| Port Molyneux survey, January 1862. Pendennis St, which runs through the centre of the upper part of the the town, is now the road from the highway to the last remaining building of the, the "jetty shed" or "town hall." Sourced from LINZ. Crown Copyright reserved. |
The first reference to Port Molyneux to be found through "Papers Past" is from September, 1863.
PORT MOLYNEUX.
MESSRS BREWER, and LEVESON, General Merchants, Post-office Store, Molyneux, have on Sale, at moderate prices -
Groceries Boots and Shoes
Provisions Stationery
Oilmens' Stores Drugs
Slops Patent Medicines
Ironmongery Grass, Clover, and other
Glass and Chinaware Seeds
N.B. — Wood, Produce, and Luggage Stored. -Otago Daily Times, 28/9/1863.
PORT MOLYNEUX.
(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.) 24th October, 1863. We were agreeably surprised the other day by the appearance of the new Marine Surveyor (Mr Balfour) accompanied by the Harbour Master (Mr Thompson), and I can assure you that the faces of the Old Identity underwent some of the most ridiculous gymnastics ever witnessed, when they learnt that the object of these gentlemen's visit was to examine the mouth of the river with a view to facilitate the entry of vessels into the river. We do not know what opinion they formed respecting the capabilities of the port, but from what we hear, we think that the former gentleman's opinion of the site of the town could not, strictly speaking, be called highly flattering, but we have heard he was surprised at finding so magnificent a river capable, if properly managed, of materially developing the interior of the Province. I would just give a hint to the Government if they are, accessible to such things: — lst, Remove at all hazards the impediments to the easy entry and navigation of the river. 2nd, Withhold the sale of crown land until such improvements are effected, and without a doubt the land will then sell at double and even treble the upset price. Again, Southland is watching every movement with the eye of a lynx, and if the Government be not expeditious in their movements all the traffic of the Lake and Pomahawk ( - Pomahaka - GBC) districts will be taken to the Bluff. This may be prevented by freely opening up the navigation of the Clutha, and losing no time in putting on the coastal steamer. If the tide once sets into southland it will be difficult to regain lost ground. I would also draw attention to the making of a passable dray road from the main south line to this port, which would entice the whole of the neighboring wool producing districts to send their wool to this port. Vessels drawing 10 feet of water will have no difficulty in entering.
When the coastal steamer is put on, we expect that the salubrious air of the Molyneux district will induce many a visitor to come and sun himself on its picturesque banks. There are already several large stores erected in this rising township; in fact, we may well be proud of them, and if the buildings which we may naturally expect to spring up round them, are on the same extensive scale, we shall soon have one of the finest looking townships in Otago. I may also mention that there is an hotel in course of erection — to say nothing of one or two accommodation houses. Some of the New Iniquity laugh at the occasional visits we have at spring tides, but they are not so bad as represented, and a good embankment with an additional floodgate or two, would soon remedy this evil. Of the entire aspect of the place, I cannot say too much; even with the absence of a lock-up, or even a substitute for one, there is little or no drunkenness, the Old Identity seeming to know pretty well how much they can carry on board to a nobbler, and then "gang awa hame safely to the guid wife." -Otago Daily Times, 28/10/1863.
Port Molyneux was founded just before the beginning of the Otago gold rush and, with the beginning of the rush, became a booming port. Although the shifting sand bar - a feature of any river port - was a problem, it was the most convenient route for shifting freight to and from the south Otago area. The coastal steamer was indeed "put on" in 1863 - the "Tuapeka," launched at Port Chalmers and able to reach as far up the river as Tuapeka Mouth. The port was for many years the preferred freight route from Dunedin, superior to any land access.
Shipping Notices.
STEAM TO MOLYNEUX.
THE FAVORITE STEAMSHIP
WILLIAM MISKIN,
Francis Hepburn, Master,
Will be despatched For PORT MOLYNEUX,
On TUESDAY NEXT,
Conveying passengers and cargo, To be transhipped, On board the Tuapeka, for any part of the river. All cargo must be alongside at the New Jetty, not later than 12 o'clock on Tuesday.
Cargo will be charged at the rate of 30s per ton, to be paid in Dunedin previous to departure of steamer, and no cargo will be received on board without Shipping Orders, to be obtained at our office.
ROYSE, MUDIE and CO., High street.
________________________________________________
STEAM, COASTAL AND INLAND, UNDER CONTRACT WITH THE PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT.
FOR THE MOLYNEUX, KAITANGATA, CLUTHA FERRY, AND POMAHAKA.
THE STEAMERS, WILLIAM MISKIN AND TUAPEKA, Having been subsidised by the Government, are prepared to take cargo and passengers to and from the above ports and Dunedin weekly. Arrangements can now be made for the conveyance of wool from any of the above ports for shipment on board ships at Port Chalmers, or for delivery at Dunedin Jetty.
For freight or passage apply to BOYSE, MUDIE and CO.
-Otago Daily Times, 14/11/1864.
The William Miskin leaves Dunedin on Saturday first for Port Molyneux with a pleasure party, and returns on Tuesday. The party will have an opportunity to proceed up the river in the steamer Tuapeka, sailing up the several branches and performing a complete trip round Inch Clutha; the passage money is only £2 2s. We presume that, as a matter of course, next Monday (Boxing Day) and the following Monday, 2nd January, will be kept as holidays. -Oamaru Times and Waitaki Reporter, 24/12/1864.
 |
| Port Molyneux, 1864 from "Stepping Out," Evelyn McLay. Buildings, from left: Paterson's store, school, (behind vessel as is the police office) lockup and stable, Alexandra Hotel and bakery |
TOKOMAIRIRO
(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT)
Great preparations are being made here in anticipation of Christmas and New Year. Several programmes of sports have been issued. Aunt Sally, wheels of fortune, tilting matches, dances, and all manner of athletic sports and games are advertised in all directions for Boxing Day and 2nd of January. Mr Capstick, of the White Horse Hotel, has issued a capital programme of Caledonian games, and has offered most liberal prizes, including a silver cup of the value of eleven guineas as a prize for tilting at the ring. At Port Molyneux, also, festive preparations are being made, and in addition to the usual Caledonian sports there is to be a grand regatta. Otago Daily Times, 26/12/1864.
As well as the Port's "grand regatta," there were visitors from the north on those holidays, travelling as far up the Clutha as "the Ferry" - the name used then for the location of the ferry for the land route south of Dunedin. The name Balclutha, Gaelic for "town on the Clyde," was also being used by this time.
NEWS OF THE WEEK
The excursion trip made by the steamers Wm Miskin and Tuapeka, in the early part of the week, is reported as having been one of the most pleasant that have been made during the holiday season, and it is to be regretted that more of the inhabitants of Dunedin did not, or could not, avail themselves of the opportunity which was afforded them of visiting some of the finest spots within the limits of the Province. In consequence of the circumstance of the Wm. Miskin not being able to return from the trip until Tuesday, the party who sailed with her from Port Chalmers was not so numerous as would otherwise have been the case, but, on the vessel's arrival at Port Molyneux their number was supplemented considerably; at the Ferry and at the other landing places a still greater number joined the party: and Capt. Murray had the pleasure of entertaining a company of about a hundred and fifty persons, including the principal inhabitants of the townships at the Port and the Ferry, and of the extensive district intersected by the two branches of the Clutha river. At the Port there was a large and gay assemblage, who became passengers by the Tuapeka, and of the total numbers, about fifty were added on her arrival at the Ferry. Both the Wm. Miskin and Capt. Murray's boat were decorated extensively with bunting, evergreens, and flowers, an abundant supply of the latter having been obtained from the rich and well-kept gardens of the neighborhood, and, with the crowd and the display of colors, Port Molyneux certainly appeared to better advantage than on any occasion either before or since it became the resort of steam-vessels or sailing crafts. For the entertainment of excursionists ample preparation had been made also at the Alexandra Hotel, a new and well-conducted house, now under the management of Mr E. Lockley, and a number sat down to a dinner laid in a style which could not be excelled in the best hotels of the metropolis. The trip up the Matau branch of the river was only made as far as the finely situated homestead of George Maitland, Esq., the time being too limited for the completion of the second trip to the Ferry, which was reached at 8 p.m, the Tuapeka having steamed ninety miles during the day, with and against the strong current of the Clutha, and on Tuesday the Wm. Miskin returned to Port Chalmers, with her portion of the company, all of them being highly satisfied with the attentions of Capt. Hepburn and Capt. Murray, and the fortunate choice they had made in selecting such an excursion as a source of entertainment and recreation during the Christmas holidays. The same trip might well be repeated on some early day, and should, at least, form one feature in the programme of the Governor's visit to the interior, during his Excellency's now early expected visit to the Province. -Otago Witness, 31/12/1864.
CUSTOMS ENTRIES
EXPORTS
Per William Miskin, for Port Molyneux — Under Bond: 1 qr-cask brandy, 10 bags sugar. 8 casks brandy, 1 qr-cask whisky, Dalgety, Rattray and Co. Free and duty paid: 1 cask plaster, 1 bundle sashes, 3 doors, 1 parcel, Dalgety and Co; 1 dozen scythe handles, Briscoe and Co; 20 bags flour, 1 box tobacco, 1 do earthenware, 19 packages, 20 cases tobacco, R B Martin and Co; 6 cases ginger wine, Reeves and Co: 1 bundle spades, D Henderson; 1 parcel, 1 case, Ross and Glendenning; 1 cask, 2 boxes tobacco, 2 cases castor oil, Jenkinson and Co; sundries, A Briscoe and Co, and Day and Melville; 4 bags floor, Currie and Smith; 4 trunks, 1 bundle, 2 chests, Dalrymple and Co; 1 case marmalade, J Connell and Co; sundries, F Coleman, and Baines and Oliver. -Otago Daily Times, 6/1/1865.
FATAL ACCIDENT ON BOARD THE WILLIAM MISKIN.
The Daily Times of the 4th gives the following account of a fatal accident which happened on board the steamer William Miskin through the bursting of one of her boilers. A lamentable accident which has already resulted in the death of one man, and in the infliction of very serious injuries upon two others, occurred on Thursday, on board the steamer William Miskin, at the time of her passage from Waikava Kiver to Dunedin. By the bursting of one of her boilers, and the consequent escape of its contents throughout the after compartment of the vessel, the engineer and the two firemen were so fearfully scalded that one of them, James Wilson, a fireman, expired after a few hours of intense suffering; and the two others — James Smith, fireman, and Andrew Begbie, engineer, are now lying in Dunedin hospital in a very precarious state. The William Miskin had completed her usual bi-weekly trip to Port Molyneux and Waikava, and was nearly abreast of Brother's Point on her return passage from Waikava to the Molyneux, when the collapse of the boiler, and the subsequent tragedy occurred. Before leaving Waikava a stiff gale had set in from the south west, and that being a fair wind for the vessel, use was made of her sails, and the order to ease steam was given by Captain Hepburn to the engineer. Her usual pressure of from forty to fifty pounds to the square inch was therefore diminished to about half that rate when the accident happened, a circumstance which, perhaps, rendered the results less terrible than they might have otherwise been. To Captain Hepburn, who was at his post on the bridge, and to others on the deck, the first indication of something having gone wrong in the engine-room was the occurrence of an unusually loud escape of steam, more resembling, by its duration, the ordinary escape than any sudden explosion. Almost instantaneously the vessel was completely enveloped in steam, and it was naturally apprehended by all on board that the fate of the vessel and her crew had been sealed by some explosion which had extended its effects to the after part of her hull, leaving only the fore compartments to keep her afloat. As he proceeded from the deck-house towards the engine-room, in the midst of the blinding steam, Captain Hepburn was met by the fireman James Wilson, who ran into his arms, exclaiming, "Save me, for God's sake, save me." He was then, from the wet and heat, and from the fearful disfigurement of the scalding, scarcely recognisable as a live human being; and, when led into the cabin, and laid down on the couch, from which he never rose, the spectacle he presented was most heartrending. Bottles of oil were emptyed over him, with the object of allaying the pain he was enduring and, with gentle hands, an attempt was made to strip him of his clothes, but as they were removed pieces of the skin and flesh became separated from the terrible scalded body, his hair dropped off, and the other indications of the extent of his injuries were such that it was soon seen he could not long survive. The dying man, however, retained his senses almost to the last; at ten pm., nine hours after the accident he was able to give Captain Hepburn some directions relating to the engine room, which was fast filling with water; before midnight he was dead. The two other inmates of the engine room either scrambled up the ladder to the deck or were drawn up by the mate of the vessel, and were also removed to the saloon, where everything that could be devised to alleviate their agony was done for them by the captain and the crew. In the midst of this work, a fresh danger seemed to threaten the steamer. The after compartment including the engine room, began to fill fast with water, and the hull was visibly settling down by the stern. Every effort was then made to pump and bail her out, and ultimately acting on the information of the injured men, Captain Hepburn discovered the cause to be an open feed pipe, which was closed and the leakage stopped. Before sundown Captain Hepburn brought up in Molyneux bay, with smooth water close in shore, and not far from two sailing craft which were lying to the windward; and he made signals of distress, which were repeated after night-fall by burning blue lights and firing rockets; but no assistance was rendered either from the other vessels, or from the shore, a circumstance which, it is to be hoped, arose not from the indifference of the masters of the vessels or of others, but from the scarcely possible contingency that the signals were not seen. An attempt to get up steam in the other boiler having failed, the vessel sailed for Dunedin, and off the Ocean Beach signals of distress were again made, but apparently without being observed; and it was only on arrival at the Heads at mid-day that the signals were of service by being repeated to the Port, when the two demands for a tug steamer and medical attendance were obeyed by the steamer Samson, and Dr. Drysdale proceeding down. At Port Chalmers, Captain Godfrey, the owner, and the agents of the vessel, went on board, and she was without delay ordered to be towed to town, for the purpose of landing and removing to the hospital the two survivors of the calamity. The deceased, James Wilson, was a fine young man of about thirty years of age, of steady character, and much respected by his superiors on board. The other fireman, James Smith, is also a single man. The injuries he has received are of a very serious nature, and it is at present very doubtful if he will be able to survive them. Better hopes are entertained of Mr. Begbie, who, though advanced in years, possesses an amount of natural strength, which may enable him to bear up against the shock which the system must have received. He has a numerous grown-up family residing in Dunedin. It is only since the 18th of February that he has filled the situation of engineer on board the William Miskin, having previous to that time acted as engineer on board the s.s. Ruby. The cause of the accident is not yet precisely ascertained. On the arrival of the vessel, Mr. Hamilton, Inspector of Steamers, went on board, and he has ascertained that the bottom of the boiler or rather the roof of the or firebox, which is constructed in the middle of the boiler, had collapsed and burst, the aperture not extending over more than one plate. This collapse and subsequent rending of the plate might arise from two causes, the absence of a sufficient quantity of water in the boiler, or the encrustation of the plates with saline deposit, which, by preventing the contact of the water with the plate, would render it liable to be detrimentally affected by the heat. The more complete examination which will yet be made will, no doubt, determine whether it was to one or other of these causes, or to others of a different character, that the accident was due. -Press, 8/5/1865.
 |
| SS William Miskin (left), National Library of NZ. The William Miskin was built for the English Channel trade Ca. 1852 and continued trading after the boiler failure until wrecked in a storm on the Timaru coast in 1868. |
James Wilson lies in an unmarked grave in Dunedin's Southern Cemetery.
PORT MOLYNEUX.
(From a Correspondent)
Maister Editor, that young callant ye sent roond lately frae your office — I think he ca'd himsel 'Oor Special Reporter' — was unco anxious to get some ane amang us to drap ye a line or twa noo an' then frae the Port in the way o' news that micht interest the gude folks o' oor district; an' as I noticed lately ye managed to get a gude lang screed frae Coal Point, I dinna see what way an important port like oor ain — fitted some day to become the metropolis o' Otago, if no o' New Zealand — shouldna be able to gie maiter for a column or twa i' the 'Bruce Herald' noo an' then, as maybe ye micht use yer influence tae get oor Port made the terminus for the Panama line o' steamers, for which oor jetty an' fine shed wad jist answer brawly, withoot incurrin' any additional expense; an' as oor's is a Port o' Entry, wi' a fu' staff o' officials, we'll be ready tae receive the first steamer on a fortnicht's notice — an' if she should rin her neb on the rocks at the mooth, oor ' Tuapeka; will be waitin' tae tug her aff in a jiffy.
I hae jist said that Port Molyneux is weel suited for bein' the capital o' Otago (an' its a burnin' standin' shame that it isna sae), an' I'm sure that oor merchants here agree wi' me, when they hae gane an' built sic fine big shops, an' sae mony o' them. Man, we've got mae places o' business (Includin' the kirk and schuleroom) than private dwallin's, ilka ane lookin' across and eyein' the ither's doin's — that is, if (as seldom happens) an ora customer draps in frae the kintra roond aboot.
As, gif ye please. I'm thinkin' o' becomin' 'Oor Ain Correspondent,' some day ye micht think o' publishin' my contributions to yer paper in the shape o' a buik — a very common thing at hame noo wi' oor great hame cotemporaries. (Am I richt wi' that word? Jist drap me a line if I mauna mak use o' sic muckle words, or alter't yersel if ye think, as I dae, that the Port folks michtna understand it.) That buik it micht be the interest o' the Government o' the Middle Island to send hame (we'll hae separation afore my autobiography's dune, an' a squashin' o' Provincial Governments, jist like the Dunedin Toon Boord) for the benefit o' the fain residenters o' London, whan ane o' oor Clutha natives will atan' on London Brig and witness the ruins o' St Paul's, as prophesied by the greatest o' oor English (Scotch?) historians — like mysol, a Mac. I think I should I begin at the beginnin' o' my experiences o' the Clutha district, eleven years syne, whan I first cam oot frae Dunedin; but as ane or twa things hae ta'en place here lately that ye micht consider worthy o' takin the lead i' the noo, ye maun be sure to shoved in its richt place in my biography whan ye come tae mak a buik o't.
The ' Daily Times' made a mistak in sayin' that the lassies McPherson and Scott, that threw the bairn oot o' oor ain 'Tuapeka' steamer, had been traced frae the Dunedin Barracks tae the toonship o' Kaitangata. Nae siccan a thing. 'Honor to whom honor is due.' It was oor ain Port that they fand their way to, and onybody that kens the geography o' thae pairts kens that oor ain toonship is the only ane alow the ferry, there bein' nae toonship at Kaitangata. It's a shame to see such mistaks in oor public papers, showin' that, however muckle oor editors and reporters may ken o' the geography o' Palestine — o' which I mak nae doot — they ken little o' Otago oot o' Dunedin, or maybe Caversham or the length o' Green Island on the ae side, an' the Water o' Leith on the ither.
