INVERCARGILL.

Tuapeka Times, Volume VI, Issue 264, 20 February 1873, Page 5

INVERCARGILL.

(From our oton Correspondent.) Up till the 14th January, we had mild pleasant weather, with occasional showers, but on that day the rain became heavier, and the wind grew cold and stormy. With short intervals of moderate weather till the 29th, we had equally stormy weather with frequent showers of rain and hail. This being a late district, fortunately most of the crops were green, but in the most advanced fields a large quantity of oats were knocked out. We have had mild weather lately, and it is to be hoped it may continue fine, as harvesting will soou become general. On the 26th ult., the Star Dramatic troupe ' commenced performances in theatre, and have been so well patronised, that their stay has been prolonged beyond their original intention. Mr. Blacklock, who was returned as M.P.C. for Waihopat district at last general election, having left the colony, on the 13th ult, the nomination of candidates for the representation of the the district took place. Mr. Wood, the Mayor, acd Mr. Wilson, late Speaker of Southland Provincial Council, were left to contest the honor, two other candidates who were nominated having withdrawn. The polling took plaoe on the 17th, when the votes recorded for Mr. Wood were at Invercargill 70, Bluff 29 ; for Mr. Wilson at Invercargill, was 48, Bluff 1. Less than half the number of electors on the roll voted ; but this is accounted for by the fact that no political principle was at stake, the candidates holding similar views on leading questions. The electors of Cam-pbelltowu generally, are not admirers of the ballot, but believe in- the old English mode of unlimited beer at elections whea it can be had as Mr. Wilson is a temperance man. he did not suit. The exper ience of a gentfeinan who was returned to represent Campbellton in the Southland Provincial Council, I think was sufficiently amusing to be worth relating. After bis election, a deputation of his constituents waited on him and invited him to a dinner at one of the hotels. The newly elected' member replied that he was very sorry previous engagements to dine with the Kesident Magistrate prevented him accepting their invitation*. However, the deputation got over this difficulty by extending^ their invitation to the R.M., and a pleasant evening was spent to the tatisfaction of a>ll corcerned. Next evening though, the member for Campbellton was rather disgusted when- the landlord of the hotel presen'ed him- with a bill for upwards of £14, on account of the* dinner ; he paid the bill 1 ,, 'but very soon resigned the doubtful honor of representing Cam | bellton. IfM'\ Wood adheres to the principles he has professed, he will take an opposite side in the Provinc r al Council to than on which Mr. Blecklock voted.

After' careful consideration by the School Committee, Mr. Fleming of Oamaru, was appointed head master, Mr. K. Wehbor of Waipori, second master, and Mrs. M'Tvor who kept a private school here, schoolmistress ; and there is every reason to believe the institution will be of creat benefit to luvetvarnill and neighborhood. The annual meeting of subscribers to -the Southland Hospital, for the election of a new Committee, &r\, was held on the evening of. the 29fch ult., the report read by the Secretary was satisfactory, as although there was a considerable increase in both indoor and outdoor patients, the assets — in- * eluding subsidy due by Provincial Government, amounted to £573 lls Brt ; whilst the liabilities were only £140 14s 7d. Members of the Municipal Council thinking the improvement of the town could not bp effected quickly enough out of the ordinary revenue, decided to borrow £3500, and have advertised for tenders for debentures to that amount at 5i per cent, interest. The value of the imports for 1872, at the ports of Invercargill and Bluff Harbor, was £107, 720 10s 6d ; and of exports, £224.295 10s sd. Generally speaking, I think a country in a sound position when the exports exceed the imports.