LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Tuapeka Times, Volume V, Issue 247, 24 October 1872, Page 7

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

A" MEETING of the Tuapeka Railway Committee was held on Thursday evening, at the Commercial Hotel. ' Present : Messrs. EL Herbert (in the chair), Farrer, Ferguson, Tolcher, M'Beath, Sheath, Williams, Dr. Stewart, and Hayes (Secretary.) The minutes of the previous meeting were read and conIt was resolved to recommend the Waste Lands Board not to allow the laud held under agricultural lease along the line of the Tuapeka and Tokomairiro Railway to De converted into freehold, without making the necessary reserves for railway purposes. On the motion of Mr. Tolcher, seconded by Mr. Williams, a deputation consisting of the Chairman, Mr Farrer, Mr. Williams,and Mr. Sheath, was appointed to wait upon 'the - Waiden, to request him not to recommend the Government to allow the conversion {into free-jiold-of land held under agricultural lease along the line of the Tuapeka and Tokomairiio Railway, without making the necessary reserves. A vote of thanks to the chair, terminated the proceeding!'.

A-rrieeting of the Lawrence Fire Brigade, was held at the Commercial Hotel, on the evening o» Thursday the 17th inst., Captain -Buck in the chair. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. The rules prepared by the sub-committee appointed for that purpose, were read and adopted.. A" letter from Mr Wain, Captain of the Dunedin Fire Brigade, giving certain information asked for, was read and received". The secretary was instructed to apply to the Town Council for the use of th c hose and hydrant, for the - brigade to practice with. A sub-committee consisting of the chairman, and Messrs Hills and Armstrong, was appointed to wait upon the various insurance companies, to ascertain the support they intended to give the brigade, and also if necessary, to ask the Town Council for asubsiiy, and canvass the town for subscriptions. A levy on each member to payturrent expenses was made, and the meeting adjourned,

A sab accident, which resulted in the death of Thomas Neil, late of Tuapeka, occurred on the Clutha Railway works, on Saturday last. At 2 o'clock on the day mentioned, deceased wag engaged' in a cutting, filling a dobbin, when a quantity of clay fell, which knocked him violently against the dobbin, causing severe internal injuries. Dr. Smith, of Balclutha; was at once sent for, but his skill proved unavailing. Neil expired about 10 o'clock. An inquest was held on Monday morning, at which averdictof '• Accidental Death " was returned. The body of deceased was removed to the residence of his mother, Tuapeka Flat, on Mqnday. - The funeral, which took place on Tuesday, was attended by. a large number of

Mr George Walker, reports having heard a partridge, one morning last week, in the vicinity of Lawrence.

A| Waipobi correspondent writes :— On Thursday last, Mr A. Blewitt, Chinese interpre" ter, gave a lecture in Cotton and Henry's assembly room, on the manners and customs of the Chinese. Owing to the shortness of the notice given, the attendance was not so large as it would otherwise have been. The lecture was both amusing and instructive, and was listened to with marked attention. At the termination of the lecture, a vote was unanimously accorded. We believe Mr Blewitt has kindly consented at some future date to repeat his lecture in aid of the funds* of the Tnapeka Hospital, The O. P. Q. Company, have sunk a further depth of 30ft. and are how opening-out. Good prospects are anticipated. The Devils Creek Co. are still prospecting, but have not yet struck anything worth while. However, it is not to be expected that a quartz reef is to be found all in a hurry, and there is every reasonable prospect that a good reef will be struck in the claim. The operations have been conducted in a very economical manner, and I am given to understand there is about £200 in the hands of tho directors. The Chinese have ceased departing, and those now located here, will in all probability remain for the summer. On the 14th prox. there is to be a grand amateur concert in aid of the school. All the local talent has kindlyWunteered for the occasion, and the management has been entrusted to Mr Booth Hurst.

Williams' Victoria Hotel Peel-street, Law* rence, has recently had improvements effected upon it* which have had the effect of completely changing its appearance externally, and enhancing the comfort and convenience of the interior. A new building has been erected onthenorth side of the same width as the old building, and also of two storeys, which has the effect of giving the frontage a very handsome appearance. .In the new building, on the ground floor there is a commercial room, 17ft. by 17ft. This room is splendidly lighted, is of cheerful aspect, and will no doubt soon become a favorite , resort, Tnere is also a sitting room, 14ft. by 14ft. On the first floor there are. private sitting rooms and bed rooms. These improvements have made the Victoria Hotel one of the most commodious out of Dunedin, and there ia no doubt the increase in the accommodation, will cause a corresponding increase in the trade.

The Gabriels Tunnel Company are. now in about 50 feet. The blue slate bed rock is gradually rising in the tunnel, the ground being still soft, and requiring to be well timbered. The contractors have met with very trying ground, until the last day or two, which has greatly retaideii their operations, but are now .making tapid progress. This company has laid down nearly 400 feet of tramway, without which the tunnel could not have been driven at this low luveK

We understand that the Golden Point water race company intend foot levelling their race immediately. The delay in commencing operations, arose through negotiations between the Company and the Government for subsidy extending over a lengthened period of time, and they have just been concluded.

