who think the meeting is going to be purposely spun out. Instead of saving a day, as was done in Dunedin in 1870, and firing the skirmishing and rapidity matches together, it is proposed to fire them separately, to do which will occasion a delay of fully twelve hours in altering the targets. But more of this anon.

It is quite natural for us of Otago to think that it is impossible that the Belt can go away from us ; but I assure you the feeling is not largely shared in here. Our Northern friends point significantly to the list of competitors, and tell us such and such a man is dangerous, and will give us a hard tussle for it ; but I imagine it is a pure case of the wish being father to the thought. Hamlin and Hoskins, from Auckland, are doubtless good shots ; but I shall be greatly mistaken if they can yet do the thing required to beat such men as Wales, Christie, Taylor, Muir, Maef arland, or Buchanan.

The range was formally opened this morning, when Mrs J. C. Wilson fired a trial shot at 150 yards, and scored a bull's-eye. At 9 a.m. sharp to-morrow, the wife of the Premier will commence the business of the meeting by tiring a trial shot. The weather now is really beautiful ; and there is every reason to believe that the meeting will open under most favorable circumstances.

COMMENCEMENT OF THE FIRING. April 2. At eight o'clock precise'y the men mustered at the orderly room, when the roll waa called, and it was found that Messrs Moss and Jenkins, of Westland, would not be present at the meeting. Before the parade concluded, it waa intimated by Col. Facke that the wife of Col. Harrington would present a prize to the man who made the tewest misses in the first, third, fourth, fifth and 6ixth matches. All were then driven on to the range incflmforii*hlg_gghigl£K-^-Mid->iL

I

Speaking of the rumours of dissolution, the • Evening Post » says : -It i« singular that with i Parliament only a single session old. a rumour i a probable early dissolution should have dned ground, and that the event itself should b one eagerly desired by the community at I ' It would be an insult to the pie of New Zealand to suppose that they are fsirly represented ty the individuals who are at jresent privileged to write M.H.R. after their mines. Brief as the opportunity afforded them Ills been, a large number of these individuals hive proved themselved utterly unworthy of the position which by some strange freak of fortune they occupy, and it is therefore no wonder that the public eagerly desires ifchance of remedying the mistakes made at the ballot boxes last year. Time was when New Zealand hid-neason to be proud of its representatives. Now, it has reason to be ashamed of them, for a large proportion have shown themselves venal, selfish, and foolish. Had the electors of the colony another opportunity now, the experience of the past session would prevent a repetition of the series of mistakes made at the last general election, and we should much like to see this opportunity afforded. At the same time, we very much doubt whether there is any great chance ofsuch a very desirable consummation.

THE following letter, in reference to the subsidy due by the Government to the Tuapeka Hospital, has been handed to us by Mr. J. C. Brown :—

Pi ovinoial Treasury,

Dunedin, 4th April, 1872. Sir,— l have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 2nd instant, touching the present financial position of the Tuapeka Hospital, in which you inform tne that unless some immediate relief is afforded the Hospital will have to be closed. In reply, I have to inform you that the financial year having now expirert, the Government +r is now enabled, under the sth section of the

Appropriation Ordinance, 1871, to make a payment to the Hospital, and with a view of enabling the Hospital Committee to pay pressing •dernaiids, a sum of £200 will be forthwith

placed at its disposal Allow me to remove a misapprehension under which you labour, when you state that " if the ■vote for the Dunedin Hospital is not all ex-

pended, the balance might be fairly transferred and applied to the necessities of the Tuapeka Hospital." Such a transfer is impossible, as it -would be in contravention of the Audit Act.

I have the honour. &c. D. lIEID, Provincial Treasurer.

J. C. Brown , Esq. , M^P.C. , Lawrence.

We are requested by the Secretary of the Phoenix Water Bace Company, to state that for the future, parties found crawfishing in the big dam without a license will be prosecuted, licenses may be procured from the Secretary.

The number of prizes in the art union for iSie benefit of the Boman Catholic school has heen .considerably increased. There has been added an -excellent harmonium, a what-not, inlaid with roses, a chess table, .also a horse, saddle, and bridle..' The drawing is to take place on the Ist pioxiino.

It will be seen by our advertising columns that the half holiday movement has been fairly resolved upon in Lawrence. Its success -depends entirely upon public co-operation and sympathy.

The work done voluntorily by members of the Bonian Catholic church during the week after Sfc. Patrick's Day, to the ground on which the new sehoolhouse is built, is estimated by

competent judges at £159, We understand that the ground will be levelled, fenced.{and planted with trees, and approaches to the school made shortly by yolunteers.

Fob the representation of Lake Wakatip in the Provincial Council there are likely to be a number of aspirants. We have heard the names of Mr Warren, proprietor of the Wakatip Mail, Mr Manders, editor of that journal, aud B r r Lewis mentioned as those of likely candidates. Mr G. B. Barton may also come forward. Mr Hallenstein has definitely declined to contest the election. - There are two vacancies to be filled. The nomination takes place on the 20th inst., and the poll on the 24th inst.

"Thb Lawrence Christy Minstrels gave an «ntertainment in the schoolroom, Blue Spur, on Thursday last, in aid of the funds of the Tuapeka Hospital, to a crowded house. We liave much pleasure in complimenting the minstrels upon ■ the improvement in their 'peiformance. The programme was somewhat *inilar to the one given at their last performance in Lawrence ; but they seemed much more at home in it. Messrs F. Bastings and J. Muirhead, as Tony and Bones, must have had the lion's share of the work. Mr Grant, as Johnson, showed much more confidence, and his correct accompaniment was a good feature in the entertainment. The songs by the gentlemen Jnientioa-e4, as well as by Messrs Holmes, Armstrong, and Leary, gave great satisfaction. MrB 1 . Bastings, in the after-piece, was extremely happy, and occasioned, by his oddities, continued roars of laughter. At the close, Mr W. D. \forrison thanked the Christys for their work in such a good cause. The pioceedings amounted to fit least £15.