The schooner 'Midlothian' has been lyin' ootside oor bar for the last fortnicht, an' yesterday, whan ther wasna an ounce o' flour in the Port, it was some consolation tae ken that there was plenty on board the schooner, though, as far as oor stamachs were concerned, it micht as weel hae been at the bottom o' the sea.
However, as ye said my letters are to be paid by the piece, and as ye may be thinkin' I'm spinnin' this oot for the sake o' the siller, I'll better keep back some o' my subjecs for anither week. But I canna close withoot tellm' ye o' the grand treat we had last week in a visit frae that unco clever Scotch lassie they ca' Miss Aitken. Oor kirk was as fu' as it wad hold, an' I never in a' my life saw sic a lot o' folk sae weel pleased an' happy. Man, she's a fine reader thon. Maybe I should be ashamed to tell'd, but she had me greetin' the ae meenit in the ' The Wonnerfu' Wean,' sae like oor ain wee Geordie that's awa', an' ye could hae tied us a wi' a string wi' lauchin' at her readin' frae 'Mansie Wauch' and 'Mrs Caudle's Lectures.' Ane o' oor men o' business here, wha never spent as muckle on ony amusement in his life afore, an' wha needed three days priggin' tae tak a ticket, was sae weel pleased that he gaed tae the Inch tae hear her the next nicht. Sae I hope we'll hae anither visit frae her afore she gangs hame tae Scotland. Oor Bell wasna able to get there, as she had to stay at hame tae keep the bairn, so the next mornin' she waukened me aboot twa o'clock wi' her awfu' whuds, caused by my wauknin' her wi' my screaming 'O murder — I'm killed — I'm dead,' as I mind weel I thocht in my dream I was in the gallery o' the theatre Miss Aitken read aboot in ' Mansie Wauch.' -Bruce Herald, 27/4/1865.
| Early survey, showing the original course of the Clutha or Molyneux River around Inch Clutha and south-west behind the sandspit to pass the Port. Sourced from LINZ. Crown Copyright reserved. |
The freight service ran under a Provincial Government subsidy, begun in 1862 but withdrawn after a few years.
CLUTHA FERRY. (excerpts)
CLUTHA FERRY. (excerpts)
{From a Correspondent.) July 24, 1865.
As it appears your correspondent in this quarter has taken his departure for another Province, I take the liberty of furnishing you with the following note of occurrences in this district.
This district has been dreadfully neglected by late governments, and no elector in this quarter I am sure will vote for any man unless he is likely to see to the better promotion of the agricultural interests of the country. Here we have the most noble river in New Zealand, with its banks of the most fertile soil, utterly neglected by government, who for their own interests, if not for those of their settlers — namely, in so far as it would induce small capitalists to invest in land, and settle down and cultivate it, in which alone rests the true wealth of any country — ought to offer such inducements to capitalists (if they will not undertake it themselves), or say to a joint-stock company, which would probably be the better plan, (as capital is such a scarce commodity in Otago), to place the head of navigation of the Molyneux in immediate connection with the principal seat of business in Otago, viz., Dunedin, by the means of steam, which could be done in the following way, viz.: An outside steamer, to cost, say £4,500, and an inside one, (or river steamer), to cost, say £2,500; in round numbers this would be £7000, leaving a balance of £1000 for extras and other preliminary expenses which might be entailed in the completion and fitting, &c., of said ships. Our local members of government appear either not to know what is wanting in the district, or, to satisfy some of their own morbid desires, do not wish to know the necessities thereof, which has every facility nature can afford in the shape of water, and which if kept in regular communication with the emporium of trade would no doubt be one of the most nourishing districts in Otago and one of the most populous. In a moment of excitement a contract was entered into nearly two years ago with Messrs. Murray and Jackson for the opening up of the Molyneux by steam navigation, which would no doubt been most successful had the Government acted up to their contract with those gentlemen. But here was the 'hinge' again. The government, as soon as the 'Tuapeka' was in the Molyneux waters, apparently thought no more about their engagement with her, (which was to have an outside steamer to run in connection with her) but pay the subsidy. Of course our Port Molyneux friends had a few angel visits of the 'Wm. Miskin,' which burst up one fine day and we heard no more of her at the mouth of the river. Why did the Government allow this? viz., the withdrawal of the 'Wm. Miskin,' and then, was this a way in which to treat any enterprising gentlemen who expected nothing more I suppose than a fair return for their capital invested, and who were actually working for the government good in opening up their country and exposing the rich mines of wealth the Province contained for the lasting wealth of the country, viz., husbandry. -Bruce Herald, 27/7/1865.
PORT MOLYNEUX (excerpt)
I was shown a large stack of oats the other day, for which, when threshed, the owner does not anticipate receiving more than L45. Two years ago, the same quantity would have brought him a large sum, every pound weight of straw being then valuable, whereas it has now to be got rid of by burning. Disheartening work it must be, since this is the true state of matters; and it has been rendered still more so, as, from their being, neither coastal nor river steamer, the difficulties to contend with in getting produce sent first to and then from Port Molyneux are very great. Several thousand bushels of grain have been waiting at the Port for the last two or three months for a chance of shipment; and a very large quantity of produce up the river is literally being destroyed for want of means of carriage. It is earnestly to be hoped that success will attend the company now formed in Dunedin, for the purpose of placing a steamer on the coast to trade between Molyneux, Dunedin and the Northern ports. It is impossible to estimate the loss and inconvenience the settlers have sustained since the withdrawal pf the 'Miskin' and 'Tuapeka;' and now that the dairying season is coming on, the loss will be doubly felt if the means of quick communication with this and other ports be not speedily supplied. Bruce Herald, 5/10/1865.
PORT MOLYNEUX.
(From our own Correspondent.}
On the morning of Thursday last, the 2nd instant, the long-looked-for steamer Tuapeka made her appearance and crossed the bar most successfully at 10.25, a little before half-tide, having made an excellent trip round from Dunedin; in fact, had the weather been made for her it could not have been better. She was visible at about a quarter to seven, coming under easy steam, so that she might not have to wait long at the bar for the tide. I hope that now she has returned the settlers will do all they can to support her, and keep her on the river, so that next year we shall not be hearing of produce spoiling in every direction for want of means of transport, as has been the case lately and also that the Council will grant a subsidy to the S. S. N. Company, as without that it is very doubtful whether the amount of traffic on the river will be sufficient to pay expenses at any rate for the ensuing year. The coasters Midlothian and William and Margaret came in on the same day as the Tuapeka both having been at sea during the terrific gale which we had on the 27th of October, which seems to have partaken of the nature of a cyclone, the wind shifting gradually round, and in spite of its violence, having only a slow onward movement, the extreme strength being felt here about 3 a.m., and on the Taieri not until 7 a.m. The roof of the Alexandra Hotel, belonging to the Messrs. Begg, was completely blown off, a chimney at the back having fallen through it, admitting the wind, which seems to have made short work of it, the whole iron being placed on the ground in front, the back lying on the ceiling joists. Unfortunately since the loss of the roof we have had a considerable quantity of rain, which has done much damage to the paper in the various rooms, which otherwise were not at all injured, however the roof has been already replaced with the exception of the shingles, and I believe the proprietors intend to finish the chimnies with iron tops which will prevent such a catastrophe in future. With this exception no damage was done here, although few of the inhabitants slept much that night, fearing each one for his own house.
There is a fresh in the Molyneux now making the road to the original part of the Town, by the Signal Station almost impassible in consequence of the inroads made by the river, and we may naturally expect a much heavier fresh before long, when the probabilities are that the unfortunates who have purchased these sections under the idea that Government, when selling town sections, provides some proper means of access to that town, will be unable to pass to and fro during a considerable part of the day, even supposing they are indifferent about walking up to their knees in mud. I hope that after the next sitting of the Provincial Council this evil will be remedied, and that those parties who luxuriate in marine residences will not be obliged to become amphibious. -Bruce Herald, 9/11/1865.
NEWS OF THE WEEK
The steamer Tuapeka, which sailed from Port Chalmers late on Thursday, has already been reported as having safely arrived in the Clutha, where she will now be employed in the inland navigation of the province, in connection with the steamer or temporarily engaged sailing vessels of the Southern Steam Shipping Company. The Tuapeka had a very fine run from Otago Heads to Port Molyneux, reaching Coal Point in seven hours under easy steam. Being too early for the tide, she waited outside the bar until 10 a.m.; and at about half-flood-tide went over the bar in beautiful style, arriving alongside Port Molyneux jetty at 10.15 a.m. There she remained until 2 45 p.m., when she proceeded up the river, discharging cargo at different landing places, and reaching Clutha ferry at half-past five in the evening. On the following day the vessel proceeded up the river with her remaining cargo. Now that she has returned to The Clutha, in perfect working order, and under favorable auspices, it is to be hoped that the settlers, with the Government, will give the fullest encouragement to an enterprise which meets so thoroughly the great desideratum of the district. It is now six months since the Tuapeka was withdrawn from the river; and there is little doubt that during that time the district has sustained a loss amounting in money value to several thousands of pounds, from the circumstance of the settlers being unable to forward their abundant produce to any remunerative market. But for the exertions of Captain Murray to re-open the traffic both on and from the river, the district might have continued for a long time without the benefit of steam communication; but now that a sufficient scheme has been organised, it is likely to enjoy the advantage in a form which should answer all necessary purposes. Within four or five months the Company's new steamer, named the Matau, built expressly for the Molyneux and Invercargill trade, will be completed. In the meantime, Mr Royse, of Messrs Royse, Mudie and Co., has instructions to charter in Melbourne or Sydney, a steamer suitable for the trade, so as to preserve the communication until the building of the Matau be completed. In the meantime communication between Dunedin and Port Molyneux will be kept up by the employment of schooners, carrying cargo at through rates to the Clutha Ferry, and to the different landings between that point and the present head of navigation. Otago Witness, 11/11/1865.
In which the dangers of crossing a river bar such as the Clutha are described:
THE WANTS OF THE MOLYNEUX DISTRICT. (excerpt)
(To the-Editor of the Daily Times.) Sir — Although I am quite aware that it is not a very easy matter to find a soft place in the heart of a Provincial Council, especially when laments from outlying districts have to he considered. Still, as the Council has met, a circumstance which has brought together the united wisdom of the Province, perhaps it may do no harm reminding our legislators of the grievance which we people in the Molyneux district have to complain of, in the hope that, even at the eleventh hour, some semblance of Justice will at last be meted out to us.
The first matter I may bring upon the tapis, is to advert to the miserable parsimony that has been evinced by the Government towards Port Molyneux in not carrying out what has been so long recommended, viz.—placing a couple of buoys at the mouth of the river. Last week I happened to be down at the Port, and was an eye-witness of what I am about to describe. On the occasion referred to, I saw three schooners bearing down for the mouth of the river, evidently with the full intention of taking the bar and entering the Port. The bar at the time was comparatively smooth, the tide nearly full, and the wind, being from the south-east, could not have been more favorable. The first vessel that made the attempt to enter got safely over the bar and clear of the breakers, but as she unfortunately kept rather too near the south side of the channel, there was great danger (the wind having at the same moment suddenly lulled) of her getting in among the rocks that line that side. Under these circumstances the captain dropped his anchor, in the hope that it would hold on until the next flowing of the tide. By good luck the anchor did hold, and as it happened, the wind, although very light, still continuing to blow from the same quarter, enabled the schooner, with the turn of the tide, to drift further up the river and so escape from the perilous position she had got herself into. When the other two schooners that were about to follow, observed the plight the first one had got into, they at once sheered off and stood out to sea, and it may be days, if not weeks, possibly, before such another good opportunity may offer for getting into port.
Had there, therefore, in this instance, been a couple of buoys moored inside the breakers, this schooner, that only escaped destruction by a miracle, might, with the greatest of case, have warped herself into a safe position for anchoring; and moreover, the captains of the other two vessels knowing that there were these two buoys to make use of in case of need, would most certainly have curried out their original intention, and have entered the river without the slightest fear for the result. To give these remarks their full weight and render them intelligible to the Government, they have only to refer to Captain Thomson of Port Chalmers, whose general experience in such matters, as well as practical knowledge of the Molyneux bar, would, I am convinced, lead him to confirm the view I have taken of the subject. Now that there is a company formed for carrying on the coastal trade of the province, and as the traffic at the outlying ports is likely to be very much increased, surely it is not being over exacting in calling upon the Government to make this small outlay, which after all would only amount to the cost of a couple of anchors and chain cables.
— I am. &c. Molyneux. Otago Daily Times, 11/12/1865.
Public Companies
SOUTHERN STEAM NAVIGATION COMPANY (Limited)
Capital, L15,000 in 300 Shares of L50 each.
Directors; John Douglas, Esq., G. G. Russell, Esq., Henry Driver, Esq., Capt. A. S. Murray, John Duncan, Esq., James Scoular, Esq., John Edmond, Esq.,
Bankers: Bank of Otago. Solicitor: B. C. Haggitt, Esq.
The objects of the promoters of the Company are to meet the requirement of the increasing trade between the various Ports, north and south of Dunedin, and to form a regular line of communication between Dunedin, Molyneux, Invercargill, and Riverton on the South, and Oamaru, Timaru, and Lyttelton on the North.
It is proposed to have two first-class Screw Steamers built, with carrying capacities, one of 150 and one of 250 tons, and comfortable accommodation for passengers, the smaller one for the Southern trade, and the larger one for the Northern trade: the former to be built in Sydney, and the latter on the Clyde. The smaller one could be built and running in about four or five mouths, and the larger in about eight or ten months.It is also proposed to take over the river steamer Tuapeka at a valuation, to run on the Molyneux in connection with the Southern steamer.
More than three-fourths of the capital has been already subscribed and taken up, principally by merchants and others directly interested in the trade of the various Ports.
For Forms of Application for Shares, apply to H. R, STEAVENSON, Secretary Dunedin. -Otago Daily Times, 25/12/1865.
THE MOLYNEUX
(from a correspondent.)
The progress of this district has, this last month, been materially enhanced by our old friend the Tuapeka resuming her trade on the Molyneux. The large amount of produce locked up for want of cheap transmission to the central market, is now gradually disappearing. The shareholders ought to find their capital profitably invested; for not only have the settlers expressed an undivided opinion, and taken a deep interest in the undertaking, but have promised extra support from the fact of their attention being directed to further settlement of the lands; and in the eagerness shown by farmers in breaking up fresh country for the production of an increase of growing crops they prove themselves in earnest. The chief merit lies with the captain of the Tuapeka. For some considerable time, his advanced views of the resources of this district were held much below par. Now the fact is becoming apparent. His exertions in the first instance were greatly undervalued; but the happy return of the steamer — the only means of cheap transit — appears to be appreciated to the fullest extent the enterprise deserves. -Otago Daily Times, 27/12/1865.
The new coasting steamer Tairoa, recently built at Port Chalmers, and fitted with engines at Stuart street Jetty by Messrs Parry and Co, is now alongside the wharf receiving cargo for Port Molyneux, to which place she is to make her first trip. As she appears alongside the wharf she is a handsome vessel, tidily rigged, and seems admirably adapted for the trade into which she is to be placed. She sails on Wednesday morning. -Otago Daily Times, 20/2/1866.
We are informed that an enterprising local merchant is about to embrace the opportunity offered by the regular weekly visits of the s.s. Tairoa to Port Molyneux to export therefrom carcasses of meat for the Dunedin market, should that steamer not be capable of conveying live animals — the risk of crossing the Clutha Ferry being greatly against the overland transit. The number of fat stock now running in the South Clutha district is very considerable, and probably this mode of getting them disposed of will be equally, if not more profitable, than sending the live animals to market. It is very generally adopted now in the home country, carcass meat being thus conveyed to the London market from Aberdeen and other places, in order to save the loss in weight of the cattle produced by the sea voyage or other mode of travelling. We wish the introducers of this new branch of local industry every success, and believe that it will shortly lead to a considerable trade being done with Dunedin in cattle, and also in dairy produce. -Bruce Herald, 29/3/1866.
The "Brighton of Otago" - some history and the beginning of a holiday trade.
A Dwelling-house, formed of Wattling Dab, at present untenanted, exists in Wiltshire Bay, Clutha Mouth, upon the chimney of which is roughly cut, but plainly visible from a distance of some yards, "R, 1840." We are informed that it was built by a person named Russell, still resident in this Province, but who has now left the neighborhood of the Clutha, in which district we believe him to have been the first European inhabitant. We are informed that about the time of his arrival he planted here and there around the neighboring bush apple and cherry trees, the fruits of which the residents of Port Molyneux now enjoy in their occasional rambles through the bush. Upon visiting the neighborhood lately, in company with four other companions, each of us somewhat appetised after our journey, we ate apples to our heart's content, and then carried away pockets full each; although, as we entered the bush, a bare-footed urchin who had preceded us, was carrying off a bagfull of' them; now that fruit trees are somewhat numerous throughout the Province, many of our readers might benefit posterity, if not themselves, by planting around their neighboring bushes, fruit trees, for which they may not have room in their gardens or orchards, the benefit of which might be similarly enjoyed. We are glad to observe that the Brighton of Otago has been more extensively patronised this season than upon any former year, and trust, now that the yearly holidays are becoming more general with the business people of Dunedin and the Provincial Towns, that the attractions of Port Molyneux, as a sea-side summer residence, will become more extensively appreciated, as we feel certain that its superior claims have only to become better known in order that they may be more taken advantage of. Port Molyneux possesses the advantage of an excellent and secluded bathing place, at Wiltshire's Bay, where the shallowness of the water prevents the entrance of sharks, and the sea bottom is composed of beautiful white sand, while the Bay is usually calm, the Nuggets breaking the force of the waves from the west and southward, and the Sand Spit from the east and north ward. It speaks well for the place, that the greater portion of the visitors this season have been from the outlying portions of the Clutha district itself; but, no doubt, in future many Dunedinites will embrace the opportunity offered by the regular steam communication with Port Molyneux, to pay a yearly visit.
