Local Intelligence.

Tuapeka Times, Volume VI, Issue 303, 12 November 1873, Page 2

Local Intelligence.

The British mails via Suez will close at the Post-office, Lawience, on the morning of the 2Cth instant. The management of the district survey department will, from the Ist of next month, be conducted as it was in former years. From that date Mr. Adams will lie on salitry. It is thought by revertiug to this system that the public interest will be better attended to. We understand, Mr. Prentice, the surveyor, and party have commence 1 the survey of tlie Beaumont Hundred. It will consist cf some 18,000 acres, and will take Mr. Prentice and liis staff, at least four months to perform the work. As a considerable portion of the land adj lining the hundred, and which isj>et apart to be opened under the deferred payment system is surveyed, we should imagine that there can be no difficulty standing in the way of having it thrown open at once. Several parties are waiting anxiously to take up a considerable portion of it. If we may judge from the innunerable tiny grasshoppers which are now harboring about many of the sod fences in the Tuapeka district, we may expect the gardens and fields to be infested with these insects as much as they were last year. A gentleman lately from Victoria tells us that Inst summer the progress of the Sandhurst and Oastletnaine lailway engine and train was actually impeded by locusts, which got into the sleepeis, and hindered the progress of the wheeK Tub Rtsv, Mr. Monties intimated on Sunday last that h"e proposed delivering a discourse at Wetherstones,-Blue Spur, and Lawrence, at the usual hours on Sunday next, when a collection will be made at each place towards the funds of the Tuapeka Hospital. As we stated a week ago, Havelock was about to have an addition made to its places of business in the shape of a shoemaking establishment. This is now an accomplished fact, as Mr. A. R. Tweed's advertisement in another column gives evidence. We observe that our suggestions in a recent issue of this journal in reference to our bush reserves are, to some extent, likely to bo carried into effect. Messrs. Creswick, Potts, and lied man, of the Blue Spur, are applying for a license to fall timber at the Tuapeka. bush, and intend constructing a tramway for hauling out the logs. Foil the month of October, there were (male and female, adults and children) only 79 persons in the Otago Benevolent Asylum. This number, be ifc remembered, represents the "official," and the acknowledged pauperism whic.h exists amongst a population munbeiing about 75,000 people, and in. this, total we include the re -united province of Southland. If this calculation does not represent, at least, the outward and visible signs of prosperity, we would much like to know, what does ? As compared with Great Britain, the arithmetic iv question is highly favoraclo to tie colonists of Otago. One thing is quite evident, namely, that what are, for the sake of distinctiveness, called secular journals, seem to be unanimous in condemning denominational education in Government sqhools. This remark does not apply solely to tho -colonies. It is also true of Great Britain and Ireland and the continent of Europe. The Rip and Tear Company have suspended operations in their claim at the lilue Spur until Messrs. Cousins fuid party have finished washing away a piece of ground which, pi events the payable wc*rkiug of the Rip an 4 Tear claim. We direct attention to the ball and concert which will take place on Friday next at Waitabuna, on behalf of the Tuapeka Hospital and Otagjo. Benevolent Asylum. By. an error in our last issue, the lifch was substituted for the 14th. We have reason to believe that the entertainment in question will be a success. Gkography in schools should be taught chiefly by maps, as it usually is, and geographical teaching maps should, be like charity, begin ut home. J?or example, Tua»eka children should first commence with a topographical map, and the subject of that map should be — not Europe, Asia. Africa, Australia, or New Zealand^ as a whole, ka.b simply a. map of Tuapeka, wherein our ranges, creeks, roads, pioposed and authorised railway lines, and our pastoral, agricultural, and mining divisions should, be irrcladed. It i»*y be urged that such a &ap exists. On a very large scale, and