A match will be played oa the Lawrence Cricket ground, on Friday afternoon, between old residents and new comers, tho line being drawn at a residence of /our years. Wickets will be pitched at 2. 30 p.m. sharp. • The following are the names of the players. Old Residents : Downes, Clark, Jeffrey. Armstrong, Arbuckle, Harrop,- Quin and Davidson. New .Comers : Buck, Pyke, John Menzies, James Menzies, Riedle, Hills, Ayers, and Tennet. Any other cricketers wishing,, to take part in the match, will be made welcome.

On Friday last, a man named Callan, charged with being drunk and disorderly, was brought before Dr. Stev/art, J.P., at the Court-house, Waipori. He was fined 10s. He was also fined 108. for resisting the police. Joseph Kellighan, charged with attempting to iescue Callan, was also fined 10s.

At the annual general meeting of the subscribers to the New College, London, the retirement of the Rev. Dr. Halley (father of Dr. Halley, of Lawrence), from the office of Principal was announced. The Rev. W. Farrer, Secretary, said the Council had passed resolutions to the effect that •" he had enjoyed their entire confidence, and been as a professor devoted and successful ;" also, '* they assured him him of their high respect — a respect inspired by their knowledge and appreciation of his learning, talent*, character, and work." Several of the Rev. Dr. Halley's friends being desirous to present him with a testimonial on the completion of the 50th year of his ministry, the Council, ".on the gronnd of Dr. Halley 's wel'-known name and eminent service?, his several publications expository of their prin" ciples or illustrative of their history, his influence and reputation as a preacher," resolved to head the subscription by the "sum of £500. The Rev. T. W. Aveling spoke of the Rev. Dr. Halley's unblemished and consistent character, his untiring energy, his unswerving fidelity to the great principles _pf evangelical religion, and the firmness with which he had upheld the principles of Protestant Nonconformity, in spite of the advantages held out to scholars like him, both by the world and the dominant Church. None of the students would forget the fervour and originality of his prayers, or the

kindliness which tempered his rebukes, when rebuke was called for. Dr. Halley was retiring at the age of seventy-six from the imperative obligation to labour which his office involved, but age sits with decent grace upon his brow, and there was in him still a capacity for work" He trusted that his last days would be like ttfe after glow. of Egypt. The Rev. P. J. Turquand mentioned an incident which occurred in a railway carriage on the previous day, when a celebrated clergyman of the Church of England expressed to him this opinion—" I believe Dr, Halley to be one- of the most complete men 5 ! Jiava ever known,"

SHAREHOLDERS in tho Devils, Creek Quartz Mining Company registered, can Bee the manager's report, at the office of Mr William Hayes,' Peel-street, Lawrence.

The proprietors of the Gabriels Beck Reef are .evidently determined not to abandon it without giving it a thorough trial. Two tons of atone from the bottom of the 20 fcefc shaft, were on|vreefc, last forwarded to Dunedin, (or the purpose of boing crushed at the Goven.ment Battery, per Meßsrß. Owen Bros. These gentlemen, we understand, have generously undertaken to carry the stone without charge, in order to encourage the development of the resources of the district.

Ik another column will be found tho pros pectus of the Beaumont and Tuapeka Water Race Company, Registered. The scheme is concisely described in the prospectus, viz., to bring water from 'the Beaumont River to Tunpelca Mouth. Those who know the district, consider the race will command a large area of auriferous ground, which will be taken up on the water being brought on to it. The names of the directors is sufficient guarantee that the.sohtftne ia thoroughly bona fide. Mr. Hayes is the broker in Lawrence, and Mr, R, H. Leary in Dunedin. From Table Hill we learn that the Alexandra

Co. have accepted Mr. Lawson's tender to erect a Leffell's (American) turbiue water wheel, and pumping gear. This Company has obtained from the Table Hill Co. the sole right to use a fall of J75 feet through which the T. H. Cr,'* race passes in the Alexandra claim. As theie is a constant flow of from 100 to 300 inches of water in the race, this will give a very large water powar, if fully availed of, and will enable the Alexandra Co. to do all their pumping, crushing, and hauling, at a very small cost. Dyer's (party, the adjoining claim to the Alexandra, are erecting a horse-whim, and will soon be able to commence pumping.

A meeting of the Alexandra Mining Association was held at the Library Hall, .on October 7th. Present; Messn. Druiuiney, Simms, Craig, Forrest. Simmonds. Mr. J. Druminey occupied the chair. The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed. The Secretary read correspondence from the Dunstan Association, in reference to the formation of a central committee. It was considered over and approved of. Mr. John Allen and Mr. Thomas Brown were elected on the committee, and the meeting adjourned.