Our readers are aware that during last winter, about 30 miners were at work upon the gold-bearing sand situated near the entrance of the Clutha River, within two miles of Port Molyneux, many of whom then realized fair wages. One of their number now informs us that during four months himself and mates washed 21 ounces, although they were compelled to work over night, so as to obtain the use of the only sluice head of water brought in, which was worked by another party during the day, who, it was thought, had done much better than the others whose earnings are quoted above. We believe that during the past fortnight, a party of two or three miners arrived in the district with a pack horse, from some of the up-country diggings of the Province, and set to work near the former ground, which they found entirely covered, with white sand to a considerable depth, mainly, we understand, through the effects of the late floods. They would appear to have become disheartened from the quantity of white sand overlying the black gold-bearing strata, or from not being acquainted with the proper ground, as they at once left without continuing the search, which we still believe would pay well if systematically worked, and probably this will be done during the coming winter by some of the residents in the district who have been at work before on the same spot. -Bruce Herald, 12/4/1866.
ALEXANDRA HOTEL, PORT MOLYNEUX.
J A S. ANCELL
HAS much pleasure to announce that he has now opened the above commodious Hotel which having undergone a thorough renovation, is ready for the reception of visitors and others. Special accommodation will he provided for families visiting the sea coast for the season at very moderate charges. The already well known situation of the Hotel (commanding a view of river and ocean, and adjacent to the jetty), renders it a desirable house for travellers, tourists, &c, where every attention will be paid to their comforts.
Good Stable Accommodation.
Wines and Spirits of the best brands. -Bruce Herald, 7/6/1866.
We have been informed, that on Friday last, as the steamer "Tuapeka" was returning down the Clutha River from Pomahaka, at which place she had been discharging cargo for the settlers — she suddenly struck against a rock (presumed to be the rock, by the way, which has cost the Government upwards of £100 in its attempted removal) making a large hole in the bottom of the vessel. Captain Murray, with his usual promptitude and energy directed two of the men to the part, who, finding a bag of flour within reach, quickly jammed it into the opening, which effectually prevented the inlet of water, and enabling the vessel to proceed on her journey. The steamer called at the Ferry, and took in a cargo of oats, leaving on Saturday morning for Port Molyneux, and arrived safely, suffering little inconvenience from an accident which might have been attended with serious loss. -Bruce Herald, 21/6/1866.
1862 1863 1864 1865 last 5 months
Wool, bales 684 802 1216 1004 566
Potatoes, tons 28 113 335 399 39
Oats, bushels -- 100 3992 21487 9146
Wheat, bushels 1883 1208 1554 1873 1700
Butter, kegs 30 3 4 13 5
Turnips, tons -- 22 21 4 --
No. vessels entered 46 60 64 56 21
Tonnage of ditto 1280 1941 2015 2145 1020
-Bruce Herald, 21/6/1866.
PORT MOLYNEUX JETTY.
A Correspondent sends us the following:
— A hot wind— a melting of snow — a flood — an eddying of waters— a scooping out of sands — a sinking of the Jetty at Port Molyneux, and, the first scene closes, revealing the fact that most of the piles are hanging dangling from the upper works, and one of the oldest inhabitants shakes his head and says ''The piles were never driven to the bottom; some of those under my house were sawn off the tops of these."
A correspondence — representations — pooh pooh's — appeals— neglect — protestations — delay— a road inspector, for half-an-hour on a rough day, taking levels with a sledge hammer and a broken clothes line, and the second scene is brought to a termination.
Three months elapse, and scene third opens with plans and specifications minutely drawn up — a contract, and a visit from the contractor: and as this scene closes, the audience become aware that instead of 25 piles as named in the careful specification, there are 42 — that 15 feet of the sound portion of the jetty which has been dragged from its bearings by the weight of the damaged part, are not even mentioned — that the slabbing at the back has been altogether overlooked, and that the approach to the jetty which the water has almost utterly destroyed, forms no part of the contract.
What will the next scene be? Quien Sabe! Let us conjecture. Extras, and the Piper to pay ! And our Government on the one hand taking credit for economy, and for saving every possible farthing of the public money in these needy times, but on the other, letting money through their fingers behind scenes.
The Chief Engineer has been twice in the since the flood without troubling himself to visit the spot. The Superintendent Harbor Master, veni vidi, spat into the river, and turned away to dinner. Government officials, no doubt draw their salaries. That is their duty to themselves. But have they any duties to perform to the public? If so, what are they? -Bruce Herald, 28/6/1866.
To the Editor of the Bruce Herald.
Sir. — I feel sure you will excuse the liberty I take by appealing to the public, through the medium of your paper, on behalf of the unfortunate small community of Maories who live at the Port Molyneux. The late floods have destroyed their crops, leaving them nothing but fern roots and the small fish like minnows to live upon.
This is one of the great blessings which we as Britons, ought to feel justly proud of, that however keen in commerce, we are also charitable to those that suffer — when through the medium of the press the sufferings of the unfortunate are brought to our notice. I make this appeal on behalf of the unfortunate Maories; can we, boasting of the proud distinction of being Christians, allow such a small fraction of our fellow-creatures to suffer, while we roll in abundance? surely not — let the clergymen of our churches, the pioneers in such good offices, set the example by making a subscription in their churches, and your name, Mr Editor, might be usefully employed as Treasurer for monies given by those who feel through their religious creeds, a delicacy in attending our Protestant places of Worship.
I have heard the sufferings of the poor Maories spoken of in such terms, that the heart must be hard indeed who would not contribute a mite towards their relief.
I enclose you my name and address, and will be ready to give my donation, either through your hands or any of our religious institutions.
I am, &c, Tommy Forthwith. -Bruce Herald, 5/7/1866.
PORT MOLYNEUX.
A Public Meeting was held on Tuesday, the 10th inst., at the Alexandra Hotel, to consider the rumoured destitute state of the Clutha Maories. On the motion of Wm. Brown, Esq., the Rev. Wm Bannerman was voted to the chair. The chairman having stated the object of the meeting which he had taken upon himself to call, in consequence of the rumours current, that the Maories in this neighborhood were suffering from the want of the necessaries of life; and, having expressed his assurance that if such proved to be the case, they would, as men and Christians be willing to help the Maories, he called upon any present who had any information to communicate regarding the condition of the Maoris. Mr Brown, in answer to the Chairman's call, said, — that in anticipation of this meeting, he had been at some pains to learn the ways and means at the disposal of the Maories. He had had some difficulty in ascertaining the truth; it was not till he had taken the Maories singly and collectively, and after much shuffling and concealment of the truth on the part of the Maories, he had learned that they, few though they were, had more than a dozen horses among them with which they did nothing; a greater number of cattle, besides 150 acres of land in addition to the reserve belonging to them. He found that they were better off than several of the settlers, who had suffered more than the Maories by the recent flood, and had fewer resources at their command to fall back upon; and yet no word of sympathy had been uttered for them, though a "Tommy Forthwith" had become the advocate of the Maories; he had found that only recently a sum of L54 had been given as a present by the Maories to some of their friends in the North, a sum, which considering the ramifications existing among the Maories, may have gone, so far as he knew, to assist, in supplying the sinews of the war. That very day, the Maories had shipped by the "Tairoa" 16 kits of dried fish as a present to some of their friends at the Heads, Port Chalmers, and for freight and passage of a Maori boy accompanying the present, he had, as agent for the "Tairoa," received L2 2s 6d, in such a way as to show that they were not without cash; even if they were, he considered that the Maories having means should be taught to act as the settlers have to do, when short of moneys sell a horse. He would not like to see the Maories have to sell their cattle, but so long as they had running about them a lot of, to them, useless horses, which they could get readily sold, he did not consider that they were fit objects of charity; all the more was he of this opinion because they had refused to work — work had been offered them, such as they were quite capable of doing, such as lifting potatoes, splitting firewood, &c, and though offered good pay, yet they would do nothing. Before concluding, Mr Brown laid before the meeting a list of horses and cattle with their several brands as prepared by one of the Maories and acknowledged to be correct by the others.
Mr Rich, sub-collector of Customs, stated, that from enquiries he had personally made as to the Maories, he could corroborate all that had been mentioned by Mr Brown, and was satisfied that there, was no need of further inquiry. He had had the same difficulty as Mr Brown in getting at the truth, the Maories being sadly given to fibbing; as an illustration, he gave the instance of one of them who admitted first to having only one horse, but when afterwards spoken to, acknowledged he had two, and when confronted with the other Maories, that he had four. He stated that he and others on the first mention of the Maories being destitute, had sent them provisions, not waiting till enquiry should be made, but now that he and others had made enquiry, he considered that not only did they not need help, if only they would help themselves, but that there was no necessity for "Tommy Forthwith" becoming so lachcrymose over the Maories and giving it forth through the public press that they were neglecting the destitute. Had it been seen the Maories were in want, they had proved themselves willing enough to aid them. He informed the meeting that Mr Begg, understanding they were in want, offered them one bag of potatoes if they would lift three, but this they refused to do. One Maori in doing yesterday some trifling job for Mr Gait, on being paid was told to go and buy some bread, the advice having been given on the supposition that he was in want, but the Maori declined the advice, remarking that he would keep the money. He mentioned these things as shewing that the Maories were not so destitute as they had been represented to be.
Mr Finlayson and others having given similar testimony. Mr Hay, one of the oldest settlers in the Clutha district, and who has always interested himself in the Maori population, observed that he considered the letter of "Tommy Forthwith," published in the 'Bruce Herald' to be nothing else than a libel on the inhabitants of the district. He hoped some one would reply to it, or at least report the statements that had been made to the meeting, these statements being the best answer to the libel. It was no use doing anything for the Maories, if you help them they won't help themselves; besides, if anything is done to benefit them, unless they have to work for it, a mob of other Maories will be down among them to eat up all that may be given them. They had sold cattle lately, and given the money away and fifty shillings besides, which he had given to one of them. To help the old Maories was useless, if anything could be done for the children it would be a good thing, but as they were presently situated, he could not see how it could be done. The Maories had indeed lost their potatoes, so had many of the white people bye-and-bye he would recommend that the Maories be supplied with seed potatoes; if this was held out to them they would prepare the ground for next year's crop.
Mr George Richardson, after reviewing the information laid before the meeting, moved that this meeting after the enquiry made into the condition of the Maories in this neighborhood, find that they are not in the destitute condition rumoured, and deem it unnecessary at present to take any steps towards assisting them. The motion was unanimously adopted, and after a vote of thanks to the chairman the meeting separated. -Bruce Herald, 26/7/1866.
We cannot help feeling annoyed and indignant, whenever we observe public works being undertaken and performed on the principle of 'How not to do it,' — a very marked instance of this came under our notice a few days ago, at Port Molyneux, where repairs are being executed on the Jetty, of such a nature and in such a manner, as will inevitably prove to be so much money thrown away. The plan adopted seems to have been gone into without the slightest consideration or regard to the future, a moments reflection convincing, us, that the continued action of the water on the banks of the river, will very shortly remove large portions of land, and in consequence the Jetty and Jetty-shed will be surrounded with water, thereby entailing another outlay of public money, which could have been obviated by a simple, yet strong embankment on the sides of the river above the Jetty. We trust this will engage the attention of those who ought to be responsible for the creditable performance of such necessary works. -Bruce Herald, 30/8/1866.
It is with great pleasure we have to record the presentation of a cheque of £27 to Mrs. Bannerman, Clutha Manse, by a number of the ladies in the Clutha district, for the purpose of purchasing a Sewing Machine, which they requested her to accept as a mark of their regard and esteem. We understand the presentation was made through Mrs. Wm. Brown, Port Molyneux, to whom personally, and through her to the subscribers, Mrs. Bannerman has made her grateful acknowledgements. -Bruce Herald, 20/9/1866.
The second Series of Lectures on the Reformation was delivered by the Rev. W. Bannerman, at Puerua, and Port Molyneux, on Wednesday and Thursday last, when numerous and attentive audiences were present on each occasion. Our space prevents us giving a report of the reverend gentleman's able remarks this week but it shall appear in our next. -Bruce Herald, 1/11/1866.
A document is being numerously signed in the Port Molyneux District, its object being to guarantee a fixed salary to a teacher over and above the amount contributed by the Government, school fees, &c. The amount of salary to be guaranteed in all is £160, and we trust a suitable person will shortly be met with, as the school has remained vacant since Mr Stevens' departure for Waihola. A general feeling of regret is now felt, that something was not done in this way, before that gentleman left the district in order, if possible, to have retained his services. -Bruce Herald, 29/11/1866.
It was an important day for the entire region when Her Majesty's representative, Governer-General Grey, visited.
"something closely resembling a swindle"
the subject of "Sham"
"black mail may be leveled upon the produce"
Mr Finlayson and others having given similar testimony. Mr Hay, one of the oldest settlers in the Clutha district, and who has always interested himself in the Maori population, observed that he considered the letter of "Tommy Forthwith," published in the 'Bruce Herald' to be nothing else than a libel on the inhabitants of the district. He hoped some one would reply to it, or at least report the statements that had been made to the meeting, these statements being the best answer to the libel. It was no use doing anything for the Maories, if you help them they won't help themselves; besides, if anything is done to benefit them, unless they have to work for it, a mob of other Maories will be down among them to eat up all that may be given them. They had sold cattle lately, and given the money away and fifty shillings besides, which he had given to one of them. To help the old Maories was useless, if anything could be done for the children it would be a good thing, but as they were presently situated, he could not see how it could be done. The Maories had indeed lost their potatoes, so had many of the white people bye-and-bye he would recommend that the Maories be supplied with seed potatoes; if this was held out to them they would prepare the ground for next year's crop.
Mr George Richardson, after reviewing the information laid before the meeting, moved that this meeting after the enquiry made into the condition of the Maories in this neighborhood, find that they are not in the destitute condition rumoured, and deem it unnecessary at present to take any steps towards assisting them. The motion was unanimously adopted, and after a vote of thanks to the chairman the meeting separated. -Bruce Herald, 26/7/1866.
We cannot help feeling annoyed and indignant, whenever we observe public works being undertaken and performed on the principle of 'How not to do it,' — a very marked instance of this came under our notice a few days ago, at Port Molyneux, where repairs are being executed on the Jetty, of such a nature and in such a manner, as will inevitably prove to be so much money thrown away. The plan adopted seems to have been gone into without the slightest consideration or regard to the future, a moments reflection convincing, us, that the continued action of the water on the banks of the river, will very shortly remove large portions of land, and in consequence the Jetty and Jetty-shed will be surrounded with water, thereby entailing another outlay of public money, which could have been obviated by a simple, yet strong embankment on the sides of the river above the Jetty. We trust this will engage the attention of those who ought to be responsible for the creditable performance of such necessary works. -Bruce Herald, 30/8/1866.
It is with great pleasure we have to record the presentation of a cheque of £27 to Mrs. Bannerman, Clutha Manse, by a number of the ladies in the Clutha district, for the purpose of purchasing a Sewing Machine, which they requested her to accept as a mark of their regard and esteem. We understand the presentation was made through Mrs. Wm. Brown, Port Molyneux, to whom personally, and through her to the subscribers, Mrs. Bannerman has made her grateful acknowledgements. -Bruce Herald, 20/9/1866.
The second Series of Lectures on the Reformation was delivered by the Rev. W. Bannerman, at Puerua, and Port Molyneux, on Wednesday and Thursday last, when numerous and attentive audiences were present on each occasion. Our space prevents us giving a report of the reverend gentleman's able remarks this week but it shall appear in our next. -Bruce Herald, 1/11/1866.
A document is being numerously signed in the Port Molyneux District, its object being to guarantee a fixed salary to a teacher over and above the amount contributed by the Government, school fees, &c. The amount of salary to be guaranteed in all is £160, and we trust a suitable person will shortly be met with, as the school has remained vacant since Mr Stevens' departure for Waihola. A general feeling of regret is now felt, that something was not done in this way, before that gentleman left the district in order, if possible, to have retained his services. -Bruce Herald, 29/11/1866.
PETITION OF THE SOUTH MOLYNEUX SETTLERS.
To the Hon, the Superintendent of Otago,
The petition of the undersigned electors, landowners, and residents of the Clutha district, in the Province of Otago, humbly sheweth —
Firstly. — That about the beginning of this year, the Surfacemen previously employed in keeping in repair the Main Branch Road leading from the Southern Trunk Road to Port Molyneux township were removed in consequence, as it was stated of the money voted by the Council for that purpose having been expended.
Secondly — That since then, the road has been allowed to get into very bad order — very much cut up — and in some places almost impassable during wet weather, to the very great inconvenience and manifest loss to the Settlers of South Molyneux, Warepa, Kaihiku, Popotunoa, and other outlying districts, who are entirely dependent upon the road in question for getting their farm and dairy produce to the shipping port.
Thirdly. — That your petitioners would therefore most respectfully submit to your Honor, that considering the large sums of money that have been obtained from the sale of both town and rural lands in these districts, they are fairly entitled to the benefit of having their Main Road meta1led where necessary, and kept in an efficient state, so as to afford the settlers at all times easy access to the shipping port.
Fourthly. — That your petitioners there fore earnestly and respectfully pray that your Honor may be graciously pleased to recommend the Provincial Council to place upon the estimates a sufficient sum to form and metal those portions of the Main Branch Road more immediately demanding it, and to maintain and repair the other portions of the said road.
And your Petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray, &c. -Bruce Herald. 29/11/1866.
CALEDONIAN GAMES
AT PORT MOLYNEUX
1st January, 1867. THESE Games will take place on the ground opposite the Alexandra Hotel. List of Games and prizes to be competed for, will appear in a future advertisement. -Bruce Herald, 20/12/1866.
We are pleased to see that the Port Molyneux people are to have the satisfaction of enjoying some good sport on the New Year's Day, at the Alexandra Hotel. We see prizes to the amount of £20 are affixed for the various games of old Caledonia. No doubt, a large number will be present. -Bruce Herald, 27/12/1866.
GLASGOW TEA WAREHOUSE
A AND J. McFARLANE in thanking their customers in the Tokomairiro and Molyneux Districts for the liberal support accorded to them during the past three years, now take this opportunity of bringing to their notice the following articles, just arrived per 'Resolute and Alexandrina.'
TEAS & COFFEES &c.
A good strong, medium, 2s 6d per lb. Fine Congou Pekoe, flavored, 3s per lb. A very fine Congou, strong and well flavored, 3s 6d per lb. Coffee, fresh roasted daily, 1s 6d to 1s 9d per lb.
SPIRITS.
