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The Pamphlet Collection of Sir Robert Stout: Volume 77

VII. — Otago News

page 27

VII.

Otago News.

It is now proposed to give a short sketch of

The Otago News,

Published every alternate Wednesday afternoon at 3 o'clock.

"There's Pippins and Cheese to come."

No. 1. Dunedin, Wednesday, December 13, 1848. Price, 6d.

The Otago News will be published every alternate Wednesday for the first six months; price, 6d each paper, or 6s for six months; payable in advance.

Printed and published every alternate Wednesday afternoon, at 6 o'clock, by H. B. Graham, Rattray street, Dunedin, Otago. New Zealand.

Such are the heading and imprint on our first newspaper, and the following extracts will be read with great interest. The leader, which appears on the second page, breathes the spirit of perfervid patriotism in plainest language, and had its principles been adhered to, haply, the News might to-day he alive and flourishing.

As the leader claims first importance, it is given here in full text.

"There's Pippins and Cheese to come."

It is a well-known fact, founded on past experience, that no new colony can become of any importance in the universal eye unless a public organ, like the press, whose iron tongued mouth may be heard—uttering its wants, its benefits, its abuses, its hopes and fears thousands of miles away, and stirring up the hearts of men to justice, and to act faithfully at home and abroad. This was one reason we had for establishing the Otago News. Many others might be named, but the most prominent besides was that we expected benefit ourselves from its production. Selfish it may appear to own it, but would it be believed if we stated otherwise—that we merely worked and toiled pro bona publico, looking for no reward ourselves? No; "but whilst we acknowledge this, let it be remembered we have the public good ever before our eyes, and that truth will appear in the present and future number of our paper.

Our columns will embrace every topic of interest connected with the colony, discussed and commented on with fairness and impartiality. So—totally disavowing All party spirit or narrow-minded bigotry— page 28 we are equally free to express ourselves, and to give our mite of encouragement when encouragement is due. Correspondence upon any and every subject of importance to the town and neighbourhood of Dunedin will be gladly accepted and admitted within our columns, but all letters of a personal character will be omitted, believing, as we do, that a newspaper is not a fitting vehicle for personal invective and satire, creating ill-will and animosity between parties who should live in concord and peace with each other.

Public measures are public property, but the spirit of Christianity and goodwill demand that in private action of all men should rest between themselves and their consciences. It is on this ground we take our stand, and we hope never to deviate from the plan we have thus marked out for our guidance. We have also great faith in the future progress of mankind, and we look upon the Press as the great instrument to be used in the moral regeneration of the world. Through its influence we hope for "a good time coming," when the labourer will be worthy of his hire, and the wealthy and great will go hand in hand with all that is good and noble—when the poor man, rich in intellect, will find his poverty no bar to his advancement in society, and the hidden treasures of many a mind will yield up its stores to the public good and receive a commensurate reward for the world it has benefited. To hasten the delightful period will be our pleasing duty, and we call upon every friend of humanity to join and help us, that we may root out all the bad prejudices and party feelings of the old world, and inculcate a nobler and better spirit among all classes of the community. The soil may prove unfruitful at first, and our endeavours meet with disappointment; but never despair; the world is opening a new page of history; old things are passing away, and however slow may be our progress at present; however humble our lot or lowly our fare; let us persevere, and we shall find a joyful realisation of the motto we have chosen, in the prosperity-mind and body—of those around us.

No preliminary puffs pervaded the advent of the News, nor did the editor consider particular attention should be drawn to the absolute need for such an organ to give vent to public opinion, the advantage conferred on the community, or his own peculiar fitness for the position as a leader and guide, nor his superior ability for elevating and educating the people in morals and manners. Quite a contrast to a modern performer who proclaims himself a model for all to copy, the absolute embodiment and presentment of the organisation of which he is the temporary head, a paragon in diction, and whose pontifical robes conceal many personal attractions.

From the actual dearth of events of importance the News was unable to give any local pars, sensational or otherwise, for some time. Then a few cropped up, of which notice will be taken in due season. Public and general announcements are the great support of all periodicals, constituting their life's blood, and so the editor opens the first column of his first page 29 page in his first number by showing a good example to the constituents he was wooing—by advertising.