in a style suitable for young students, We do not thiuk that such a ui»p loes exist. We visited Mr. Tyler's garden recently, and were much ple'as&d with its very advanced and seasonable appearance. In common with others, Mr. Tyler is very much a.unoyed with sorrel ; but he seems to be ; a thorough enthusiast in his efforts t$ get rid of it, Mkssns. GuAIFS AND StltEK' 1 ? announce in their last '• Monthly Property List" that they are obliged to discontinue its publication, owing to the higli rate of postage charged for it. We 1 egret this, as the publication was a remkrkably useful one. The Board appointed to enquire into the truth of the statement that Mr. Eoss, the teacher of the Tokomairiro. Grammar School, had flogged a pupil because b& was not present when the bible was read-, have reported that there exists no foundation whatever for the statement. Tkndebs are at'last'in'vited for the Lawrence Towu Httll. Specifications and plans will he open for inspection at tbc town Clerk's office after to-iinorrow. We believe the building will be brought within the amount of £3000, The property of Mr. Patrick Lyng, situated in Ross Place. Lawrence, consisting of three excellent shops, with large section, on which are numerous other valuable improvements, will be subraiwed to public auction by Mr, ilatthew Hay on Saturday nejcfc, at 2 o'clock,

We are glad to observe the Towu Council are in time taking steps to have the damage done to the Beaumont road by the late floods properly repaired. More than one lady and gentleman tif Laurence went to Tokoraairiro or Waitahana on the Prince of Wales' birthday. As will be serin by bur report, the Lawrence Council met as usual on that day, and had an animated debate. There was a ball at Tokomairiro, but no festivity, beyond a game of cricket by a few local lads, marked the loyal event in Lawrence. We learn that the Hon. Mr, Richardson, the Minister for Public Works, is soon to visit Dunedin. Mb. TambLtn's frtlit cart from Coal Creek, Te'viot, has already made its appearance in Tuapeka. It was laden this time with gTeen gooseberries. BiTBEMES meet. Intense seriousness often produces an effect almost identical with effect which originates with a comical cause. For example, Brother Maekune was intensely earnest in his recent pilgrimage to the Blue Spur. In last issue, we noticed his doubtless temporary failure to convert the drinkers at the Spur, and now we are forced to notice the circumstance that he lost his way going to convert the spiritists, remained too long in the ungrateful mining subburb, au<l citne back to Lawrence from his literally up-hill battle, and found all the Lawrence hotels shut. A happy thought struck the lost Templar. He would accuse himself of being " a lost man " and give himself in charge to the police. He knocked at the police station, but reply there was none. Ultimately, after much agitation of body and spirit, he met a walking night constable, to whom he made an open confession. The guardian of the night conveyed Brother Maekune to the fraternal lock-up, where doubtless he slept a dreamful sleep, in which constables, and miners, and tailraces were amalgamated in glorious confusion. MB. H. MHjL.er, who was the successful tenderer for a portion of the ronfl through "Wetherstones, hus commenced work. There were eight tenderers for the work, and Mr. Miller was the lowest, viz.. £43 Ba. 6d. WE are glad to learn that Godfrey Kemp, who was injured hy falling from an upper window of the Otngo Hotel, Dunedin, is not dead, as was in the first instance reported, in mistake, hy our usually well-informed contemporary the "' Otajjo Daily Times." In his address, delivered lust week in the Lawrence Atheru»um, Brother Maekune stated that Deista arc not admitted within the Order of Good Templars. We copied his statement in our sub-leader of Sitttmlny last. Wo arc infanned by a gentleman who knowu the various sectarian distinctions, and who likewise knows .the rules of Hie Order of Good Templars, that all " positive" creeds are admitted to the OrderNegative leligionists— Atheists for exampleare not admitted, the Templars believing that they have no foundation whereon to support a pledge, especially one which is expected to extend its influence beyond the present life. OOGHTnot we Europeans to be ashamed of ourselves ? The meanest Chinese