Fine Old Toddy Whiskey, Campbeltown or May, blended and bottled by ourselves which is a sufficient guarantee for the genuineness of the same; and would especially draw their attention to our shipment of superior. Old Port, now landing, vintage 1833 and 1854 which cannot be surpassed in the Province. Sherry, fine Pale, 42s, 48s and 54s per dozen. Brandies — Hennessy, Martell, and other brands. Geneva, J.D.K.Z.; Old Tom,. Blood's Stout; Tennent's Ale, &c., &c, of the best qualities. Orders punctually attended to, and delivered free at the steamer or carriers. The undersigned are Cash Buyers of Oats, Potatoes, Butter, Eggs,, and Fresh Pork in any quantity.
A. AND J. McFARLANE
Family Grocers, Bakers, Wine and Spirit Merchants, Ham Curers, &c, Maclaggan Street, DUNEDIN
N.B. — The celebrated Glasgow Brose Meal always in stock. -Bruce Herald, 3/1/1867.
It was an important day for the entire region when Her Majesty's representative, Governer-General Grey, visited.
CLUTHA FERRY.
His Excellency the Governor arrived at the Clutha Ferry on Saturday afternoon, accompanied by the Hon. Major Richardson, Rev. Mr Thatcher, Major Grey, Captain Hope, T. P. Maitland. R.M., Wm, Christie,. Esq. A large number of ladies and gentlemen were waiting on the jetty and on the bank of the river to receive his Excellency — the members of the Dalton Lodge of Oddfellows being conspicuous amongst the company. On landing from the steamer Tuapeka he was loudly cheered by the assemblage. William Maitland, Esq, drove his Excellency in an open carriage to the Crown Hotel. A number of settlers were introduced to his Excellency, amongst others was James McNiel, senr., Esq., one of the oldest residents in the district, who met with a hearty reception from his Excellency. After lunch his Excellency read an address from the Oddfellows. His Excellency and suite then paid a visit to W. Christie, Esq., at the Bank of Otago (Limited). The members the Masonic Lodge assembled opposite the Bank, in uniform, and received his Excellency in true masonic style, and walked in procession to the Newmarket Hotel. where a room had been fitted up with the emblems of masonry characteristic of that body. Much credit is due to W. G. M. Smith of the lodge, for the elegant manner in which the room was furnished, and the creditable way in which the proceedings were carried out.
An address was presented to his Excellency by the W.G.M. on behalf of the members of the lodge. After the Governor had left the Newmarket Hotel Mr J. H. Jenkinson presented an address on behalf of the settlers of the district. His Excellency said he had not had time to consider the address, but would have a written answer sent in a few days. Three cheers were then given for the Governor. When his Excellency and suite proceeded on board the Tuapeka, amidst the cheers of the assembly. After acknowledging the honor done to him, the vessel steamed down the river, and the Governor was landed at the residence of F. S. Pillans, Esq. On Monday morning his Excellency proceeded to Port Molyneux in the Tuapeka steamer. After visiting the Tairoa he proceeded on horseback to Major Richardson's, and made a short stay. He then paid a visit to Mr Peter Ayson's sen., Warepa. About six o'clock p.m. he arrived at Clutha Ferry, accompanied by about 50 horsemen. In front of the Crown Hotel the scholars from the District School, under the superintendence of their teacher, Mr Todd, had assembled. His Excellency halted in front of them, when they sang "God save the Queen " — the company uncovering. After a short address to the children he proceeded to the steamer Tuapeka amidst the plaudits of the company, and left for the residence of Mr. S. Pillans, Esq. At ten o'clock am. next day he was met by a large number of the yeomanry in the district, and escorted to. Lovell's Flat... -Bruce Herald, 13/3/1867.
NEWS OF THE WEEK
The Balclutha correspondent of the "Bruce Independent" of Saturday, writing under date March 21st, says: — "The body of Mr Lawson — whose death by drowning I reported last week — has been recovered; and by a strange coincidence, the effect of the steamer Tuapeka's wash in passing down the river was the means of discovering the corpse to Mr Cleverly, at a distance of fully eight miles from the spot where deceased fell overboard. The funeral took place at Port Molyneux yesterday, and was attended by the Brethren of the Loyal Dalton Lodge of Oddfellows, M.U., of which Mr Lawson was a member, though, I regret to add, through arrears on the books, his widow will not be entitled to the benefits that would otherwise have materially assisted in her present bereavement." -Otago Witness, 30/3/1867.
LANDS ON THE CLUTHA
MOLYNEUX HARBOR. Mr HENDERSON moved, "That an Address be presented to His Honor the Superintendent, requesting that a sum of L1000 be placed on the Supplementary Estimates for the purpose of removing the Rocks from the entrance to the Harbor, Port Molyneux." It was well known that these rocks were a serious obstacle to the navigation of the river. Two sessions ago, Capt. Mackenzie moved for a vote of L3000 for the purpose of removing them, and a vote of L2000 was passed. He believed that upwards of L200 of that vote had been expended, so that L17000remained, as it were, to the credit of the object. He believed that L1000 would, under good management, be sufficient for the removal of the obstruction; and, seeing that large amounts had been voted for the Northern District, he thought an amount so small, and of such vast importance, to the Clutha District, might well be passed. Mr DRIVER supported the motion, which was agreed to. -Otago Witness, 1/6/1867.
PUBLIC MEETING AT PORT MOLYNEUX.
A public meeting was held on Friday evening the 18th instant, in the Alexandra Hotel, Port Molyneux, with the view of taking into consideration what action should he taken in order to secure the expenditure of the votes, passed at the last session of Council, for the improvement of the entrance to the Molyneux river. Geo. Hay, Esq., of Hilly Park, was called to the chair, and briefly pointed out the necessity of taking immediate action in order to have the harbor improved, and the dangerous rocks which obstruct the entrance removed; and pointed out that a sum of money having been voted by the Provincial Council for this purpose, it behoved the residents of the district to see that the Government expended the votes upon these objects.
Capt. Tall, of the s. s. Tairoa, explained the position of the rocks which rendered the navigation dangerous, and stated how the entrance could be best and most economically rendered sale for vessels, by blasting those lying in the best channel, and placing beacons upon others. He also pointed out to the meeting that vessels had passed out and into this harbor for years, and by the care and caution of the signal master, Mr Burn, had hitherto been so fortunate as to avoid any accident from the rocks, although they had frequently pushed heavily upon them — the Tairoa herself six or seven times. He also stated, that the success with which these dangers had hitherto been passed, was the more a subject of congratulation, that more than one rock, lying directly in the channel,had been discovered only lately, and had been overlooked when the entrance had been surveyed and mapped.
After a few remarks from some of the other gentlemen present, the following resolutions were passed: — Proposed by D. Henderson, Esq., and seconded by W. Brown, Esq., "That the entrance having been carefully examined by Capt. Tall, of the s. s. Tairoa, and Mr Burn, the signal master, and it having been found that a good practicable channel can be cleared, by removing the two rocks nearest to the sandspit, and placing beacons on the outermost remaining rocks; this meeting respectfully recommends to the Government, the adoption of this plan, as the most feasible and economical." Proposed by A. S. Begg, Esq., and seconded by Mr J. B. H. Hewitt: — "That this meeting is of opinion, that the sum of £100, voted for the erection of a crane upon the jetty, be at once applied to that purpose." Proposed by A. S. Begg, Esq., and seconded by Mr Ancell: — "That this meeting appoint Capt. Tall, and D. Henderson, Esq., a deputation, to wait upon his Honor The Superintendent, with these resolutions, and to urge upon him the desirability of at once carrying out these objects.
These matters disposed of, a general conversation took place as to the wants of the district of South Molyneux; and Mr Henderson was further requested to bring before the Superintendent's notice, the want of Justices of the Peace, in South Molyneux. It was stated, that there was now no Justice of Peace nearer to the Port than Mr Steel,whose residence was seven miles distant, and that the want was felt as a public inconvenience. This want pressed particularly heavily upon Mr Mitchell, the subcollector, who, having to make affidavit to his monthly returns, was obliged monthly to go in search of a Magistrate to attach his signature.
The desirability of a separate building being provided for the constable stationed here, was also brought forward, as it was evidently a matter requiring amendment, that the constable should, for want of accommodation, be forced to keep his own wife and family in the lock-up. A memorial on this subject was, submitted to the meeting, and numerously urged.
After a vote of thanks to the chairman, the meeting separated. -Bruce Herald, 30/10/1867.
BALCLUTHA.
(From our own Correspondent.)
29th October 1867.
"No more indigestion or dysepsy " advertises the medical quack. "No more sinecure officialism" is the doctrine or doctoring of the literary midnight oil-burner of Port Molyneux, "Blot out" he continues "by inference from the tablets of office, the absurd notion that any man can have too little to do." Ennui he would say, is only French vernacular twaddle. No condition or state of being can quench the malady under the balmy influence of the British constitution; the thing is un-English, not at all colonial, and, therefore, need not be feared in New Zealand — certainly not at Port Molyneux. Such are the reasonings suggested to one on reading the report in your last issue of a meeting at Port Molyneux, at which the want of Justices of the Peace in South Molyneux is said to be felt as a public inconvenience, there being none nearer to the Port than Mr Steele, whose residence is seven miles distant. To me, the necessity of a J. P. within cooey of the Liverpool of Otago would have remained as doubtful, as the avowal is flattering to the peaceful character of the citizens; were it not for the unchallengeable reason that clinches the business thus. "This want pressed particularly heavy upon Mr Mitchell, the sub-collector, who, having to make affidavit to his monthly returns, was obliged monthly to go in search of a Magistrate to attach his signature." Poor Mr Mitchell! I sympathize with you. Is it not astonishing that the physical constitution of one man is equal to the fatigue of journeying seven miles every month and will retain sufficient vitality to enable him to attach his signature to an official document. Besides this killing monthly effort the J. P. mongers forgot to urge that Mr Mitchell has the whole customs duties of the Port heaped upon his devoted back. Surely the lachrymose trend of this customs Pariah ought to have gone the "whole hog" and prayed that their hard worked official might have a J.P. pinned to his coat tail. I have gone so much out of my course in touching this subject, as the time is peculiarly fitting, inasmuch as the remarks of his Honor the Superintendent will be fresh in the mind of your readers. There is likewise a moral to be deduced from the farce. If people will bother the Government with imaginary wants, only grounded on seven mile work reasons, surely they have only themselves to blame if Government turns, at some future time, a deaf ear to absolute grievances. Get your rock blasted, if you can, I should say to the Port folks; but don't blast your prospects of assistance from Government by a multiplicity of weaker demands. -Bruce Herald, 6/11/1867.
NEWS OF THE WEEK
The manifest of the steamer Taiaroa, which arrived on Wednesday included 48 bales of prepared flax, and 16 coils of rope manufactured from flax. The bales of flax are consigned to Messrs Dalgety, Rattray, and Co., and the rope to Messrs Reids, Herbert, and Co., and both are the produce and manufacture of the Clutha district; shipped at Port Molyneux. The rope is described as being of a very superior description, excelling in appearance, the finest Manilla. It has been manufactured by Mr W. H. Mansford, who has lately undertaken, on an extensive scale, the manufacture of the Native flax. By the same steamer Capt. A. S. Murray was a passenger, part of his business being to complete arrangements for the commencement of a similar manufacture. -Otago Witness, 22/11/1867.
The list of exports on Saturday, says the Otago Daily Times of the 25th inst., included 48 .bales of manufactured flax. This flax was prepared by Mr Mansford, near Port Molyneux, and was forwarded by the Omeo to Melbourne, by Messrs Dalgety, Rattray, and Co. The exports of the same day included a boiler and engine, intended for the manufacture of flax. These have been purchased by Captain A. S. Murray, and were forwarded by the steamer Taiaroa to Port Molyneux, where they are to be erected for the preparation of the Native flax upon a plan which Captain Murray has found, by experiment, to be calculated to produce a marketable article. -Southland Times, 29/11/1867.
PORT MOLYNEUX PUBLIC MEETING.
(To the .Editor Of the Bruce Herald.) Sir — "Fair play" is a jewel, and I am sure that your own correspondent will not object to the aphorism, however he may feel inclined to object to the deductions which may, as a natural consequence, be drawn from it. Now Sir, I am not going into a great variety of big and unmeaning words, either French or English, as your correspondent has already done, to prove that he is in a state of dyspepsy or ennui, in fact to talk French; or what is still worse, English twaddle; in order to relieve his own dullness or want of matter. He reminds me very much of the gossipping old lady who would talk for the sake of talking, and who having said as much as she really could say, concluded by leading every one to believe that she was in her dotage. I think that any impartial judge will readily come to the conclusion that he must have been hard up for a subject when he gave vent to his last effusion. But not wishing to crush a fly upon the wheel, I shall simply take up a few of his very commonplace and silly remarks and reply to them seriatim lest he should glory in his folly. Now Sir, We will not go into the narrow minded selfish view of this question, we will look at it upon the broad, and fundamental principles of political economy. Taking it for granted that your correspondent represents the interests of Balclutha, or the Manchester of Otago, what advantage does he gain by attacking a private individual in his official capacity, simply because a public meeting thought proper to request the appointment of a Justice of the Peace for an important and rising township such as Port Molyneux is well known to be? One would think from the style of this paragon of excellence, this solon of Balclutha, this great Mogul of Otago, that we did not know our wants, or that we required to receive our behests from his high authority. We have two hotels here, we have a Port of Entry, with ships and cargoes regularly coming into and going from it; and perhaps what may be of still greater importance to your correspondent and his friends is the fact that this traffic, and population are steadily increasing. Is it wonderful then that we should ask for a Justice of Peace seeing that we already require one, and seeing also that we have lost one in the person of Mr Birch? Sir, I feel every inclination to treat harshly an opponent who would attack an individual in his personal character in, to use his own words the un-English style in which he has attacked one gentleman down here; but I shall forbear and simply advise him in future not to meddle with matters which are too high for him, but to look after the due riveting of the piles of the Balclutha bridge, and to mind that the monkey does not come down upon his fingers, and to leave the wants and the rocks of Port Molyneux to those who are better able to understand and deal with them, or perhaps the proverb of Solomon, fools will be meddling, may be pinned where he would fain have a J P. pinned to another man, namely to his own coat tail.
Port Molyneux. -Bruce Herald, 11/12/1867.
Original Correspondence.
THE NAVIGATION OF THE MOLYNEUX RIVER
(To The Editor of the Bruce Herald.) Sir, — I endeavored in a letter published some months since in the 'Bruce Herald,' to draw attention to the question of the navigation of the Molyneux River; and will now, with your permission, make a few further remarks upon the same subject. What is to be considered appears to be this. Is the River Molyneux, with the outlay of a moderate amount of capital, capable of being made the cheapest and most advantageous route to the diggings, the interior of the Island and the West Coast? If it can be proved to be so, then why have we never before availed ourselves of this water way? If this can be proved to be much the cheapest and the best route, then all the immense amount of money we have laid out in roads connecting Dunedin with the diggings, if not absolutely wasted, may be said in a great measure to have been misapplied; for though some time it will be necessary to cover the country with roads and railways, yet if the Molyneux be the cheapest, we might have postponed the making of a large extent of roads for many years, and so at the present time have saved much capital. If this really be the best route, then why in the name of wonder have we never before utilised this providential gift? But, "better late than never." Even though roads have been made if it could be established that the River is the cheapest route, the Province would, even now, receive great benefit from the work of rendering the River navigable being completed. Water traffic, is, I suppose, the cheapest of all traffic, cheaper, though not so expeditious as railways. Consider the immense amount of goods that might be conveyed into the interior by a steamer, or perhaps by barges towed by a steamer. Compare this mode of transit with that of lugging goods across country by drays and horses. Why Sir, farmers are calling out for a market for grain, and I see Oats are selling at the Dunstan at 6s 6d per bushel. The larger expense of carriage does not give much of this price to the growers, but how would it be if goods could be conveyed a large portion of the way by water? I expect a good margin of profit would be left to the farmer. Dunedin Storekeepers, as well as country storekeepers, would also find the benefit of being able to forward goods at a cheaper rate than they can at present. Besides those particular advantages, the general effect of a good and speedy communication with the goldfields, the interior, and the West Coast, would probably exercise a very beneficial effect upon the progress and welfare of the Province generally. In connection with the proposed Southern Railway, the river would be highly beneficial, by establishing communication between the interior and Dunedin via Balclutha. At present, were the river rendered navigable, merchandise might be forwarded from Dunedin per coasters and steamer via Port Molyneux at, I suspect, a cheaper rate than all overland. Were there a prospect of a trade being established per this route, vessels fit for that special trade would probably be procured; that is, vessels drawing, say 7 feet of water only, and so capable of taking the bar at the mouth of the river. It is questionable if such a trade were once established, whether the opening up of the Southern Railway would destroy it; for where cheapness rather than expedition were required, a large amount of merchandise might continue to be forwarded all the distance by water. We know that at home, notwithstanding that the country is covered with a network of railways, there exists a large amount of coasting trade, and water traffic. At present, the opening up of the river might prove of great advantage to the farmers both of Tokomairiro and the Clutha. It would also give an impulse to farming operations, and settlement in the interior, for there would then be an easy communication with the Coast.
Now, if the opening up of the navigation of the Molyneux River is likely to be very advantageous to the Province, why, let me ask, has the work never been undertaken long ago, and why is there so little prospect of its being undertaken at present? I will venture to say, that if our chief town had been situated at Balclutha or Port Molyneux, instead of where it is at present, the river Molyneux would long ago have been the highway to the diggings. Does then the position of our chief town interfere with the carrying out of the work? Is it possible that there exists a fear at head quarters that the carrying out of this magnificent undertaking might possibly have a prejudicial effect upon the interests of Dunedin? That surely were a vile suspicion, to be thrown aside at once, as utterly groundless. If we allow petty jealousies of that description to exist as obstacles to the carrying out of large and beneficial measures, we had better say farewell at once to the progress and advancement of the Province. It is a fact, however, that this Province is, and almost always has been governed by Dunedin men; that is to say, the Superintendent and the members of the Executive are almost always Dunedin men. I say governed, because though the Provincial Council may advise the carrying out of work, and may vote sums for the special purpose half a dozen times over, it depends or appears to depend entirely upon the Executive, whether those works shall be carried out, and the money so voted be applied or not. Now, though we may scout, as utterly absurd, any notion that our public men are influenced for a moment by any other motives than those of the general welfare; yet people are sometimes almost involuntarily influenced by their sympathies; and it is possible that at head quarters, as much attention to distant parts of the Province has not been given as is desirable. It was hoped that our present Superintendent would have inaugurated a somewhat different state of affairs, and it is to be hoped we shall not be disappointed. As to the citizens of Dunedin generally, any jealousy as to the carrying out of this work is much to be deplored. It is highly questionable whether the rendering of the Molyneux river navigable would nave any evil effect upon the progress of Dunedin; while, on the other hand, it is very probable the work might have a very beneficial effect on that city. What does our chief town depend upon for its progress? Undoubtedly upon the welfare of the districts; if they progress, the probability is, Dunedin will progress, if they are in a bad way, Dunedin is likely to be so also. What would London be without Liverpool, Manchester, and Glasgow, and the other great ports and manufacturing towns? If the body is to be kept in health, the blood must circulate well through every part of it, so that the extremities may be in a position to prove that sustenance, which is necessary for supplying the heart and whole body with blood.