The advertising mania began to develop itself on a small scale certainly. With the advent of the paper a few specimens culled at a venture from the earlier numbers of the News may bring to the memory some old folks or associations now lying dormant under the accumulated heaps of more stirring but as really passing events, by which the public mind is kept in constant agitation creating a thirst for more. These early ads had the recommendation, proudly stamped on their front, of modesty and honesty, not like the inflated and over-loaded puffs now so rampant, which oft times deceive the unwary and render more wary the cute. A few remarks are added.

The proprietor and publisher of the News opens the ball by announcing at the head of the first column of the three which cover each of the four pages of his paper, the page measuring in full length and breadth 14in x 10in, and called "post folio" size.

Advertisements inserted in the Otago News on the following terms:—Six lines and under, 2s for the first insertion; all above six lines, 4d per line per insertion; half price for every succeeding insertion.

All communications, advertisements, and orders to be addressed to H. B. Graham, at the Otago News Office, Dunedin.

Notice.—No orders for the Otago News attended to unless paid in advance. Advertisements for the first page should be sent in on or before the Friday previous to the day of publication. No advertisements inserted a second time unless particularly specified.

Printing.

Pamphlets, Tracts, Bill-heads, Cards. Custom House Forms, &c., printed with neatness, punctuality and despatch at the office of the Otago News. A considerable reduction made to Missionaries and religious societies.

A well-assorted stock of Stationery always on hand; also. Children's Primers and Picture Books, Religious and Fancy Prints, and Engravings, at different prices.

Just Published.

Graham's Otago Almanac for 1849, containing the time of high water, sun rise, sun set, sun's declination, equation of time, moon's age, feast, fast, and remarkable days, gardener's calendar, and various other useful and local information, and may be obtained at the Otago News Office, Rattray street, Dunedin. Prioe, One Shilling.

If a copy of this interesting relic is extant, it should be placed among the curiosities in the Early Settlers' Museum.

page 30

Business advertisements claim next place, and as to the ladies' precedence is always accorded, that wholesome course will be adopted here.

Straw Bonnets.

The undersigned has received a large and varied stock of Dunstable and Coloured Fancy Straw Bonnets, which she can offer to the public at moderate prices.

M. I. Graham. Next News Office.

N. B.—Straw Hats and Bonnets made, cleaned, and repaired.

The feminine fancy was even then properly in operation. Wonder how the shape and style in vogue would suit the taste of to-day. Perhaps some dear old Grannie may have laid one past as a keepsake, and would gratify by an exhibition of it.

P. Crow, Butcher,

Had always on hand a good supply of Meat and Tallow Candles, of first-rate quality, at 8d per lb.

Peter was prominent in racing and other sports. A real good fellow.

C. S. Partridge, Maclaggan street, informed the inhabitants he was a watchmaker in Rattray street, and his work, like himself, could always be relied on for correct time. Also working jeweller.

A. Anderson had on sale Drapery and Hardware Goods in great varieties; and, not forgetting creature comforts, offered Port and Sherry Wines at 5s per gallon, or 12s per dozen; fine India Ale. 11s 6d per dozen; and Real Scotch Whisky at 20s per gallon, in quantities of not less than two gallons, at his store, corner of Princes and Rattray streets. He also acted as commission agent, buying and selling properties; and, in conjunction with his partner. James Cullen, had for sale at Bellvue Dairy quiet milch cows, calved in the district, and was prepared to let for hire per diem a bullock team, with or without the dray; also a mule, with either pack or riding saddle.

Both these gentlemen had been resident in the district for years before the arrival of the first settlers in 1848.

John De La Condamine Carnegie took a prominent place at his stores in Princes street (almost opposite our Post Office), where he always kept, as a merchant and commission agent, a well-assorted stock of groceries, slop clothing, &c., of which he requested inspection. Also, of a small quantity of superior West of England Pilot Cloth, wool-dyed, which he offered at low figures; and a small consignment of powdered butter, which he offered for sale at 1s 8d per lb.

page 31

W. H. Hansford had, at his stores. Port Chalmers, an assortment of tinned meats and provisions, besides liquid and other solid household requirements.

Morgan Evans, also of Port Chalmers, besides the usual run of domestic articles, had also a large stock of ship chandlery; acted also as shipping agent, and as a specialty offered for sale Indian maize, well adapted for growing in the settlement.

H. Jeffries offered a reward of three guineas fur four horses which strayed from his place at Cavers ham.

Samuel Shaw announced himself as painter, glazier, and house decorator.

Sam figured largely for many years as a speaker at political meetings.

W. Underbill, house carpenter and joiner, was ready for contracts, and had, in conjunction with T. Bailey, a house and section for sale.

