ALEXANDRA.

Tuapeka Times, Volume VII, Issue 374, 18 July 1874, Page 3

ALEXANDRA.

(From our own Correspondent.) July 14th. On the 13th inst. an inquiry was held before W. Beresford, Esq., J.P. and a coroner's jury as to the origin of the late fire on Mr. Oliver's farm. A considerable quantity of evidence was taken, but no information was elicited as to the cause of the fire. The proceedings lasted until dusk, when the inquiry was adjourned for a week, for the purpose of obtaining the evidence of Mr. Oliver. The following is a summary of the facts of the case, so far as is yet known. The Grange farm, on which the fire occured, was purchased by Sir. Oliver about eight months ago, and is situated about half a mile from his residence. There is a dwelling house on the property, which has not been occupied since it has been in his possession. There was also a thatched shed, used as a barn, and in close proximity to it were three stacks, cne consisting of wheat and oats, and the other two of oaten and clover hay. On the Bth inst. Mr, Oliver left home about 5 a.m., and started for Dunedinby the Tuapeka coach. About 10 o'clock in the forenoon a large quantity of smoke was observed issuing from the stacks. An alarm was at once given, and a number of miners, who were working in the neighbourhood, hurried to the spot, when they found that the flames had complete possession of the three stacks and the adjoining shed, which in a short space of time were completely destroyed. The stacks were insured in the" Victoria otfice for the sum of £200. A strong opinion prevails that the fire has been the act of an incendiary. The nomination «f candidates for the office of Mayor of Alexandra for the ensuing year took place at the Council Chambers to-day at noon. The Mayor (Mr. Beresford) addressed the persons assembled, and informed them tbat there were two nominations, viz., Mr. James Rivers (proposed by Mr. J. Mackersy and seconded by Mr. J. Simmonds), and Mr. James Samson (proposed by Mr. R. Finlay and seconded by Mr. W. Theyers) ; and that the poll would take place on Tuesday July 21st.

Mr. liivers addressed the meeting at some length. He said that he had been a member of the Council for three years, and had always attended to his duties. His object in coming forward wag not so much for the honour of the position as from a desire to forward the interest of the township in which he lived. He referred at some length to the action he had taken while a member of the Council, particularly in the matter of the water supply. He considered the purchase of the Ovens Water Race a good investment for the towship, and believed that in another year they would be in a position to bring the water in by means of pipes. Be was not in favour of a water rate at present, as the present supply of water by means of open channels was merely a temporary expedient. He said there were general complaints of dull times ; people were leaving the district for other places that offered greater inducements for settlement, and none were coming to supply their places. The remedy he suggested was to endeavour to get the runs thrown open for settlement as the leases expired. He instanced Greig and Turnbull's run, which, if divided into sections, would support a number of families, which would be better for the district than if it remained in the hands of one firm. fie said he had taken part in all the public movements for the benefit of the district, and had always endeavoured to do his duty, and hoped that the electors would not vote on personal

grounds, but would elect the man best fitted for the office.

Mr. Samson then addressed the meeting. He said he came forward in obedience to an influential requisition. He had only been one year in the Council, but had always performed his duty to the besb of his ability ; and if elected he would do his utmost to fulfil the duties of his office to their satisfaction, he referred to various useful measures lie had brought forward in the Council, and entered at some length on several measures he proposed to bring forward. He considered that the Council should endeavour to get a bill passed to enable them to borrow money for the purpose of building a bridge across the Molyneux (at Alexandra. It was doubtful at the present time whether the railway

line via Waihemo or via Lawrence would be carried up-country ; if the railway was not carried to Roxburgh, they need not borrow the money, but it would be to their advantage to have the power to do so. He thought they had a good claim for a grant of £150, for the maintenance of the road through the township ; they had only received £150, while the other municipalities had got £300 for that purpose, and he thought if they pressed the matter on the attention of the Government they would be placed on the same footing. He would be in favor of employing a solicitor to draught out the byelaws of the corporation, so that the Town Clerk could take proceedings under them without legal assistance ; at present they were so vague that no one could understand them ; he was also in favour of a cheap system of drainage for the township. The experience of Cromwell shewed them the necessity for it. He concluded by stating that if elected he'would use his best endeavours to further the interests of the township.

A vote of thanks to the Mayor terminated the proceedings. This being considered the formal declaration of war, the belligerents immediately commenced organizing their forces and laying in a stock of amunition for the ensuiDg'campaign.