I will conclude by expressing a hope that the subject of the opening up of the navigation of the Molyneux River will attract a greater share of public attention than it has hitherto obtained, and that the Executive may perceive the advantage and desirability of taking some steps in the matter, by forthwith procuring information on the subject, and if the work appears practicable and advisable, as will probably be the case, by placing a sum of money on the estimates for the carrying out of the work. In the present state of the Province, no means at all likely to benefit our condition should for a moment be neglected or overlooked.
I am, &c, COLONUS. -Bruce Herald, 15/1/1868.
THE PROPOSED TRAMWAY.
(TO THE EDITOR OF THE DUNSTAN TIMES.) Sir, — There appeared in the Otago Daily Times of the 11th inst. a paragraph, emanating from Captain Murray, of the steamer Tuapeka, plying on the Molyneux river, in reference to the opening up of the Dunstan country by the laying of a tramway from the highest navigable point of the Molyneux to the Dunstan Goldfields. I have not the pleasure of being personally acquainted with Captain Murray, but I am intimately acquainted with the subject referred to by him. Having often gone in and out the Molyneux, and also up the river so far as navigable by boats, I know the difficulties to be encountered in forwarding goods from Port Chalmers to the Dunstan by the route recommended by Captain Murray. The goods, after arrival at Port Chalmers, would have to be transhipped into lighters for Dunedin, stored there and so forth: shipped again for Molyneux, and after arrival there transhipped again into small steamers or other craft for up-river to the tramway, and then forwarded to their destination over, land. Now, the distance from the Port to Dunedin is nine miles ; from Dunedin to the Otago Heads, fifteen miles; from the Otago Heads to Port Molyneux, about fifty miles; from Port Molyneux to the point of the river where the tramway will join it, about twenty-five and from the landing place to the termination of the proposed tramway, somewhere I suppose about seventy miles; in all making the distance of the proposed route from Port Chalmers to the Dunstan, via Molyneux River, about one hundred and sixty-nine miles, the most difficult and dangerous in Otago. During my early aqueous exploits on the Otago waters I frequently called at Molyneux, and was twice capsized on the bar; the last time, had I not been a good swimmer, I would ere now have been devoured by sea (not land) sharks. I never encountered a more dangerous river outlet than the Molyneux in my travels, which embrace all the zones, and the river itself is just as bad. When heavy freshets come down they sweep everything before them, and steamers are useless on such occasions. There is another serious drawback to the route proposed by Captain Murray besides the difficulty of transit, which is the frequent shifting of goods from one vessel to another ere they reach their destination, which upon the whole makes Captain Murray's scheme for opening up the Dunstan country impracticable, and certain am I that all men interested in the welfare of the Dunstan goldfields will back me up in that opinion.
I have, Sir, a counter scheme to that of Captain Murray, namely the route via Waikouaiti; but, having already overstepped the legitimate boundaries of space in your columns, I will, with your permission, on a future occasion, give your constituents an opportunity of judging which of the two routes they would prefer.
I am, &c, ANDREW THOMPSON. Hawkesbury, Jan. l6, 1868. -Dunstan Times, 24/1/1868.
It is with pleasure we learn that preliminary steps are being taken for the erection of a lighthouse at the Nuggets. A party have been surveying a track line from Port Molyneux to the Nuggets, and we believe they are pretty well advanced. We cannot help observing that had a lighthouse been there at the time of the wreck of the South Australian, the probability is that she would have still been running, with the saving of £20,000 to the Insurance Company. -Bruce Herald, 5/2/1868.
We trust no slight impediment or red tapeism will be allowed to interfere with its speedy and satisfactory termination and junction with the present road, at all events, it ought to be open for traffic before winter. We are exceedingly puzzled to conceive upon what principles of engineering or common sense the new road was made to diverge from the old road at the point chosen, which has necessitated the erection of a bridge in such an awkward position as to suggest the suspicion that the designs have been plained in the dark, or under the mystifying influence of something stronger than the water which it crosses. Surely from the expensive staff of engineers maintained by our Provincial Government, it is but reasonable to expect some better, attention to the selection of proper sites for bridges and the direction of roads than has been shown in this instance at Mount Stewart. Every advantage should be taken of the summer season, by those who are connected with the roads department to effect, all needed improvements. At Port Molyneux there is, we understand, a piece of road very much required to be formed, between the signal station and the road terminating near Captain Murray's house. It is rather too bad that in such a place as Port Molyneux, drays and other vehicles, as well as equestrians should be compelled to go on to the beach, after leaving the part of the road now formed. At high tide it is particularly awkward to horsemen, and as to conveyances it is particularly dangerous from the risk of coming, into contact with snags, besides there is the certainty of having goods damaged by water. If some improvement be not made at the point indicated before winter, we much fear some serious accident will occur, and as there are no engineering difficulties to contend with, we would advise that the work should be done at once. -Bruce Herald, 5/2/1868.
As if, perhaps, an echo of future events, comes a whisper of the tendency of a summer holiday place to be one of romance, and disappointed romance, and of people who are not all that they seem...
Original Correspondence.
PORT MOLYNEUX. (To the Editor of the Bruce Herald.) Sir. — In my last I promised to resume the description of this locality on some future occasion. I now attempt to redeem that pledge.
The great floods which have so powerfully affected other parts of the colony, swept by us like the destroying angel when he passed over the Israelites in Egypt, without doing us the least harm. The only indications that we had of it were, a slight rising in the river, an unusual abundance of logs, sometimes a pile from the Balclutha bridge, a stray punt, and at one time a landing stage, which went out to sea. But the sea beach, after the storm was over, was bestrewed with dead sheep, and debris of all kinds. These were the only signs that we had of the catastrophe which has visited other parts of the country with such fatal ravages. The river here is very wide and deep, and it has always the power of increasing its domain, without encroaching upon the inhabited land, by carrying away a portion of the sand-spit at the mouth of the river, which it invariably does, in the case of a great flood.
The first thing that strikes one's attention on visiting this district, is the badness of the road leading to one of the most delightful sea beaches anywhere to be found in the Middle Island — I mean the road to the Signal station and Kawkaw Point, which is a disgrace to civilisation, and must greatly retard the progress of this district. Let us hope that it will soon be remedied.
By the way, the god of love, or of hate, has been very busy with his bow and arrows in this small watering-place, amongst which that extraordinary snuff-box of a building, known as the "Exaggerated Tea Box," viz., Her Majesty's Custom House, seems to have been the object of his polite and peculiar attentions. Most likely some disappointed, spiteful old maid, not being able to take it out of her Majesty's public or private servants, took it out of the building, to the following tune: — The picture of a rather good-looking young man, with a false face, was allowed to stand posted upon the door for several days, with the following inscription written above it — "H. M. C, stand asy in sicks mosions,'' and underneath the figure were these words —
"You vulgar snob, you'd soon be known; Your dress and manners, words and tone,
Would point you out, amid a mob, For what you are — a paltry snob."
This seems to be about the only use to which the building is now being put.
We have here, at the junction of the Puerua and Molyneux, a fine large flax-mill, just erected by Messrs Murray and Burns. The building is 30 feet long by 20 feet wide, with a portable horizontal ten horse power steam engine, and all the newest machinery for the preparation and utilization of native flax, of which there is a superabundance in this locality. They have not yet commenced operations. It is to be hoped that it will prove a highly remunerative speculation to the gentlemen who have had the courage to embark their capital in the enterprize.
This Port is very much in want of a crane upon the jetty; £200 have been granted for that purpose by the Government, and yet the only one that is here is a crazy old thing put up by private speculation, but which has only been used once by the proprietor. Indeed, it never was intended by the maker to be fit either for use or ornament.
And now, Sir, not wishing to trespass too much upon your time and space, I shall retain any further remarks which I may have to make for another letter. I am, &c, RAMBLER. -Bruce Herald, 11/3/1868.
| First flax mill - Hocken Library photo. |
Arrival of the Salmon and Trout Ova in Otago —
The ship Celestial Queen with the salmon and trout ova arrived at Port Chalmers on May 3. Great interest was manifested by the members of the Government on the success of the undertaking, and everything was done the moment the ship was sighted to get the boxes on shore as quickly as possible. The gudgeon, the carp, and the tench, shipped on board alive, all perished during the voyage, and of the oysters only two reached New Zealand alive. A portion of the ova was placed on board a cutter, and towed for the Molyneux, where they will no doubt be safely placed. Another portion were removed to the Water of Leith to a pond prepared for their reception, and also to a creek on Mr. Boyd's property. On the boxes being opened, the appearance was far from satisfactory. They had generally the appearance of complete decay. A few were kept as likely to live but the greater portion seemed gone. The trout ova were in a better condition. The "Times" of May 5 contains a full account of the trip from Port Chalmers to the Molyneux. The weather was far from promising, but no great mishap occurred except the breaking of the tow rope and the consequent delay arising therefrom. Early on Monday morning they crossed the bar, and shortly afterwards the ova were successfully transhipped on board the Tuapeka. The following telegram was received by the "Times" from Balclutha: — The steamer Tuapeka left Port Molyneux at a quarter past eleven o'clock, towing the Surprise. The steamer with the cutter in tow reached Balclutha at a quarter past two o'clock. They proceeded at once to the Waiwera. Everything is right. -The Press, 7/5/1868.
THE SALMON AND TROUT OVA.
(FROM OUR SPECIAL. REPORTER.)
PORT MOLYNEUXTO THE WAIWERA.
The voyage of the Wallace, steamer, with the Surprise, cutter, in tow, from Port Chalmers to Port Molyneux, has already been described.
The little jetty at Port Molyneux was reached soon after ten o'clock on Monday forenoon. The Tuapeka, stern-wheel steamer, belonging to Capt. Murray, was lying near, with steam up, ready to proceed up the Molyneux with the ova-freighted cutter. But, first, it was necessary to tranship between eight and ten tons of ice, from the forehold of the Wallace to the Tuapeka. This was done expeditiously; and to the great wonderment of the young Port Molyneuxites, who, if they had ever seen ice, had not seen it except as the very thin coating of pools of water. As the blocks were passed from one vessel to the other, glittering bits were shattered off, and there was a rush of children to secure each prize. Happy as a king! Each child who seized a bit of ice was as happy as humanity of such a size and age can be: and don't we old folks envy, or rejoice over, that sort of happiness, according to our dispositions, or temperaments! Happy young Port Molyneuxites! They didn't know it, but they were doing something that not many years ago would have been deemed such an impossibility as only the author of the "Arabian Nights" would have dared to suggest as possible. They, in New Zealand, were reducing to the form of water, ice which had not been in that form for more than three years, and which, when last it flowed as water, flowed in Norway !
By a quarter after eleven on Monday, the Tuapeka had the Surprise lashed alongside, and started up the Molyneux. The Koau branch of the river was taken. It is the southern branch, and is the shorter, the distance from the Port to Balclutha, by it, being 18 miles, as against 23 miles, by the Matau branch. The latter is rarely used, except for the purpose of taking goods to, or produce from, settlers on Inch Clutha — the main body of the settlers on the island being on the northerly, or the north-easterly side. The branches join just below Balclutha — or Clutha Ferry; and from the river there is, of course, a fine view of the bridge, which is now nearly completed, and the construction of which we have twice described. The distance from the Port to the Bridge (18 miles), was done in a minute or two under three hours and this, against a strong stream, and with the Tuapeka impeded by the Surprise, was excellent work.
There was a delay at Balclutha — partly necessitated, partly voluntary. The necessitous part was due to the fact that the mast of the Surprise had to be lifted out, in order to enable her to pass under the "draw" of the bridge; the non-necessitous part arose from a very natural desire on the part of Mr Burns to telegraph to the Government that all was well with the expedition. Although the "draw" — which is not yet nearly finished — was too low, by several feet, to allow the Surprise's mast to pass underneath, its top beams afforded an excellent point to which to fasten tackle so as to lift the mast out. It was done easily, when once the cutter had been made fast against the strong stream, and the mast was left dangling from the beam. Then, the cutter was warped through the "draw" and, after a while, the Tuapeka followed. The width of the steamer is fully 23ft; the extreme width of the "draw" is 27ft; so that there is but 4ft to spare for working the steamer through. This is bad enough when, going against the stream, steam can be used; but it is infinitely worse when, coming down stream, the steamer has to be allowed to drop through with the stream. The fear of expense, we suppose, caused the engineer to design so narrow a "draw" that, except with the utmost skill and care, it would constantly prove a jam for the Tuapeka. By twenty minutes after three, the Surprise was again lashed alongside, and the Tuapeka was speeding onwards for the mouth of the Waiwera, which was a little over 16 miles distant. The stronger stream above bridge — the presence of two or three very awkward snags, and one well known visible rock — and the fact that more than an hour's run had to be made partly during dusk, and partly by moonlight — caused the 16 miles journey to occupy three hours and ten minutes. The sun was setting, and the moon was just clearing herself of the,horizon-mist, while the Tuapeka was pushing up the strong current, and passing the upper portion of Pillans's run and the lower part of Maitland's. It was a lovely scene.
A moralist would find food for many reflections, while looking on the resistless but noiseless downpour of the truly great river which the Clutha (or Molyneux) is: a poet or a painter would have been charmed by the whole scene, as it was about the time and the place indicated. The mouth of the Waitahuna river — the northern boundary of the Maitland property — could be dimly seen as the steamer passed; but the mouths of the Puerua, the Kaihiku, and other confluents had been pointed out, and well seen, as the steamer passed up.
About half-past six, when the moon was beautifully bright, that horridly hoarse screech of the Tuapeka's steamwhistle gave warning that Capt Murray wanted "hands forward." He had never attempted to enter the Waiwera; but as it is a considerable stream, and sluggish at the mouth, there was certain to be a bar there, through the action of the rapid Clutha. So the captain wanted soundings; and two men with a 10ft. pole each, gave them rapidly, pealing out "no bottom," or the depth of water where the 10ft. pole would touch. Once, the water shoaled to 4 1/2ft. and 4ft; and then there was a rapid stoppage, a turn astern, a dexterous slew of the boat, and "no bottom," or a sufficient depth of water was announced on each bow. Thus the Tuapeka entered the Waiwera: and she was assuredly the first steamer that ever entered that stream. As Capt. Murray knew nothing of the river's course, and as the hills are high, so that the light of the moon was obscured or shut out, he at once ran the Tuapeka alongside the northerly bank, and there she was made fast.
But no time was lost. Very quickly it was determined that the Surprise should go at once as far up the river as she could go. So a couple of long oars were got out — the Tuapeka's dingy was manned and sent ahead, in charge of Mr Clevorley, she taking a tow line — and the Surprise, with the ova, glided up stream. Capt. Murray took the helm. Mr Dawbin, Mr Burns, Mr Mollison, Capt. Thomson, and others, were on deck. The trip was a romantic and pleasant one. The river is very tortuous, but (for such a craft) it carries deep water for quite a mile from its mouth; and despite the quick turnings necessary, and the fact that two tuft-like islands were found almost in mid-channel, the cutter only slightly touched ground once, until the fires at the Ponds, and the brawl of the stream amongst rocks, gave warning that it would be well to put the Surprise alongside the bank. This was done, at a spot which it was next day suggested should be named "Suprise Bend."
All were soon ashore. The cutter, it was found, was close to the spot at which timber and other material had been landed; and the first Salmon Breeding Establishment erected in New Zealand was speedily reached, the hatching-house being about 300 yards from where the cutter lay.
Thus had been proved the correctness of one of the reasons which caused Mr Mollison and Mr R. Grigor, surveyor, to recommend the new site of the ponds — the facility of water-carriage. For the ova-boxes had not been touched since they were deposited in the hold of the Surprise, at Port Chalmers — her hatch had never been uncovered — and the ova were within 300 yards of the boxes in which they must be hatched, if ever hatched. Messrs Mollison and Grigor had another reason for recommending the site — the extent of water supply commanded. But that depends on other things.
THE WAIWERA AND THE PONDS.
The Waiwera river is formed by the union of the Kuriwao (or Wild Dog) with the Waiwera. The Kuriwao itself has two or three branches, which join before the stream passes through tho Popotunoa Gorge. One branch rises on Mr Bathgate's run, and the other on the Cairns Station of Messrs Tolmie Brothers. Their rise may be said, generally, to be about 10 miles W.S.W. of the Popotunoa Gorge. The main supply of the upper part of the Waiwera, comes from Mr J. Anderson's Wyndham Station, in the Kaihiku Ranges; the flow of the streams on the other side of those ranges being to or towards the Mataura. Down to their confluence, the Kuriwao is the larger contributory — and each is a rough mountain stream as far as to that point. The confluence is about ten miles above the pond. The bed is rocky and broken, down to within eight miles of the junction with the Clutha; and then, after some quiet reaches, there is again a rocky bottom, and occasional falls of a few feet, until opposite the site of the Ponds. The Waiwera is essentially a rain-river; the ranges from which it is supplied nowhere attaining a height much exceeding 1300 ft. above the sea.
In ascending the Waiwcra from the Clutha it is seen that the hills occasionally recede, so as to leave room for small flats, not much elevated above the ordinary level of the stream. This occurs more frequently upon the southern bank; and it is a flat on that bank, of between an acre and a half and two acres, which is the site of (to use tho shortest name) the Breeding Ponds.