F. Shirley, boot and shoemaker, Princes street, returned his thanks to the gentry and public of Dunedin and vicinity for the liberal support received since starting.

A quantity of bricks, at £2 per thousand; also Vandykes, and brick pavement at a moderate price. Apply to Williamson & Co.; or, with orders, on the premises, to Ross and Mercer.

Samuel Gibbs, fancy bread and biscuit baker, Princes street, returned thanks for the support received, and announced brides' cakes, wedding, dinner, and tea parties and routs supplied.

To Let.

The Trustees for Religious and Educational Associations, have still to let several town allotments, both in Dunedin and Port Chalmers; also, a large number of suburban and rural allotments. Apply, Dunedin.

The exact name of the settlement and its correct spelling were definitely determined as follows:—

Notice is Hereby Given,

That the Court of Directors of the New Zealand Company, by a despatch dated 22nd June last, have determined that the appellation of the settlement is to be Otago, as originally advertised.

Wm. Cargill

, Resident Agent. Dunedin,
page 32

The necessity for this official announcement arose from I the fact that some contumacious individuals were wont to I spell and pronounce it "Otakou," a Maori word, having a meaning which the other had not, being either a corruption or invention, and Otakou being the name of the district at the Heads containing the Kaik, and which was not within the boundaries of the settlement, and the dual title might cause great confusion and lead to expensive proceedings. Otakou means: "Ota," green or uncooked, and "kou," good.

W. H. Cutten, storekeeper and agent, in addition to his trade, was the first to ascend the rostrum and wield the auctioneer's hammer, his mart being on the beach, near where the S.M. Courts are at present held. He was also prepared to contract for the landing of cattle and sheep of first-rate breeds, at moderate prices, acting on behalf of G. McClyment a well-known importer of live stock. Mr Cutten was also appointed Immigration Agent for the settlement, and the barracks placed under his exclusive charge and control.

Another aspirant not for fame but fortune, was James Brown, draper, corner of Princes and Stafford streets (opposite the Manse), where every article legitimate to the trade, from a button or a stay lace, on to a night-cap and bedding, culminating in silk dresses, mantles, and headgear, which only ladies can appreciate.

Like brither Scots, he kent what he was aboot; got appointed postmaster, which "brocht grist to his mill."

The only business not specially represented appears to have been ironmongery, which was mixed up with groceries and soft goods as an assortment.

The publicans—sinners though they are said to be—were, and always will be, conspicuous. They did not, as a rule, adopt the high phrase, "hotelkeeper," but were content with the minor one used by the Apostle Paul in his travels, as the "Inn, or Three Taverns," where he was hospitably received and entertained—not prohibited. The Royal Hotel, Princes street, was run by Alexander M'Donald, familiarly known as "Surely, Surely"; and the Commereral Inn, High street, by S. G. Watson, unfortunately drowned in the Harbour, with others, in a boat accident. "Doon the watter," Alexander M'Kay kept the Port Chalmers Inn, and the Thistle Inn was kept by James Anderson.

Leaving commercial interests and taking a social view we find announced an

page 33

Oddfellows' Dinner.

A public dinner of the Hand and Heart Lodge of the Independent Order of Oddfellows, Manchester Unity, will be held in the Commercial Inn, High street, Dunedin, on Monday, 22nd January, 1849.

Tickets, 5s each, may be obtained on application of the the following stewards:—Dr Manning, Messrs Gibb, Webb, and Shirley, Dunedin.

Dinner on the table at 5 o'clock precisely.

Notice.

The friends of the Established Church of England are hereby informed that public service commences at the Gaol, every Sunday morning, at 11 o'clock.

A very good practical use, there being no prisoners.

A patent mangle was offered to be let on lease at Port Chalmers. Chinamen were not then abounding.

T. S. Watson was induced by friends to offer for lease his large hall at the Commercial, for concerts, balls, &c., on Monday evenings, under the name, "Soiree Musicale,"

Preaching, prayer and praise meetings were not advertised in specials. Contentment was found by the simple announcement, "That on Friday next the anniversary of the arrival of the first settlers in Otago, a thanksgiving meeting would be held in the church, conducted by the Rev. Thomas Burns." He was a man of modest mein, of sincere piety, not given to the attudinising and linguistic display now manifested in the pulpit never occupied by him.