ON Tuesday last, a mare belonging to Mr. Peter Miller, of Wetherstones, gave birth to a curiously deformed foal. The creature had no forelegs ; its eyes were completely covered with skin, and its mouth was hideously malformed. The misshapen .brute had arrived at maturity, but was not born alive. Air. James Budge, on Wednesday last, skinned the creature for the purpose of stuffing.

A QUESTION of some importance to companies registered under the Mining Companies Limited Liability Act, 1860, has recently arisen in the case of the Otago Mining Co., Registered, and the Great Extended Sluicing Co., Registered, tried at the las.t sitting of the District Court in Lawrence, Among other matters raised by the defence was the fact that the plaintiffs had produced no miners' right. The defendant's counsel thought the matter of sufficient importance to warrant him in electing to take a non-suit, and we therefore give the rctson which probably induced the learned gentleman to adopt such a course. The interpretation clauses of the Goldfields Act, 1865-, say that the words "holder of a miner's right shall mean the person in whose favor the same shall have been issued." Section 4of the A*cfc requires the Christian name and surname of the person in whose favor the same has been issued to be inserted. Section 112 of the same Act deprives persons of any remedy who were not the holders of miners' rights, &c. at the time when their title to recover possession, or damages, or interest, or obtain relief first arose or occurred. Section 3 of the Mining Companies Limited Liability Act Amendment Act, 1569, enacts that the word person throughout the Goldfields Act Amendment Aot, 1869, and all Regulations made under or by virtue of the said Acts shall be deemed to include (incorporated companies ; and the 10th section provides that it shall not oe necessary for shareholders in companies to hold miners' rights for any purpose whatever. The Goldfields Act .Amendment Act, section 9, provides for the issue of miners' rights to companies, thus leading clearly to the inference that the company in each case must have a miners' right issued to it under its corporate name. It may be mentioned that in the late action the manager of the company produced a mint-is" right issued to him as manager, but it had beun taken out after the cause of notion Lad occurred, and was in his own instead of the company's name -411 the shareholders had miners' rights.

A SIECTINQ of the committee of the Tuapeka Hospital was held at the Commercial Assembly Rooms, on Tuesday evening. Present '—Mr s Ferguson (in the chair), Mears, Walker, Arthur, Goldsmith. M'Kiinmie, Dr. Halley, Harrop (Treasurer), and Hayes (Secretary). The quarterly balance sheet and statement of accounts was received and adopted. A public meeting of the subscribers was then held, Mr. Mears in the chair. It transpired that there were no minutes of any previous 'quarterlymeeting to be read, the one theu being held being the first that had taken place since the election of the committee. The balance sheet was submitted, received, and adopted, and a vote of thanks to the chairman broughtthe proceedings to a close. The statement showed the receipts for the quartor ending September 30th to have -been : Government subsidy, £282 6s 8d ; subscriptions, £26 Is 6 ; and entertainments, £35 6s 6il ; making a total of £343 14s Bd. The expenditure for the same quarter was £286 9s 4d. On October there was £113 16s subsidy due by the.Provincial Government, and cash in the treasurers hands amounting to £3 15s 2d, The liabilities.on that date amount e>l to £135, leaving a balance against the institution of £17 1359.1.

It having beon represented to Mr. Buck, the postmaster, that an alteration in the time for closing the Dunedin mail from evening till mwrning would afford great convenience,- and h% regarded- as a boon by the business people of -Lawrence, that gentleman at once consented to make tlio desired 1 change, and promised that during the summer months, while the coach starts at 8 a.m., the Dunedin mail will close at 7 a.m. The change commences.from to-morrow, the 26th wst.

Mr. J7P. Armstrong, surgeon de'nfesS,'"' is unable 4 to prolong his Btay in Lawrence beyond the Ist prox. ,-- so those who intend , to give him a call should do so at once. Mr. Matthew Hay will hold sales by auction on Friday, Saturday, and Tuesday next. On Friday, he will offer on the ground, at two o'clock, cattle, horses, drays, household furniture, &c, the property of Mr. David Hunter, Beanm >nt ; on Saturday, he will offer on -the ground, at 2 o'clock, freehold and leasehold property, cattle, &c, belonging to Mr. Peter j Miller ; on Tuesday next, Mr. Hay will snbmit to public competition on the ground, Havelock, the plant of the Horseshoe claim. Full particulars will be found in our advertising columns.

A serious accident occurred to a man named Frederick Brooks, at the Woolshed, on Sunday afternoon last. Brooks was riding after some cattle, and while on the side of a spur his horse fell, violently jamming the leg of his rider against the ground and breaking it in two places: He was, upon the accident being discovered, carried to his own house, and the following day taken in Mr. Coombe's dray to the Tuapeka Hospital, where his injuries were attended to by Dr. Stewart. Brooks' lag is broken half-way between the knee and the ankle, and also afc the ankle. The latter fracture is the most serious, the bone being badly shattered.