The establishment comprises — or will comprise — a race, a filtering pond, a hatching-house, a fish pond, and a dwelling-house for Mr Dawbin. The fish-pond and the dwelling-house will not be finished for three weeks or a month. The pond will be ready before it is wanted; but it ought certainly to have been contrived — by somebody — that Mr Dawbin's house should be ready when he arrived. We have no idea with whom the blame rests; but we assert that somebody is blameable for the fact that, on Tuesday last, the framing, and & portion of the flooring were all that could be seen of Mr Dawbin's house.
Going up stream a little, we find that, at an apparently very convenient spot, the water is backed or cornered up by a great pile of stones, and that there the race is commenced. Its whole length is 700 ft. For two-thirds of that length, the box is open, is of not very substantial wood, and is supported by tressles, which, as a rule, rest upon the broken surface of rock. One third of the length of the race consists of covered boxing placed in a cut along the foot of a hill-side. Of the two-thirds which rest on tressles, a length of 250 ft is liable to be carried away by a flood. In fact, that length was actually carried away last Friday; when a day's continuous heavy rain resulted in the highest flood which had been seen in the river by a nine-years' resident in the neighbor-hood. The damage was made good as speedily as possible, and ropes have been fastened round the boxing, and tied to pegs driven in the soft hill-side; but Mr Grigor, who has to some extent superintended the works for the Government, has always disapproved of the mode of construction adopted, and has, we hear, plainly recommended other modes. He first recommended canvas fluming, which could easily be so secured that a flood could not wash it away: the answer was the arrival on the ground of some of the wood that has been used. Mr Grigor then, we hear, wrote down that if the Government at all contemplated making the work permanent, the best, if not tho only, plan would be to put down iron-piping, similar to the ordinary pipes used in Dunedin by the Water Works Company; the answer was the receipt of the remainder of the wood! If we are not misinformed, Mr Grigor considers the present boxing to be not fit for the purpose — seeing that a failure of water would inevitably put an end to the experiment, no matter how well it might have proceeded up to the moment of failure. The best that can be done has been done to secure the boxing against injury by flood; and Mr Grigor has suggested a plan for a supply in case of accident. If there is a flood in the river, water from it will flow into an all but dry creek-bed; and from it, with little trouble and expense, a slight race could be cut to the filtering pond.
The race, as it is, carries a head of water l0in by 32in. There are two or three traps, in the length of the race, such as to reduce, at pleasure, the stream, which flows into the Filtering Ponds. This pond is 60ft by 15ft at the bottom, 65ft by 20ft at the top, is calculated for a depth of 4ft 6in of water, and, with that depth, will have a supply of 20,000 gallons. In the formation of the pond, advantage was taken of a natural gully, so that the bottom is on the level of the flat, and much excavation from the hill side was not necessary. The puddle-wall is sunk 2ft below the level of the flat, and is continued into the solid of the hill. The earth-work of the bank is very substantial. For a filter, a hole was sunk 1ft. 6in. below the bottom of the pond. A sheet of perforated iron was placed on the hole; and upon it — as sponge could not be obtained in time — some pieces of cloth were put. The box was then filled with layers of coarse gravel, fine gravel, and sand; and the result is a satisfactory filtration of the water, which, ordinarily, is very clear as it comes from the river. The gate for regulating the flow of water into the filter could not, from want of material, be made to fit as closely as it should have done; but other arrangements have been carried out to remedy that defect. The race has a fall of Ift. 6in. in its 700 ft; and between the Filtering Pond and the Hatching House, there is a more considerable fall. The pipes sent from Dunedin for conveying the water from the pond to the house, were common drain-pipes; and as they would not bear any pressure, and would not join closely — while some pressure was inevitable, and leakage could not be submitted to — Mr Grigor adopted the expedient of puddling the lengths of pipe solidly into a wooden boxing. The expedient has, probably, been more costly than iron pipes, fit for the purpose, would have been.
From the Filtering Pond, the water flows into the Hatching House. This is a building 55ft. long, 28ft. wide, of good height, and roofed with Hobart Town palings. The building rests upon ordinary piles, 6ft. apart, and not much driven. On the side towards the river, the foundation was found to be good; on the inner side, it proved to be of soft clay, and therefore bad. The piles carry cross-beams of blue gum, 3in. by 4in.; and upon these the boxes rest. At the end next the Filtering Pond, there is a receiving box, 2ft. by 1ft., and extending across the house. The breeding boxes are each 5ft. lOin. long, and 1ft wide; the depth of each being 1ft. at the upper end, and lOin. at the lower. They are made of the best clear pine, simply jointed. Lengthwise, there are eight boxes, each with a fall of 2in., so that, from the receiving-box at the bottom, there is a fall of 16in. Crosswise, there are 12 boxes; but between each two rows, there runs a battened gangway. On the inner edge of the receiving box, there are openings cut, so as to give two to the width of each box; and similar openings are cut in the divisions between the boxes. A fall of 2in. per box, or 16in. in all, suffices to ensure a steady stream; and thus, water from the receiving box passes through a line of eight breeding boxes, and then enters the waste box or trough at the bottom of the building. The boxes are rather more than half filled with gravel; and upon it the ova are deposited.
At present, the water from the wastebox is conducted by an open drain to the river; but it will ultimately form the supply to the Fish Pond, which will be about 120 ft. by 90ft., and will have an average of 5ft. of water. The pond is to be wholly excavated, and will be pitched, and gravelled. The overflow into a channel leading to the river will be regulated by a small sluice-gate. The pond will not be completed for three weeks or a month.
With such a flood as that which occurred on Friday last, the portion of the flat out of which the Fish Pond is excavated is liable to be flooded to a depth not exceeding 2in. and that principally by back-water. To guard against such water getting into the pond, Mr Grigor is having built a turf wall, with a 5ft base, the lower turfs being safe into a deep tenon-like cut. So as not to break the natural surface on the flat to an extent greater than was absolutely necessary, most of the turf for the wall has been taken from the top of the slope on which Mr Dawbin's house is being built, and the filling was mainly supplied from the stuff excavated. The wall will be carried from above the bank of the Filtering Pond, into the hill-side below the Fish Pond; and outside the wall, a whin hedge is being sown.
All the gravel used in the breeding boxes was obtained from the bank of the Clutha, just about the mouth of the Pomahaka. It was prepared by being — 1. Screened; 2. Washed, by buckets of water being poured over a moderately filled sieve; 3. Boiled, for an hour or more; 4. Washed in filtered water.
Mr H Wilson is the contractor for the race, the excavation, and the preparation of gravel, and Mr G Cornwell for the Hatching House and boxes, and for the four-roomed house for Mr Dawbin. Mr Hilton has acted for Mr Cornwell; and Mr R. Grigor, as we have said, has had the general superintendence for the Government, but he has not been constantly at the works.
And now we may return to
THE OVA,
Which, as we have explained, remained on board the Surprise during Monday night, the cutter being alongside the bank, within 300 yards of the Hatching House.
During the short visit which Mr Dawbin made to the place on Monday night, it was to be gathered that he preferred the arrangement of the boxes adopted by Mr G. Duncan, for his small experiment at the Water of Leith, to the Stormontfield plan which, in every essential, has been adopted by the Government. The ova boxes could not safely be removed on Monday night; so the visitors soon took boat and returned to the Tuapeka, on board which they "turned in," Capt. Murray exerting himself to the utmost to make everybody snug and comfortable. At five o'clock on Tuesday morning, there was, by agreement, a general turn out; and after coffee had been served round the boat, well loaded, again started up the Waiwera. The night — or morning — was delightfully fine, with a frosty feel; and there was more than a touch of the romantic about the affair, as the little boat stole over the water which was a second firmament studded with stars. The three men of the pilot crew — Walker, Kelly, and Shadford — had remained in charge of the cutter; and their fire ashore was a good guide to the bit of gravelly beach on which landing was easy. On getting to the Breeding House, Mr Dawbin ordered the water to be turned on fully. There was a rush of water into the boxes, and through them — in a way nobody desired, namely, through the bottoms. They leaked most confoundedly; and nearly everybody was aghast, at the bare suggestion that the leakage would be continuous. Mr Hilton declared that eight or nine days before, the boxes were tried and were tight; and that they continued to be so until it was necessary to begin putting in the gravel. He attributed the leakage to inevitable shrinking during the eight or nine days; he said that the boxes were better constructed than they had been specified for - that they were thoroughly well made - and that if they had been constructed so as to be at once water-tight, they would burst under the influence of the water. All this was no doubt reasonable, but it was not satisfying. The water was going through the bottoms of the boxes in streams rather than in drops; and, as nothing better could be done, Mr Dawbin and the others, at half-past ten, returned, gloomy enough, to the Tuapeka, to get breakfast.
The state of things improved afterwards: but we must keep until to-morrow the remainder of our narrative.
An error in the telegram published yesterday, must, however, be at once corrected. The message, as written, stated that the 8000 ova spoken of "fully stocked six brooding boxes:" not "the breeding boxes." -Otago Daily Times, 7/5/1868.
PORT MOLYNEUX.
(Communicated)
A public meeting of the residents of Port Molyneux and district, was held in the Alexandra Hotel, on Thursday, the 25th June, to consider public matters...
...The meeting recommended that sixpence in the pound should be the amount of the next yearly tax. The Chairman said, the members of the Board had no objections to hear any complaints or requirements in the district. Mr Jenkinson said — He wished to bring under the notice of the Board the want of a road between the upper and lower townships of Port Molyneux. He would appeal to those present who knew the shifts to be made by any one having a horse to ride or a vehicle to drive between the two places, if it were not dangerous in the extreme, and that if some passable road were not made for communication between the two places at high water some serious accident would occur. In coming to attend that meeting he had to ride his horse through water up to the saddle girths, and it was impossible to get any other way. He would ask if such a state of things was worthy of Port Molyneux, or if it was a credit to the district. He understood £200 had been placed upon the Estimates for the formation of a road between the two places, and for the purpose of strengthening the hands of the Board in getting the assistance from the Government, he would move: — "That this meeting recommend that the formation of a road between the upper and lower townships receive the immediate attention of the newly elected members of the Road Board for this district. The motion was seconded by Mr Brown and unanimously carried. The Chairman promised the matter should not be lost sight of, and no other suggestion having been made on the subject of roads, Mr Paterson asked permission to state that the amount subscribed towards the formation of a library was £30, and would be glad to receive a sixpence from any one present. He was sorry to say that nothing had been done by the residents of Puera towards the object in question, although the Port Molyneuxites had subscribed liberally towards the establishment of a library for them. -Bruce Herald, 8/7/1868.
BALCLUTHA.
(From Our Own Correspondent.)
From circumstances which occurred on Thursday, the 16th inst, there is every reason to fear that another name has been added to the list of victims drowned in the Molyneux. As far as I can learn from different sources, the name of the missing man was William Murray, a native of Tasmania, and generally known as "Hobart Town Bill.' He had, a day or two previous to the date mentioned, travelled in company with his mate, William Barrett, from Port Molyneux. Upon their arrival here, they appear to have entered into the spirit of knocking down their cheques. When last seen, Murray, (in company with Barrett and others) was engaged in a quarrel at the Balclutha Hotel, the result of which was, that he expressed his determination to clear out and cross the river by means of the bridge. That he attempted to do so, and failed, is the only conclusion that can reasonably account for his not having been seen since. He was a man of about twenty-nine years of age, and may be remembered as a witness in the White murder case.
Sergeant Cobden informs me that another "Man Missing" case is reported from Port Molyneux. From the report of resident constable Albert, it appears that on the 22nd instant, at 10 p.m., George Lindsay, James Donoghue, and David Mitchell entered a boat, with the intention of pulling up to Coal Point, all three at the time being under the influence of liquor. Owing to some misunderstanding amongst its occupants, the boat was allowed to drift with the current, until, getting close on the bar, the heavy wash surged it ashore. Out of this rather dangerous position the three men escaped to a firm footing on the beach, since when, the man Mitchell has not been seen or heard of. -Bruce Herald, 29/7/1868.
A "strange freak of nature"
A "strange freak of nature"
BALCLUTHA
For the students in natural science comes from Port Molyneux, the report of a remarkable natural (if not unnatural) phenomenon. My informant, Mr Finn, of the "Tuapeka" steamer, tells me, that about 4. p.m. on Friday last an immense roller, far exceeding the ordinary proportion of a turbulent sea wave, was seen approaching the Port from an easterly direction. Contrary to the established custom of similar marine visitants, his worship treated the bar with surprising contempt, rolling inward up the sacred precincts of freshwater in a body equal to the highest spring tide, and with a velocity equal to twice that of the outward flow of the river when under the influence of heavy floods. As no outward appearance could in any way account for the strange circumstance, (the sea at the time being comparatively smooth,) the good folks of the Port were on the point of persuading themselves that some strange delusion had been practising on their credulity, when a second sea rolled in to dispel all doubts of its precursor's reality; and thus, during the whole night, at intervals of from thirty to forty minutes was the wonted quietude and peace of Port Molyneux disturbed. So imminent became the danger to the steamer "Tuapeka," that her usual berth alongside the jetty, was as speedily as possible exchanged for one within shelter of the Puerua. I hear also that a boat's crew engaged in removing rocks from the fairway channel, had a very narrow escape. Further particulars of interest will doubtless be forth coming, from which I shall note anything likely to lead to a reasonable conclusion as to the cause of such a strange freak of nature. -Bruce Herald, 19/8/1868.
"something closely resembling a swindle"
Port Molyneux is at present unusually fertile in news, both of a pleasing and unsatisfactory nature. It would appear that in consequence of the teacher not having his salary regularly paid, Mr Hewitt has tendered his resignation. He considers that he will be of more service in some other district, and at same time promote his own advancement. If these reasons be well founded there is suggestive matter for the School Committee to increased exertion. On Saturday last several of the Storekeepers and others in the town were subjected to something closely resembling a swindle. Three young men who had resided in the neighborhood for a short time visited places of business and obtained clothing, boots, carpenter's tools, &c., &c., on credit to a considerable amount, when on Monday morning it was found they had decamped, leaving their respects written on a slate to their dupes, coupled with an assurance they were 'off.' One gentleman tried to get a warrant of apprehension for obtaining money under false pretences, but he did not succeed, for what reason we know not, but it is to be hoped they will yet receive the punishment merited by such heartless conduct. -Bruce Herald, 26/8/1868.
PORT MOLYNEUX.
(Communicated.) On Monday the 10th instant, a Dinner and Ball were given at the Alexandra Hotel, on the occasion of Mr Begg, leaving the district. On account of Mr Begg's having been such an old resident on the Molyneux, there was a numerous gathering present. Messrs J. W. Thompson and D. Henderson, the two M. P. Cs. for the district, were present. The former gentleman occupied the chair, and the latter acted as vice-president. The tables were spread out with a plentiful supply of both eatables and drinkables and all those who were present seemed to do ample justice to the viands provided.
When the dinner was disposed of, and the fragments gathered up and removed, the chairman proposed the health of "The Queen," which was drunk by all present, and after the "National Anthem" was sung, three hearty cheers were given for Her Majesty. He then proposed the health of the "Prince and Princess of Wales" and the "Duke of Edinburgh," to which the company responded, by giving three cheers and one cheer more. The next toast was the "Army, Navy and Volunteers," proposed by the Vice-President, and responded to by Mr J. B. H. Hewitt. The Vice-President said, that we all knew how valuable and important the army and navy were, and although the volunteers had never had an opportunity of showing what they could do and he hoped they never would be called upon to do that; yet, if their services should be required, he felt convinced that they would prove themselves fully equal to any duty imposed upon them. Mr Hewitt said that he did not see why he should be called upon to respond to the toast as he had only had a few minutes to prepare himself for doing so, and he never could shake a speech out of his coat sleeve. But with reference to the British army and navy, it was well known that they always had done their duty in many a well fought battle both by sea and land, and he was sure that, if the volunteers were called upon they would not be one whit behind them, however thoughtless and weak minded people might sneer at them now. He believed that they would prove to be like the the Highland Piper who was taken prisoner by the French during the last war. Napoleon had him brought before Josephine and the ladies of the French Court, and requested him to play a national air; and stalking up and down in a most majestic manner, he played it; Napoleon then asked him to play a pibroch, and he played it; he was then asked to play a charge, and he did so; again he was asked to play an advance, and he did so. "Now then," said the Emperor, highly delighted with him, "play a retreat, and I have done." "Nay," said Donald, "I never learned to play a retreat." He hoped and believed that the volunteers would be willing and ready to give the same answer to any enemy that might feel inclined to put them to the test.
The "Pastoral, Agricultural, and Commercial Interests" were then proposed, coupled with the names of Messrs George Hay, D. Henderson, and John B. Paterson, each of whom respectively and suitably replied.
The "Provincial Council," joined with the names of the two representatives of the district, was then given, and after various other toasts and songs were given, Messrs Ancell, Smith, Telfer, and Hewitt were called upon to give recitations, which call they complied with. Mr Telfer highly amused the audience by telling a funny story about a Mrs. Meiklejohn and several other Johns.
The Chairman then rose, and said that he wanted them to fill their glasses to the brim, as he was going to propose the toast of the evening; he wanted them to drink the health of Mr Begg, who was about to leave Port Molyneux. No one present could regret his absence more than he did himself, he had been long acquainted with him, having lived beside him for two years, and he had always found him civil and obliging, indeed just what a neighbor ought to be.
The toast was drunk with three hearty cheers, after which, Mr Begg rose and said, that he felt highly gratified at the honor that they had just done him, and thanked the chairman for his kindly remarks. He felt sorry to think that he was looking upon their faces for the last time, as he was soon going away to New Caledonia, but he was glad to say that he had got two good mates, two of the young men of the district, Mr Thomas Lewis, and Mr Charles Henderson, to accompany him on his journey, and he hoped to show the Monsieurs what they could do.
It was now nearly 12 o'clock, and after a vote of thanks to the chairman, the meeting broke up. and the tables being cleared, dancing commenced, which was kept up briskly until about 5 o'clock in the morning. Amongst the dancers was seen one of our J.Ps., who was seen at intervals dancing most vigorously vis-a-vis with another of the male gender. -Bruce Herald, 26/8/1868.
The missing man, David Mitchell, who was reported to have been last seen near the Signal station has not yet been heard of, the beach and banks on the south side have been well searched, but the north spit has not been visited more than once. If the constable stationed here was to visit the spit occasionally, it might be the means of clearing up many a mysterious disappearance, and be a great satisfaction to many disconsolate relatives and friends. -Bruce Herald, 2/9/1868.