We W. A. Tolmie has been elected member of the Provincial Council for the Peninsula.

T^E Waste Land Board has referred the rnenorial of the miners of Post Office Creek, re theTraquair Hundred, to ilfr Warden Pyke to x-epVrt upon. TTe are informed that the cause of the vote for {hospitals being expended, without leaving sufijeient to pay the subsidy for several country Ins Stations.1 nsStations. was that the Invercargill hospital Vid year received subsidy for 1869. 1870, and 187 L. That institution received £700 in all. Th qu' stion suggests itself, by whose authority wai this injustice perpetrated ? Long after dancing saloons had become obalete on the other goldfields of Otago, ther flourished in Waipori. They have howeve, been suppressed in their last retreat, and Wapori no longer enjoys the prestige of possessing them. They were abolished gently. Fo^four or five months dancing was restricted to qer&in nights. Now, it is disallowed altogether, exept, as in other, places by special permission. Sic\tran«it gloria. ' •. .

THE General Government seem to be in a state of impecuniosity. We have been informed that the witnesses from this district at the criminal sittings were given cheques for their expenses, -which the banks they were drawn on refused to honour. The only way the recipients of the cheques could get cash for them was by paying a handaone per ceutage to the money lenders.

Immediately on it becoming known that the Provincial Government had placed a sum of money to the credit of the Tuapka hospital, all having claims against the institution speedily made up their accounts for presentation to the Treasurer. That official was fairly rushed by impatient creditors on Monday morning, all anxious to be first, so that their accounts might be paid before the supply of cash was exhausted All, however, were disappointed, the supply had not arrived, and they departed, if not wiser, at least sadder men.

We are informed that on Tuesday last, about noon, some evil-disposed person forcibly entered the Wesleyan Chapel, Evans Flat. What object the person had iv view is not apparent, as nothing haß been missed. A repetition of the offence will entail serious consequences upon the culprit.

A meeting of the Evans Flat School Committee was held on Monday evening last. The conduct of the Schoolmaster was taken into consideration, and it was decided to dismiss him. Mrs. Draper was appointed schoolmistress pro tern. Mr. Robertson was elected member of the Committee, vice Mr. Sanderson, deceased. The meeting then adjourned.

We direct attention to the art union to b e drawn on the Ist June, advertised by Mr. Hay. The prize list comprises many beautiful engravings and chromo-lithographs, and many other articles. The prize list appears in our advertising columns.

The long-protracted spell of dry weather this district has been suffering from was broken on Friday last, when a copious downpour of rain took place during both the day and night. On Saturday the weather cleared up again, but during the night the rain again came on. On Sunday morning a few showers fell. At night their was a heavy downfall, and on Monday morning snow fell in considerable quantities on the hills. The rain ceased on Monday, but recommenced on Tuesday evening. At about midnight it began to come down in right earnest, and continned to do so all the morning ; and while we are writing there is a steady fall of rain. By the mining, population, who of late have been spending their time in enforced idleness, or at least working only occasionally, this rainfull was gladly welcomed, and it will prove, an immense benefit. The dry season appears to have entirely broken up, and there is little fear but ample supplies of water will nbw'be available.

We some time ago chronicled that Mr. J. D. Ueraud, of Monte Christo, Clyde, intended to go into the manufacture of wines, cordials, &c. For that purpose he erected a large stone building, and has now completed all other arrangements for carrying on an extensive trade. He has forwarded to us samples of his manufacture, consisting of ducal grape wine, cherry brandy, orange bitters, and orange wine. We have tested these samples and found them excellent in every respect. The ducal grape wine pos. sesses a fall body, is free from that sharp acid taste which colonial wines often have, and is a very pleasant, refreshing beverage. When its merits become known, will doubtless command a large sale. The cherry brandy is a deliriously ilavoured liqueur, and the orange wine and fitters are of superior quality. We may state that Mr. Feraud has had great experience in the manufacture of cordials in France and Australia. In the Dunstan district, his wines and cordials are highly appreciated — in fact are driving all others out of the market. When the qualities of his manufactures become more widely known, we have little doubt but that the judgment of the Dunstan people will be cordially endorsed throughout the province. The samples can be tasted at the office of this journal.

It will be seen by a notification which appeas elsewhere, that the Chinese have awakened to the necessity of providing accommodation for their newly-arrived countrymen. It was resolved at a meeting of several tribes held at the Chinese Camp on Monday, to erect a club-house at Dunedin for that purpose, by subscription. Wo subscription under,. £5 is to be received. We understand, that already the handsome sum of £200 has been collected.

A complimentary benefit will be given to Mr. J. Grant, who is about to leave Lawrence, by the Christy Minstrels, and other gentlemen amateurs, on Monday evening next, at Bastings Commercial Assembly Room. The programme comprises popular songs, dances, a stump speech, nigger comicalities, and a screaming nigger farce. A3 Mr. Grant has always lent his services in entertainments for charitable and other objects, it is hoped that the performance for his benefit wiHl draw together a bumper house.

It is notified in the Provincial Government "Gazette" that tenders will be Received by the Secretary for Works, till the 19th instant, for the maintenance of portions of the road between Tuapeka and Tokomairiro.

Cobb AND Co.'s coach now travels over the new road from Manuka Creek to Waitahuna. The effect of the change is, that the coach now comes in three : quarterß of- an hour earlier than when- it- had to come over the Round Hill.

The Provincial Council is to meet on the 30th inotani.