The bench of magistrates, pricked to the heart by the driving of cattle through the town on Sundays, thus disturbing its placitude, issued an imperative edict against the practice, and imposing a penalty. Yet not a single protest was made by the most rabid voluntary against such interference. The Bench had also, like Burns's "timorous mousie, a panic in their breastie," on hearing the report that half a dozen sailors from a Yankee whaler were bent on invading the town, and in their mad frolic somewhat altering its appearance; summoned all the male inhabitants fit to bear arms (of which there were none), to assemble and be sworn in as special constables to maintain the peace. In response a complete rally ensued, numbering about two score, placing themselves under the yoke, but their services were not needed. page 34 The sailors landed, jovially enjoyed themselves, and departed in perfect amity. The magistrates, as in duty bound, issued a long address, thanking the males for the alacrity and intrepidity displayed in coming forward in such an emergency.

Dunedin Academy.

Mr Blackie continues to teach the branches of a substantial and comprehensive education in the above Academy. He also proposes opening a class for young ladies on Monday, the 26th inst., at 3 o'clock in the afternoon. Branches: Elocution, Grammar, Etymology, History, Geography, Arithmetic, Book-keeping, Writing, Latin, Greek, etc.

Some of the sporting element was also in existence, for we find

A Challenge.

The cricket players of Dunedin hereby challenge the cricket players of Wellington to a trial of skill at any place, at equal distance between the port of Otago and Port Nicholson. Due notice of the challenge to appear in the Wellington Independent, or by letter addressed to Mr Watson, Commercial Hotel, Dunedin.

History is silent as to whether the challenge was or was not accepted. The impression is Wellington funked.

Subscription lists were opened for the establishment of Anniversary sports and met with pretty general support, D. Gamick, Esq., being treasurer, and Mr H. B. Graham, secretary; and all members of committee were ready to receive additions, and public meetings in connection therewith held.

Anniversary Ball.

Just arrived and ready for inspection. A. Mercer respectfully invites the attention of the ladies of Dunedin and vicinity to his new stock of Ball Dresses and Silk and Coloured Gloves, and Drapery Goods.

Not to be lacking in enterprise the crew of the whale boat Zohrab, for a prize of ten guineas, called on any other whale boat crew to pull a race with them on the Koputai water for four miles, and the Port Chalmers Regatta was announced, with Firman Victor Martin, secretary. Who among his old cronies does not remember F. V. M., better appreciated than F. M. of present notoriety.

page 35
A careful and minute meteorological table kept by Mr Burns at the Manse, was published regularly in each issue. Postage rates are given as to all parts of New Zealand:—
s. d.
Ship's letters, weighing ¼ ounce and under 0 4
Ship's letters, weighing ½ ounce and under 0 8
Ship's letters, weighing 1 ounce and under 1 4
Letters to any part of New Zealand need not be prepaid.
Newspapers sent free to Great Britain and the Colonies.

The rates of wages given are, per day—mechanics, 5s to 7s; labourers, 3s to 4s.

The prices of the principal articles of provisions are quoted ruling in 1848:—
  • Beef: Fresh, per lb 7d to 8d; bread, 41b loaf, 10d.
  • Butter: Per lb (fresh) 2s; salt, 1s 6d to 1s 8d.
  • Cheese: Port Cooper, 1s 6d to 1s 8d per lb.
  • Coffee: Roasted, 1s 4d to 1s 6d per lb; eggs, 1s 6d to 2s per dozen.
  • Flour: Per 1001b, 16s to 18s; pork, 6d per lb.
  • Ham and bacon, 6d to 8d; potatoes (per ton), £4 10s to £6 10s.
  • Sugar: Loaf, 7½d to 8½d per lb; raw, 4d to 6d per lb.
  • Tea, per lb, 2s to 2s 6d.
  • Firewood (per cord), 10s to 16s; iron, per lb, l½d to 4½d.
  • Milk (per quart), 4d; mutton, per lb, 7d to 8d.

Live Stock.

  • Fowls, 4s per pair; ducks, 4s; ducks (wild), 3s.
  • Geese, 14s; cows (milch), each £14 14s to £18 18s.
  • Mares, each £20 to £30; sheep (wethers), 20s to 28s.
  • Bullocks, per pair, working, £20 to £35.
It will be amusing to contrast the narrow and simple range of import duties in force then with the elaborate system obtaining now:—

British and Foreign spirits, 5s per gallon; tobacco (manufactured), 1s per lb; tobacco (unmanufactured), 9d per lb; cigars and snuff, 2s per lb; wine, 20 per cent.; malt liquor, 10 per cent.; munitions of war, 30 per cent; British goods and products, 10 per cent.; Foreign goods and products, 12½ per cent.; glass bottles (full), special bulbs and plants, live animals, printed books, duty free.