PORT MOLYNEUX
(From a Correspondent.) An inquest was held at the Alexandra Hotel here, on Friday, the 16th inst., on the body found on the beach between the signal station and Kaukau point. Alter the jury bad been sworn they proceeded to view the body, when evidence was given as to the finding of the body. Mr Albert, the officer stationed here, stated that he had searched the body, and found upon it three clay pipes, three plugs of tobacco, a box containing wax vestas, a house door key, and a button. He noticed a bruise on the right side of the head, and the nose was disfigured. He thought the bruises had been made after death, and might have been caused by having been driven against a snag or a rock. He did not know deceased. At this stage of the proceedings one of the jury (Mr Wylie) said that the body corresponded in size with the man David Mitchell, who was missing on or about the 23rd of July last, and that Mitchell had at that time a house door key in bis possession, belonging to him, (Mr Wylie.) He could run for the lock and see if the key would fit it. The key did fit it! This little incident aroused suspicion that deceased was Mitchell. A Mr Spiers was called, and said Mitchell wore a plush waistcoast, with colored spots on it, and buttons with a glass centre and metal round the edges. A piece was cut from the waistcoat on the deceased, which, after having been washed, was identified by Speirs as part of the waistcoat worn by Mitchell. Mr Telfer, another juryman, on examining the boots on deceased's feet, said he sold Mitchell a similar pair about a month before his disappearance. He knew them because they had been made by Stewart, of Clutha Ferry. Link after link came out until the chain of evidence was so complete that the jury returned a verdict — that the deceased was found drowned, but how, or by what means, there was no evidence to snow. -Bruce Herald, 21/10/1868.
ACCLIMATISATION SOCIETY. (excerpt)
The Council of the Acclimatisation Society met on the 12th instant, in the Athenaeum Chambers. There were present — Mr W. D. Murison (who presided), Mr Carrick, Mr Eccles, Mr Turton, and Mr Clifford, Manager.
The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed.
The Manager reported that the young trout were healthy, and were progressing rapidly. Three only had died during the week. He had forwarded quail to Port Molyneux, and had received a kangaroo from Captain Brown, of the Annie Brown. Mr F. D. Bich had sent down the old doe, to enable the escaped deer to be caught. -Otago Witness, 21/11/1868.
A series of petty thefts are reported to have taken place in the Port Molyneux district within the last few days. The local correspondent of the Bruce Herald writes that two tents belonging to the workmen employed on the premises of Mr Telford, Otanonomo, were relieved of all the provisions they contained, much to the disappointment and disgust of the owners. On Wednesday evening during the time Mr and Mrs Downie were enjoying themselves at a reading in the East Clutha Schoolhouse, some petty thief took the liberty of walking off with a couple of rugs which Mrs Downie had left thrown over the stockyard fence. Speaking of the river trade on the Molyneux, the Port Molyneux correspondent of the Bruce Herald says: — It is currently reported that the steamer Tuapeka is in the market for sale. If such be the case, the settlers on the bank of the river ought to exert themselves and secure the steamer, otherwise we may be deprived of the service altogether. It is much to be regretted that the river trade has for some time fallen off very much, principally owing to the steamer not being punctual in her trips, now that the subsidy, L.100 per month, is about to expire, and that there is little prospect of it being renewed to the present owner, it would be to the interest of all that the boat should change hands. It is admitted that the trade is not sufficient to pay without some little assistance, but if some enterprising individual or company were to buy the boat, and the Provincial Council grant for a time, say one third of the amount of the present subsidy, and the owners of the vessel running her with regularity, the river trade would again revive. -Otago Witness, 13/3/1869.
PORT MOLYNEUX.
(From Our Own Correspondent.) On the evening of Wednesday, the 17th, our little township put on its holiday attire in order to celebrate the opening of the Loyal Alexandra Lodge of Oddfellows, in connection with the Manchester Unity. The flagstaff at the pilot station was very gay with flags, as was also the Alexandra Hotel. As reported in the 'Herald,' some weeks since, a meeting was held for the purpose of ascertaining the feeling of the district in reference to Oddfellowship. So numerous and enthusiastic was the attendance at the meeting that the promoters at once applied for and received a dispensation from the District Lodge of Otago to constitute the same. Provincial Grand Master Geddes and, S. C. Bond were appointed delegates from Dunedin, and, N.G. Bain, from the Loyal Dalton Lodge, Balclutha, to open and initiate applicants into the secrets of the order. Bro Dr. J. Gibson Smith, from Balclutha, was also in attendance during the evening for the purpose of medically examining applicants. Twenty-six members passed his examination, and were duly enlightened in the noble virtues devolving upon and apertaining to the brotherhood. By the way, I may mention that the schoolhouse was altered at the expense of the lodge to meet its exigencies, which, with its alteration, makes a comfortable lodge room. After business an adjournment was made to host Ancell's, where a very elegant and substantial repast had been prepared. N.G. Inglis occupied the chair, supported right and left by P. G. M. Geddes and S. C. Bond. The vice-chair was ably filled by V. G. Paterson, supported right and left by Bros. Telfer and Cobden. Ample justice having been done to the good things set before them the cloth was removed, and the real harmony of the evening began. The usual patriotic toasts disposed of, Bro. Geddes, in a very pithy speech, proposed the toast of the evening, — "Success to the Loyal Alexandra Lodge," coupled with the name of N. G. Inglis, a brother whom he had every confidence in predicting would, as chief officer of the lodge, adorn and elevate the order, and he was sure that wherever Bro. Inglis might be placed he would ever continue a devoted oddfellow; that it afforded him and Bro. Bond great pleasure in taking part in the opening of a lodge at Port Molyneux, and that in their official capacity as district officers they seldom or ever were present, at the opening of a lodge which was inaugurated under better circumstances. N. G. Inglis replied in an exceedingly neat and concise speech, assuring the brethren that so far as he was concerned the Loyal Alexandra might yet become a model lodge in the colonies, and that his motto, as an old and tried oddfellow, would ever be "Excelsior." Several other toasts followed such as "Kindred Societies," "Visiting Brethren," "The Press," "V. G. Paterson," "Host and Hostess," &c, when a most agreeable evening was brought to a close by the company joining in the National Anthem. -Bruce Herald, 31/3/1869.
It would now appear that Capt. Murray unknown to any one had decided upon erecting a steam flour mill on the Clutha Ferry Flat, near the banks of the river at its lower reach, between the properties of Messrs Barr and John McNeil, who had conjointly arranged to give a mill site free of charge, to encourage so enterprising an undertaking on the part of one whose loss to the district will not we fear be properly felt until he has left it. It will be observed from the advertisement of Capt. Murray's coming sale, that the machinery has just arrived by the "Warrior Queen," and will be sold at Port Molyneux along with the S. S. Tuapeka, and Flax Mill. Capt. Murray we are informed when in Dunedin last week, was offered satisfactory prices for both, the steamer and mills, to be conveyed to Dunedin, but declined to sell, from the strong desire entertained by him that they should remain in the district. This has also led him to arrange with the auctioneers for long terms of payment to the purchasers, and we therefore sincerely trust that public companies will be formed in the district to enter upon each of these enterprises. -Bruce Herald, 7/4/1869.
PORT MOLYNEUX.
(From Our Own Correspondent.)
A considerable number of swaggers have visited fair township during the last ten days expecting to get employment at the lighthouse to be built on the Nuggets. Hitherto they have been disappointed, as neither contractor, nor any one to represent him, has arrived. A good number have made their exodus, not having the means of subsistence to wait until employment could be had. Several diggers are trying the black sand on the beach, and on the terraces, for gold, and from their perseverance, working up to the knees in water, it is to be hoped they will succeed in getting sufficient of the yellow dust to provide them with tucker, if they do not make a pile. From enquiries that have been made there is every reason to believe that this district will not lack a wool scouring establishment another season.
An attempt has been made to get up a company to purchase the steamers Tuapeka and Tairoa, but from the spirit which seems to prevail amongst the tradesfolk and cockatoos success is doubtful. A memorial to the Provincial Council is in course of signature, praying that a subsidy may be granted for at least twelve months longer. The memorial states that the freight from Dunedin to the Clutha Ferry will be reduced to 30s per ton., thereby returning back a portion of the bonus to the public, but at the same time giving a superstructure for an increase of traffic to the company. The subsidy to the Tuapeka steamer having ceased on the 31st March has so far influenced the lessee of the coal field at Coal Point that he has decided to give up the works. This is surely a little premature, seeing that a company is intended to be formed to purchase the steamer. Bruce Herald, 7/4/1869.
COMMERCIAL
The stern-wheel steamer "Tuapeka" was put up for sale by Messrs. Driver and McLean at Port Molyneux on Friday last. After some competition the highest bid offered was £1660, but the steamer was withdrawn, the reserve placed upon her being £2000. The flax and flour mill was not offered, but we understand is still for sale by private contract. Mr Murray's furniture which was of a very superior description was all disposed of at very satisfactory prices. -Bruce Herald, 28/4/1869.
As previously mentioned, the Mindora, with the second consignment of salmon ova for this Province, arrived in harbour from London on Tuesday evening. Shortly after anchoring the cutter Surprise came alongside, and the crew of the ship and some of the pilot boat's crew went to work with a will, under the orders of Captain Thomson, the Harbour master, cleared away cargo, opened the hermetically sealed ice-house, and discharged 182 boxes of the ova into the cutter, with the usual accompaniment of ice, by ten o'clock. The hatches of the cutter were then battened down, the ice on deck trimmed, and she was, half an hour later, taken in tow by the steamer Taiaroa. The Harbour Master accompanies the Taiaroa to Port Molyneux, and from thence he will proceed with the cutter to the Waiwera. Thirty boxes of ova are left on board the Mindora, the one half being for Lyttelton and the other for Southland. Sergeant Quinn, representative of the former and Mr Howard of the latter province, went on board yesterday with large cases for their reception. One of the ova boxes was opened, and although musty, the ova, on the whole, were found to be better packed in the moss than those brought by the Celestial Queen last year. The eggs in the Queen were, for the most part, massed together: whereas the box opened on board the Mindora yesterday showed that greater care had been taken in the stowing of the eggs, as they all appeared to be separate. A large number of them were dead, but at the same time several healthy ones were observed — the transparent pink plainly showing their vitality. The Rangitoto will convey the Southland ova to the Bluff, and the Gothenburg will take the Canterbury portion tomorrow. -Otago Daily Times, 29/4/1869.
PORT MOLYNEUX.
(From Our Own Correspondent.)
The great requirement of this district at the present time is a bridge over the Puerua river, which would prove the connecting link towards a main road between this and Balclutha, along the river bank, reducing the distance to be traversed to something like one half the length of the present roadway, while its level nature would constitute it one of the very best roads in the Province. This bridge would lead to some 20,000 acres of unsold land, remaining unsold because of want of access and its swampy nature, and the formation of a road through this swampy land would again serve to drain it at the same time, and render it at once as valuable as the soil of Inch Clutha itself, the Garden of New Zealand, both having evidently been formed by the detritus from the river. A local surveyor and contractor has prepared plans and specifications for a suitable bridge, the cost of which he estimates at £180. The Government have also had specifications prepared according to their ideas of the requirements of the locality, the estimated cost of which is put at £400, the main features of their proposed construction being that the screw piles now lying at Balclutha shall be employed, I presume so as to get them out of sight and out of mind. The extra expense will bee incurred in driving these screw piles and placing tons upon tons of rubbish around them, and this at a spot where there is little or no current to call for the necessity of other than the ordinary piles. The effect of the higher estimate of the Government is, I fear, likely to preclude our getting the bridge at all. I would therefore suggest that our Clutha members should endeavor to get £180 placed on the Estimates for the purpose, and arrange that, as with other districts, we get the spending of the money, which will answer our every requirement, and we will be quite prepared to place it under Government inspection during the progress of its construction.
We have lately had an amateur entertainment, under the patronage of the Loyal Alexandra Lodge, in aid of the school funds, which answered the purpose required in raising the necessary funds to relieve the committee of a guarantee they had entered upon with our former teacher. There was quite an array of local talent brought out on the occasion, and I trust that many similar evenings may be passed during the coming winter months. I therefore trust that a committee will be formed, as in other townships, to carry out the idea.
The rain during the last fortnight has been such as to cause all out-door labor in our district to be at a standstill. The 50 men engaged on the Nuggets road are bitterly complaining that they are not making "tucker." Oats, in some places, are still lying out on the ground, and it is unnecessary to say, useless through the wet weather. To add to the general depression the Tuapeka steamer lies at the mouth of the Puerua river, listlessly rising and falling with it, as if the owner was determined to give up the river trade at all hazards. No vessels at our wharf. Few goods changing hands at the stores. Publicans seriously thinking of giving up their occupations. No necessity for temperance lectures here. The sound of the blacksmith's anvil; the hammer of the contractors for the Inch Clutha and an occasional dray passing on the road are the only things which break the gloomy monotony. A little fine weather and dry roads are anxiously looked for to revive our drooping spirits.
On Friday week a bullock belonging to Robert Crawford was found with its neck broken. This is the second working bullock belonging to the same person, which has been found dead within the last few months From the position in which the dead carcases were found, and the footprints of a number of cattle having run down the hill, there is no doubt but they had been hunted with dogs. Persons allowing their dogs to hunt cattle, either wilfully or carelessly, ought to be severely punished. Both bullocks were well known in this district, having previously belonged to Mr R. L. Begg, and were noted as being superior animals and thoroughly quiet.
The time for the arrival of the mails here is Monday and Thursday, at 7.15 p.m., but it often occurs that it does not reach until 9 o'clock. This is much to be regretted, as from 15 to 20 persons, from a distance of four and five miles, are kept waiting until the mail is delivered. The former mailman was seldom more than a quarter of an hour after the time, and very often before it, and we can see no excuse for the present one being two hours after.
The Road Board at the last meeting voted a sum of money towards the formation of a road from the main road to the church and school, and proposed to hand this amount over to the school committee, to be expended by them, and recommended that they should supplement the amount, so as to make a passable and permanent road. The Loya1 Alexandra Lodge of Oddfellows having been appealed to, they holding their meetings in the school, promised to give their patronage and assistance at a vocal entertainment to raise the necessary funds for gravelling the road after the formation. -Bruce Herald, 12/5/1869.
"a quantity of whisky was distributed"
PORT MOLYNEUX.
(From our own Correspondent.) On Monday forenoon, the 17th inst., about thirty-five of the workmen employed by Mr Pearce in forming the road to the Nuggets went from the works to Pearce's store, a distance of five or six miles, and stated to Pearce that the price charged by him for bread, butcher's meat, and other stores was excessive; that the provisions most required were very irregularly supplied, and that the distance from the works to the store was too far. Mr Pearce promised to enquire at once into the charges exacted for provisions by the storekeeper, also, that he would make arrangements for a regular supply of flour, bread, and fresh meat, and that he would employ a person to pack the provisions to the works from the store. After this assurance a quantity of whisky was distributed to such of the men as felt inclined to partake of it, which had the effect of quieting the dissatisfied spirit that had prevailed between the employer and employed, but excited the ambition of several of the men to try their pugilistic qualities against each other. Several fights took place, the combatants stripping to the skin above their waists. The fights appeared to be conducted quite systematically, and after disfiguring each other, principally about the face, the contests were given up, and the participators appeared to be much better friends than before the commencement of the frays.
The twin punts intended for the Inch, Clutha Ferry, and now being erected on the banks of the Puerua river, are nearly completed, and judging from the material used, and the workmanship displayed in their construction the punts will be very strong and serviceable, and well adapted for the purpose.
I notice by the report of the Provincial Council proceedings that a memorial has been presented praying for a ferry at Kaitangata. Would it not have been much better for the settlers on the island to have had a bridge erected at some convenient place, which might have supplied all their wants, instead of so many ferries, where so much expense is created, time wasted in waiting to be crossed: and subject to dangers connected with all ferries.
A meeting was held in Peterson's store, which was called together in consequence of a report that opposition was likely to be given, by our local members in the Provincial Council, for a sum of money being granted for the erection of a bridge over the Puerua river, because the plans of the bridge did not shew a "lift" or "draw," so as to allow vessels to pass without unshipping their masts. A resolution was passed asking the local members to give their support for the amount placed on the Estimates for the erection of a bridge according to the plans, and to use their influence to have the work carried out at once. The impassable state of the road between the upper and lower township was brought before the notice of the meeting. It was stated that if £200 was expended in metalling that part of the road it would be permanent and passable for a long time — that, from the number of visitors coming to take the benefit of the sea air during the summer months, it was likely that a good portion of the bush land facing this ocean would be bought up, and summer residences erected thereon, which would give an impetus to the place, and show a little more signs of civilisation along the coast. Resolution passed asking for £200 for the work.
About £25 worth of books arrived sometime ago for the purpose of a library, and another £25 worth is daily expected. The library is to be kept in a room in Mr Paterson's store, a very suitable and central place. Meetings of the Library Committee and School Committee have been, held lately in the above named store, but what business, if any, were transacted "deponent knoweth not." There appears to be too much of the "hole and corner style" in the way in which these meetings are carried out, and as the library is now assuming a fair proportion it would be well for the subscribers to have a meeting, and make such regulations as to place it on a really useful footing.
The Tuapeka steamer recommenced running on the river, on the 12th prox. under the charge of Capt. G. McKannon, and if the manner he has commenced to run. the vessel be an earnest for the future there is a fair prospect of the river trade becoming what it ought to be. If there be little work, to do on the river at present, the Captain does not leave it undone, or wait until it may suit his fancy to do it, but acts upon the principle of doing what little there is, and that more will be sure to follow. The settlers ought to give all the assistance in their power to the present commander and from his energy and unassuming manner there is no doubt he would reciprocate such a recognition, and instead of oats, wheat, potatoes, &c, lying on the banks of the river, waiting the steamer until the bags were rotten and the contents useless, as formerly, the produce will be wafted to its destination to the satisfaction of its owners. The steamer may not pay the enterprising proprietor at present, and it is to be hoped that a small amount will be granted by the Provincial Council to assist for a short time. It would be satisfactory if the steamer was to run from Port Molyneux to the Ferry, or Pomahaka, at stated periods, say twice a week, Tuesdays and Fridays. Perhaps such an arrangement may be in contemplation, and the captain getting sufficiently acquainted with the river to ascertain how far such a. scheme may be practical. -Bruce Herald, 26/5/1869.