hewer of wood and drawer of water can read and write his own language, whereas we frequently hear of English. Scotch, and Irish who, in their own words, ait '"no schollanls." Comparatively speaking, we Europeans are not always so good as we seem to be. In the course of his lecture, Mr. Armstn n c said that he knew the Hon. Julius Voprel when he wa3 a storekeeper at Heathcote, Victoria. Nothing short of that confidence which is the effect of sterling talent could have enabled outPremier to mount the ladder of promotion by taking about a dozien steps at a stride. Tub Chinese, as a rule, would not make very good Templars. They buy a leg of pork or a sucking pig. They pour the contents of a bottle of brandy into a deep dish, and dip therein the pork and eat thereof. With fowls they perform a similar ceremony. A drink when the baby is born -two drinks if there are twins ; a drink when wo meet a friend ; a drink when we win a law suit ; a drink when we lose one ; a drink when we visit ; a diinkat every hotel on the road } a drink when we buy a house ) a drink when wo get msir.led ; a drink when our wife elopes j a drink when she comes, back, &c. All these drinks are to be abolished by the Lawrence Society of Good Templars, who take a pledge not to taste, or handle, or sell intoxicants. People occasionally make some very funny slips of the tongue. Lately, at the close of his lecture, Mr. Armstrong- spoke of Mr. Pyke as his " venerahle friend." Doubtless, Mr. A. meant to aay " venerated," or •* most respected friend." It is right to compliment the residents of La trrence in reference to their enthusiasm for gardening. The Lawrence gardens are excellently laid out, and there is therein a judicious combination of the useful and the picturesque. The Chinese are indefatigable gamblers. Altßoat all Sunday they,are engaged in' gambling foi money, The passion is ingrained in the ; r nature, fend nothing short of what the Americans call uikees-gnai»o«,will, perhaps, in the twelfth ganeration, eradicate the love of gaining Irom the Asjatio nature. As thore is a lining of stiver to every cload, there is a dark side to the brightest object. We approve of ladies being members of Temperance Societies, for we know that sweethearts and wives possess large influence. But we do not approve of ladies going to and coming from the meetings of such societies in the evening, when they should be attending to domestic duties. Some remedy should be devised to obviate the need of evening attendance, so far as the ladies are concerned. We know not what remedy to propose, bnt we submit our suggestion to all who believe that a temperence societj seeks to consolidate, not to confuse, domestic arrangements. The difference "between places is very stiange and apparently enigmatical. For example, Lawrence boasts of swimming, warm, and ordinary cold baths, but Oatnaru does'' not possess even ono public bath, and although a sea port, has not even a few yards of salt wa.ter fenced off for swimming. But Onovtru supports a cab and a photographer permanently, and some express vans, and Lawrence is not a permanent supporter of the trades referred to. Perhaps these differences indicate the distinctive characteristics of the different people. A strictly legal point wa& lining discussed on Tuesday, iv ftfe Resident Magistrate's Court, and meantime, the witness, whose evidence bad been interrupted, still remained in the box. Just as tho argument was shaping itself to a logical finale, the apparently sertir-dormant witness started, and said "Oh no ! certainly not!" to the infinite surprise of reporter, magistrate, counsel, and spectators, all' of whom gave vent to their amazement at the concealed legal appreciation of the now-astonished witness, in bursts of ill-concealed laughter. SoiIE think it would be desirable t6 construct a telegraph line between the Blab "Spur and Lawrence, for the purpose of effectffig speedy means of comma nication between 'the two placed. It is a great hardship that clients should be compelled to wait to the end of the " twice told tale* "of prosy counsels. What Tmge am has the Resident Magistrate of Lawrence committed that he should be habitually compelled to listen to preaching minus religion, and to a . wilderness of words into which even one ray .of logic does not penetrate .even by accident ?