The number of the Maoris in the settlement was not large, the majority of them intellectual and in a state of semi-civilisation. They are extremely useful in assisting the settlers in building mud houses, fencing, and bringing in firewood. The greater number live on the reserve near the Heads, and cultivate potatoes for the supply of the page 36 town. Perfect concord exists, which, it is hoped, will always be the case. The principal chiefs are Taiaroa and Jackey White. On holidays some of the females deck themselves with gaudy pattern dresses, straw bonnets, and veils. Many of the men appear in blue shirts, blouses, frock coats, cloth caps, and trousers.

The editor for a time exercised great discretion in the insertion of letters. Many were rejected; some correspondents were refused because their communications were full of personalities; another because rhyme, rhythm, and sense were awanting in his lines, entitled "Fall of Dunedin." To. K. R. Folly: What benefit would accrue from it? To a Citizen: This effusion of misplaced zeal has already ornamented the walls of the Survey Office, and would be stale to our readers. Had equal tact been shown in regard to many others a different sequel would have been recorded. But Jove appears to have determined the fates otherwise. A considerable amount of inconsistency is manifested between the opening announcement of the News and its subsequent conduct. Attempts were made mostly to explain what was unexplainable. Particularly was this so in regard to the climate, soil, and its capabilities. A grievous error had been committed in publishing letters and comments thereon, which should at once have been apologised for, and regretted; warnings and threatenings were alike unheeded. Other letters and articles, offensive to men and to matters, appeared. The Devil had not been exorcised. The paper was hastening to its doom.

As an instance the following notice appeared in the News at the date therein specified:—

Died:
At Otago on Thursday, May 31, 1849,
Class Settlement,
The beloved bantling of Pilgrim Father and Pilgrim Mother;
Aged 14 months.

His parents, with true parental fondness, are about to erect a monumental tombstone to his memory on Cemetery Hill, with the following "touching" inscription:—

"We sorrow as those who have no hope."
This tablet
Is erected by his bereaved parents,
Pilgrim Father and Pilgrim Mother.
To the memory of
Their dearest and first-born child,
Class Settlement,
Who departed this life after a lingering illness at Otago;
Aged one year and two months.

page 37

He was but a ricketty and unhealthy child, inheriting the
Constitutional defects of his mother.
The fond hopes of his parents are blasted, and the early promise he gave
of becoming the father of a
Great and mighty nation,
Withered in the bud.—Such is Life.

Now this was sarcastic enough, but at the same time betrayed a feature which it was anxiously desired should be veiled and hid; every effort made to repudiate and deny.

The cry of the News had always been: "We are of no party, allied to no clique; free and independent in all our sayings and doings." Yet here was proof positive of the very opposite. Rejoicing over the defeat and fall of an opponent that never existed—only a thing of their own creation, this small party in the State—partisans of the most pronounced type, known as the Little Enemy—in the sepulchral terms quoted, attempted to celebrate a triumph which they had rot achieved, as no change whatever was made in the "Terms of Settlement" or their administration. A community all of one mind would soon become like "the muddy incrustations of the stagnant pool," its surface covered with slime, its waters foetid and poisonous. Party spirit is essential for healthy existence. The waters must be disturbed to keep them sweet and fresh. The more lively and vigorous the parties are the better for the body politic. The same exists in the social system, where public dinners, oyster suppers, select balls, concerts, amusements, and sports are essential to preserve vital energy; and such was the experience in the early days of Otago, although many shook their heads and frowned on them.

These remarks are not made in a vengeful spirit, but honestly. To read the News dispassionately one cannot but admire the pluck and vigour of the style, and at the same time realise the genial spirit of its editor, and wish that it was otherwise to have been. Mr Graham was not of a robust disposition in body, and felt sure himself he was not long for this world, and no doubt the anxieties and worries connected with his paper, and the dire prospect before him, affected him considerably. To use the language of his favourite author Shakespeare, "he shuffled off his mortal coil" on February 28, 1851, only two months after the demise of his paper, and was buried on Cemetery Hill, which he frequently visited and so pathetically described. Once a familiar face and figure in Dunedin, his name is remembered now but by a few, and is inscribed on the obelisk in the first cemetery.

"So mote it be."