PORT MOLYNEUX.
(From our own Correspondent) During the last three weeks our township has had a much more business-like appearance than for some time back. The river steamer Tuapeka, since having fallen into the hands of the present owners, has been busy bringing large quantities of produce to this port for shipment; the Tairoa, for Dunedin having had full cargoes every trip. Drays from South Molyneux, Warepa, Kaihiku, &c. are also busy bringing produce. The Jane Ann, Capt. Smith, for Hokitika, is loaded with oats and potatoes. Captain Saunders, of the Huon Bell, discharged a cargo of timber from Catlin's river at Kaitangata, and was fortunate enough to get out the following day for Catlin's. It is to be hoped that merchants and others requiring goods from Dunedin, will see the advisability of giving a fair share of encouragement to the steamer Tairoa, seeing that the freight has been reduced to 30s per ton, from Dunedin to the Clutha Ferry; also, that no delay occurs, as formerly, in the goods being forwarded from the port, per Tuapeka, to any part on the river banks.
The road to the Nuggets is now so far complete that drays can go to where the lighthouse is intended to be, and the contractor has discharged more than half the hands lately employed. The worst part of the road is that leading over Kaukau Point, not only from its soft, muddy state, but more particularly from the almost impracticable and dangerous gradient at which it has been formed. It may not be the fault of the contractor, but surely either the General or the Provincial Government ought to see that that part of the road be made passable.
The body of the unfortunate man Miller has not yet been found, although persons volunteered their services with constable Albert to form boats crews, for three days after the accident, to look for the body.
It is currently reported here that a requisition is being circulated for signatures, at the upper part of the Puerua district, to be presented to the Government, asking that a lift may be placed in the intended bridge over Puerua river. The requisition has not yet reached the Port, but many persons here are anxious to see it. Should the requisition be so worded as to oppose the erection of the bridge without a lift it will meet with few signatures here, for when the subject was lately discussed, at a public meeting, those persons best competent of judging were of opinion that a "draw," if left, would not be used once in seven years. For the information of such of your readers in this district who are in arrears with their road rates, it may be of advantage to them to know that at a late meeting of the Road Board the collector was instructed to take proceedings against defaulters for the amount of their rate. Look out! -Bruce Herald, 16/6/1869.
The character of the River is here described in a manner which is prescient to an impressive degree, foreshadowing the ultimately disastrous 1878 flood.
THE RIVER CLUTHA
...The increase of agricultural settlement, and in particular the establishment of saw-mills, in the immediate neighbourhood, have had the effect of largely augmenting the mass of floating timber. Here, as in other colonies, settlers and sawyers are in the habit of throwing into the river the branches of trees felled by them. These branches float down with the stream until they are caught by the accumulation of tailings at the Island, where they fix themselves in the soft bottom and catch every solid substance that may come in their way. As a matter of course, they soon become more or less formidable obstacles to the flow of the water. The current is diverted out of its ordinary course, the banks are swept away, and in some instances new channels are broken into. Between Port Molyneux and Coal Point, the river is covered to a great extent with a network of branches, one interlacing with the other in such a manner that heavy floods can hardly fail to overflow the surrounding soil.
Still more disastrous consequences threaten the navigation of the river, arising from other obstacles of a different kind. At the bend nearly opposite Coal Point jetty, some half dozen punts were sunk a few years ago. The deposits that have since accumulated around them have sent the full force of the Matau branch against the sandspit running down to the river bar. By the action of this current, a portion of the spit is nearly worn through; and unless steps be taken to fortify it, a passage will soon be forced into the sea. As it is, the breakers at high water roll into the river ; and if the passage is once forced, the depth of water at the bar entrance will be greatly diminished. Should such a mishap take place, it is questionable whether the navigation of the bar would be available for ships of any considerable tonnage. Facts of this description induce us to believe that the Council altogether overlooked the real importance of the motion brought before it; inasmuch as it would devolve upon a Trust — such as that proposed — to obviate the evils we have dwelt upon. The question is now, we may say, shelved for another year. As delay in such a matter must be dangerous, the Government would do well to take some action in the matter. Something at any rate might be done. The river bank above Balclutha might easily be protected; so might the sandbank at Coal Point. With regard to the former, we may repeat a statement made in support of the motion by a member of the Council. The river is rapidly ploughing out for itself a new course; and if it succeeds in doing so, Balclutha will stand upon an island. In that case, another bridge would be required to complete the main line of road to the Mataura. To prevent the increase of snags, a prohibition might be issued against the practice of casting branches into the river. Measures of this kind would at least serve to mitigate the evil, pending the establishment of the proposed Trust. -Otago Witness, 19/6/1869.
PORT MOLYNEUX.
(From Our own Correspondent.) A beautiful white swan was shot in the lagoon near the signal station, a short time ago; from the claws to the beak, it measured 4 feet 9 inches. From the harmless character of these birds, it is a pity that persons who seek to destroy them should not be actuated by more sportsmanlike proclivity than to carry destruction to these simple and elegant birds which grace our district with their presence.
The old adage, "that misfortunes seldom come single," has been lately verified in the case of the steamer Tuapeka. On Monday last, the 14th instant, the steamer was proceeding up the Matau branch of the Clutha river; the weather being boisterous at the time, the boat was blown on the bank. The captain ordered a three-inch line to be made fast to the opposite shore, and the capstan to be brought into use to heave her off the bank. After a considerable strain had been put on the line, the capstan tilted, and the pall was thrown out; the men heaving at the time neglected to take the capstan bars out, and the strain on the rope caused the capstan to go round, when the bars struck two of the men, knocking them flat on the deck and bruising them severely. During the night the water rose, and the steamer the following morning was proceeding up the river when she got fixed on a snag. Recourse was again had to the capstan to heave her off, and, strange to say, the same carelessness in not taking out the bars took place, and J. Campbell was struck and had two of his ribs broken. On Friday, the steamer in going up the same branch of the river struck against a snag, knocking a hole through her. She was immediately run ashore and the leak stopped. Those of your readers who are acquainted with the Matau river will have noticed that a snag was beaconed near to McKegg's. The former captain of the Tuapeka (Captain Murray) was offered by Government L4O to remove it, but refused the offer. The present captain (Captain Gordon McKinnon) thinking the snag might be of use in holding the line while the vessel was being got off the snag, ordered that the line should be put under it, when to his astonishment, the snag was lifted from its bed. There are about ten snags in that part of this river, which have hitherto been a terror to boatmen, &c, one of which lies in what is termed Bowler's reach, and is the most dangerous in the lot. If the Government would allow Captain McKinnon a reasonable sum to displace these snags, there is every reason to believe he would at once devote time to them, and should he remove them, the river would be safe and navigable.
The pruning knife has been used to an extent scarcely consistent with discretion, towards the Signal Stationmaster here, by the Provincial Government. -Bruce Herald, 23/6/1869.
PORT MOLYNEUX
The shed on the jetty here is quite full, and a portion of the jetty is covered with bags of produce, waiting the arrival of the Tairoa to convey it to the empire city. A large quantity of gratin is also lying on the banks of the river, ready for the Tuapeka, the latter vessel having no place to leave it until the shed is cleared. When grain was scarce, and return cargoes not very plentiful, the Tairoa could make a trip in about five days, and it is to be regretted that her last trip was double that time, leaving here on the 29th June, and again on the 9th July. Potatoes, &c, stowed either on a jetty or on the banks of a river, even if covered with a tarpaulin, are not likely to improve either in quantity or quality these frosty nights. On Tuesday last the Tairoa landed about 60 tons of cargo in Long Bay, near the Nuggets, for the lighthouse contractor, which only took one day in discharging, and which delay scarcely warrants the captain in making such a long trip, particularly at such a busy season, with fine weather, light winds and smooth sea.
The Three Brothers, Captain McDonald, loaded with potatoes at Kaitangata, sailed down the river, got over the bar, and went to sea on Thursday.
The body of the unfortunate Wm, Millar was noticed lying amongst some weeds in the Puerua river by two boatman, on Monday. The men left the body lying, having an idea that they had no right to touch it without the presence of a constable. The men, after giving notice to constable Albert, returned and brought the body to the Alexandra Hotel, where it awaits a coroner's inquest.
The flax mills formerly occupied by Capt. Murray at this port have been opened by Mr Millar, of Oamaru, who is at present fitting up machinery, &c. for preparing flax for the market. Judging from the quantity of flax growing near the mill, and the water carriage to the works, the present proprietor stands a good chance, amongst other competitors, of making the speculation a paying affair. -Bruce Herald, 14/7/1869.
The road between the upper and lower township here is in a fearful mess. Having had occasion to pass along this road this week at the time two drays were passing which were carrying bricks for the lighthouse from the jetty, I had an opportunity of seeing the virtue of patience fairly tested. Each dray carried 200 bricks, and managed two trips per day, a distance of three and a half miles. The horses were occasionally to their bellies, and the drays to their axles, in mud. The drivers had to stop the horses about every thirty yards for a spell. The driver of the latter team found it necessary to guide his leading horses with a rein, and had he had the misfortune to fall (a thing not at all improbable from the state of the road), and the dray wheel have passed over him, he would likely have been cut in two. Imagine bricks costing L9 per thousand for carrying such a short distance. The contractor may well say, "Port Molyneux! Port Molyneux! mend thy ways!" -Bruce Herald, 28/7/1869.
The "Otago Daily Times," of the 15th instant, says: — The s.s. Taiaroa sailed last evening for Port Molyneux and Catlin's River for the latter port she takes a few men, who are proceeding thither for the purpose of blasting that bugbear to navigation — the midchannel rock. The rock once cleared, Captain Tall informs us that vessels of thirteen feet draught of water would be enabled to get in and out of the river. We congratulate the Government on having made a step in the right direction in this matter. -Wellington Independant, 19/10/1869.
We observe Mr David Whytock has commenced to run a coach from Balclutha to the South Clutha districts, including Port Molyneux, Puerua, the Nuggets &c, &c. This will no doubt be felt a very great convenience to those in the district, as well as to travellers and excursionists from a distance. We trust Mr Whytock will meet with the support his enterprise merits, and such as will secure a continuance of the same. -Bruce Herald, 20/10/1869.
the subject of "Sham"
PORT MOLYNEUX.
(From Our Own Correspondent). October 25th, 1869. (Unavoidably held over from last issue). A concert and reading took place on Friday evening the 22nd inst. in the large hall here. The proceeds of the entertainment were for the purpose of enabling the District Lodge of the M.U.I.O.O.F. to institute a fund for the relief of widows and orphans. A large number of persons were present, and who began to shew signs of impatience at the delay in commencing, About a quarter-past eight the procession entered the hall. Mr James Paterson, by virtue of the office he held in the lodge, presided, on his right sat Messrs Inglis, Burn and Nicol; on the left were the following brethren from Balclutha — Cobden, Hopes, J. Barr, McAusland, and Shaw. A large number of the members of the order sat close to the platform, fronting the audience. Each member was dressed in full regalia, which, with the decorations of the room, gave the scene a grand appearance. After a few remarks from the Chairman, he introduced Mr George Wilson, who, he said, would address the meeting on the subject of "Sham." Mr Wilson said he should time himself to a quarter of an hour in addressing them. He had been in Canada, America, for sometime, and had been a schoolmaster for twenty-five years, a teetotaler for fourteen years, and a vegetarian for four years. If the public noticed teachers, they would find that there was something odd about them, and he confessed that he was no exception to the rule. During his stay in Canada, he had accumulated two hundred and eighty-three photographs of different persons (widows I believe), and forty-seven photographs of himself. He would ask if that was not odd. Some persons went to the tailor's or dressmaker and got fashionable clothes, while their minds were left unimproved, and this was often done to attain a false position. There was sham in working. Some men pretended to work and did nothing. He was a bachelor, but could testify to the advisability of having at least one member of the feminine sex in every house, for, in their absence, be was invariable in a slovenly state. He thought he should never go to law. Cries of time, time, interrupted the speaker, who sat down amidst clapping of hands; everyone seemed pleased that the remarks upon "Sham" were concluded. Mrs J. Burn, and Mrs Ancell each gave two songs during the evening, and were deservedly applauded. The inimitable Jamie (Balclutha) gave four comic songs, which kept the audience in roars of laughter. Messrs Mathieson, Hope, James Ord, Ancell, Shaw and Domett, took part in the proceedings; the latter gentleman gave "Hard Times come again no more" in such an effective manner that the whole company joined him in the song, and he sat down amidst loud cheering. Mr Taylor, from Balclutha, presided at the piano. A vote of thanks was proposed to the Chairman for the very efficient manner in which he had conducted the proceedings. Mr Paterson said, that, not having been voted to the chair, he could not recognise the vote to himself, but would take it as an appreciation of the conduct of the members of the society. The members rose to their feet and were loudly cheered by the company. The National Anthem was sung and the company left the room. The seats were soon cleared, when such as wished to amuse themselves with dancing had an opportunity of doing so until daylight did appear.
The lighthouse at the Nuggets is approaching completion. The works inspector, Mr Crawford, thought it advisable to take four feet more from the foundation than was shown on the plan, so as to have a sound bottom for the lighthouse to stand upon. The stone buildings are of a very solid and substantial character. The lighthouse from its peculiar position will be subject to the fearful gusts of wind and rain which occasionally come from the north and north-east; but, the works appear to be of such strength as to defy any tempest to overturn them. The road from the signal station to the Nuggets is in some places scarcely wide enough for a dray to pass, and although the weather has been dry for such a length of time, a portion of the road at Kaukau point is still to the knees in mud, and almost impassible.
The Waihopai, schooner, from Invercargill, Capt. Pierce, is now lying at the jetty, having discharged 385 bags of guano for the Pomahaka and Waitapeka stations. The cargo is in excellent condition, and the captain of the Tuapeka has arranged to carry it so far up the river towards its destination. The captain of the Waihopai intends taking a cargo of produce to Dunedin.
The Huon Belle, Sanders, master, after discharging a cargo of timber at Kaitangata, got away to sea this morning, Capt Sanders took the bar contrary to the signals at the station.
Mr Morton, the contractor for the formation of a portion of the road to Catlin's River, has met with much heavier timbers than he anticipated. But with the assistance of his overseer, Mr T. Rowe, it is to be hoped he will bring the contract to a successful issue. -Bruce Herald, 3/11/1869.
The Tuapeka. — The stern wheel steamer Tuapeka; now running on the Molyneux was to day offered for sale by auction at the rooms of Messrs Driver Maclean and Co., High Street. It was purchased for L1695 by Captain Tall of the Tairoa. -Evening Star, 26/11/1869.
The stern-wheel steamer Tuapeka, which has been moored at Balclutha for some time past, arrived at Port Molyneux for Balclutha on Saturday last, having resumed the river trade in connection with the s.s. Taiaroa; both steamers being now owned by the same proprietary. A nephew of Dr Livingstone, the far-famed African traveller, resides in the South Clutha district, in the vicinity of the large bush stretching from Port Molyneux to the Mataura. He is reported to be one of the best bushmen m the locality, and manifests considerable penchant for exploration and power of physical endurance for which his kinsman is so justly celebrated. -Bruce Herald, 8/12/1869.
DR LIVINGSTON.
(To the Editor of the Bruce Herald.) Sir, — In your issue of the 8th I observe a paragraph stating that a nephew of the great Dr Livingstone resides in the south Clutha district (the last time I heard of him he only claimed cousinship); however, permit me to give the statement a most emphatic denial. At the time he claimed cousinship I charged him with falsehood, and asked for the doctor's Christian name, which the nephew was unable to give. This fact alone will speak volumes, and I trust, by this public way of exposure, that he will only herd with his kind.
I am, &c., TRUTH, Port Molyneux, 10th Dec., 1869
"black mail may be leveled upon the produce"
...We but refer en passant to the Floating and Graving Docks at the Port, to the Parliamentary and other Government buildings — amongst which the Post-office, erected at great expense for City Council Chambers; — but without wasting time by dwelling on the many instances of local centralization, to particularise which would occupy too much of your space, I will at once proceed to remark on the latest thing of the kind, and by far the most important. I refer to what is called the Dunedin and Clutha Railway, which simply means that the country is to be drawn through Dunedin in order that black mail may be levied upon the produce. If it is not thus, why should there be such an outcry to make the Railway right off to the Clutha? Let them make it to the Taieri first, then to the Tokomairiro, and if they find those parts of the line pay, they may have some better reason for its continuance to the Clutha; but till then, we have Nature's highway — the Clutha river — which is always available, and which requires neither building nor repairs, if only a few hundred pounds were judiciously spent in removing snags and obstructions to the navigation. But Dunedin jealousy or shortsighted selfishness is the great obstruction. They think if a good port is made at the Clutha for sea-bound vessels, their gains would be at an end, and hence the cry of "great is Diana," and the Clutha railway. A port at Port Molyneux is more feasible than the projected breakwater, which has been used as a sort of gag for loquacious or politically pugnacious Oamaru members, and which, with the means at our command, might well be added to the old Scotch pair of supposed impossibilities — "Ding doun Tantallon, build a brig to the Bass."
But if Dunedin citizens knew the amount of produce which would flow into their warehouses, the barley to their breweries and distilleries, the vast stores of latent wealth which lie buried in the country drained by the Lower Clutha, which require but the improvement and opening up of the navigation of the river and cheap and reliable sea communication with Dunedin, to provide a ready market for the produce of thousands of acres of valuable land which, at present, are only sheep walks, and supporting a few shepherds, with little profit to the owner of the land or the Province, would then become cultivated farms, keeping far more stock, while exporting great quantities of produce and employing hundreds in cultivating the soil, and hundreds more in conveying the produce to market, or manufacturing it. We grow barley which can nowhere be surpassed; why can we not supply India and the East with ale; and every market, where there is a payable margin, with butter, cheese, bacon, preserved meats. &c, in addition to the wool — the quantity and quality of which is greatly improved by the sheep being depastured on cultivated lands. If, then, Dunedin members are not mere time-servers, and are wise to the interests of their constituents, and if our own members are, to use a homely phrase, "worth their kail," they will cast aside political hobbys and Clutha railway clap-trap, and render available at once the means of transit which nature has placed at our doors, by opening up the navigation of that noble highway — the Clutha river; and by-and-bye, the traffic which this will create, and the resources it will open up, will amply justify the construction of the Clutha railway. I am, &c, Clutha Settler. -Bruce Herald, 15/2/1869.
Chapter 3 - Decline. Link here.
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