"We have received No. 8 of the " Außtraliart Sketcher," which contains ten huge and seventeen small engravings, which are executed with evident care and obvious fine tabte. There are five original articles and numerous news extracts and light sooial sketches. The printing and paper is (if a high standard. We may add that the " Sketcher " recently received the approval of the great London " Times." We have much plesure in stating that Mr. John P. Armstrong, owing to press of business, will remain in Lawrence until Saturday. A FIFTH share in a claim at JVethers tones was sold a few weeks ago for the sum of £80, cash down. This speaks very well for Wetherstones, which some people will persist in saying is worked-out. "We remark that thore is a deficiency of reviews and magazines in the Athenaeum. For example, the " Cdntempdrary," "Fortnightly," ,• North British " ," North. American," " Edin^ burgh " and " Quarterly Reviews," are not in the magazine room. These are most attractive periodicals, and are full of all the best thought of the best modern winters. If the Institute is a financial success, the Committee shoidd attempt to make it also a literary success. Theee is a penitentiary in Dunedin for the reformation of fallen women — The food of the inmates is plentiful and wholesome, though plain. For breakfast they have porridge j at 11 in the forenoon, by way of lunch, they have bread and butter and tea or coffee ; dinner ednsista of meat of different kinds on different days, with potatoes and other vegetables, and pudding twice a week ; for tea they have tea and bread and butter. Oil Sundays, instead of porridge, they have sausages for breakfast. A brief reference to tho finances of the Institution may be made before closing these remarks. The sum of £350 has been raised by subscriptions received from the public, and a similar amount has brfjgn received as a subsidy (at the rate of £1 for £1) from the Provincial Government. Of the expenditure, tho most serious item has been the £500 for the purchase of the house and ground. Hebe is a cure for diptheria — Let the common strong sulphuric acid, or oil of vitriol, be used. Wehaveascertained, by experiment, that one drop let fall from an ordinary small medicine phial, into one table-spoonful of water, and sweetened with a few grains of sugar, may be taken by any infant. Let an additional dose oithe same, both acid and water, be added for each year of age up to four ; then for every three years afterwards, till a maximum dose of nine or ten drops in an equal number of table-spoonfuls of water is rcac}^|^ This may be repeated every four hours. ' The Dnnedin Arcade (Fleet street) is X renovated. V Ox the 9th instant the Volunteer Artillery, urnler the command of Major Atkinson, mustered in full regimentals to attend church parade at All Saints." The lojal paper suggests that the provincial geologists should etamino and report upon the Ma.rewheu.ua goldfield. A verJjct of manslaughter was given by tho Coroners 31117 who inquired into the circumstances of the death of Briggs the man who was killed lately by Kate M'Donald in Dunedin. Tftß Oamaru paper reports a case of sunstroke as having occurred in the Kakanui district on Tuesday last. A man named James Stewart is tho sufferer. The Nsseby paper states that tho Sludge Channel Vo. have agreed to break up— the .Messrs Crei^hton taking the responsibilities lor the remainder of the contract. . Work is to be at 05K-e gonb on -with, and drays aiid men in any Quantity are required as soon as possible. Tub Dunedin watchmakers have adopted the Saturday half-holiday. The announcement of the new Otago In' suranee Company has caused a fall of "seven shillings in the National Insurance Company's shares. Commercial travellers " swarm " at Lake Wakatip. A contractor named Samuel Clelland, engaged on the railway works, Maheno, Oamaru> was buried by a fall of earth on the 6th inst, from the effects of which he died, A Shark is being exhibited in Dunedin. Two editors waited on the Auckland master drapers and prevailed on them to accede to the request for early closing, TiiEBE was recently a pleasant scene ab Otakia when the School Committee and settlers at a soiree presented their teacher, Mr. Leitch, after 14 years' service, with a very haidsome watch and goH chain, of the value of £21, and Mrs Leitch with one of Singer'd t sewing machines, of the value of £12, as marks § of their esteem and regard. The sick passengers by the Lady Jocelyn are reported convalescent. Mr. Maekune- delivered an address on Gooi Templary in the Oddfellows 1 Hall, Eiverton, on the evening of the 28th ult., when thero was a very gool attendance. At tb.B closo of the proceedings it was decided to form a lodge of Good Templars, to be called the Western Pioneer Lodge, when 57 members were enrolled, of whom Solomon, the Maori minister, made one. The proceeds from Mr. Armstrong's lecture in aid oi the funds of the Benevolent Asylum amounted we are informed to about £14. The comparatively large attendance waa chiefly owing to the exertions of Mr. Farrer and the Misses Mouat in pushing the sale of the tL'kets. It is rather creditablo to. tlic people of Lawrence that there is no public house next door to the court house. Law is so dry that a lawyer who woidd be also a Good Templar, might be naturally arrested on a charge of having illegally escaped from a museum of natural curiosities. Mb. M. Hay is already vigorously prosecuting his contract for the gravelling of tho Blue Spur road. We are somewhat surprised to learn that the contract has been considerably curtailed..