OUR DUNEDIN LETTER

Cromwell Argus, Volume I, Issue 24, 27 April 1870, Page 5

OUR DUNEDIN LETTER

(From our own Correspondent. ) April 23, 1870, Within the past few clays the city has assumecl quite a lively aspec!, partly in consequence of the arrival of the premier (Mr W. Fox), who, of course, had the pleasure of being shown all the sights of the metropolis. Yesterday, accompanied by Mr Cooper, Native Secretary; Mr Brown, Private Secretary ; and Mr I. N. Watt, the Sheriff, he paid a visit to the Gaol. Mr Caldwell, the governor, conducted them through the various compartments, and the Maori prisoners were afterwards inspected by them. Mr Fox is understood to have expressed himself in terms of high commendation at the very satisfactory manner in which Mr Caldwell fills the post of governor of the gaol, and of the great efficiency exhibited in all its departments.

The nomination of candidates for the vacant seat in the House of Representatives for the district of Caversham took place on the 19th inst. There were four aspirants for political fame, viz., Me;srS W. H. Cut'ten, James MTndoe, W. Robertson, and the renowned John Graham. Considerable interest was manifested in the proceedings, and each of the candidates addressed the electors assembled at considerable length. “ Redcoat” descanted at great length on his own peculiar fitness for the office, and his immense superiority in point of political honesty and general qualifications for the important post to which he aspired. The other candidates having addressed the electors, and answered numerous questions which were put to them, a show of hands was taken, with the following result MTndoe, 23; Cutten, 7 ; Graham, 5 ; Robertson, 2. A poll wf a demanded by the undaunted Graham, and the election takes place on Monday. I will send you the result by telegraph.’ The flax-dressing trade seems to be greatly on the increase throughout the province, and may now be considered as a thoroughly - established native industry. From all quarters we hear of the erection of mills, and the flax land in many of the country districts will ere long be entirely denuded of its valuable product. Ido not hear of any seed being sottn to replace the flax which is at present being so rapidly cut down, but before long this will have to be done, as the supply which is at present available will not last for a great length of time.

Dunedin has of late been liberally supplied with amusements ; and the support given to nearly all of the varied entertainments has been very good. During tho past week 'the Lancashire Bell-ringers, assisted by several very pleasing vocalists, have been performing in the Masonic Hall, while at the Princess Theatre the Christy Minstrels are holding undisputed sway. Both entertainments am good in their way, and the clever manipulations of the Bellringers on their peculiar musical instruments are especially worthy of praise. The voluminous description of the expedition to Martin’s Bay recently furnished to the Bally Tim’s by Mr R. P. Whitworth, its special reporter on the occasion, is about to be published in pamphlet form, price one shilling. The announcement states that as a large portion of the issue has been ordered by tho Provincial Government, orders for the work must bo sent in as early as possible. The report is a very interesting one, and no doubt will command a large sale. On Tuesday last the examination of candidates from other schools in tho city who desire to join the High School—a quarterly affair—-was held. Out of seven candidates only two succeeded in acquitting themselves creditably in the subjects which were adopted by the Education Board for the candidates to he examined in. Ho doubt at the next quarterly examination I will have the pleasure of chronicling a better result, as the masters of the various schools will be put on their mettle, and endeavour to bring future candidates up to the requisite standard.