The new Court House, too, had been built alongside the gaol, and almost every other condition was opposed to the scheme.
In the month of October, 1859, a very strong gale of northwest wind sprang up, and unfortunately some fires had been burning in the bush on the road up to Woodhaugh, by which the grand old forest trees were set ablaze, destroying all the magnificent timber, going along the course of the Leith till shore was reached. None of the houses were burned, but many narrow escapes were made.
The allusion may be pardoned, but to those who belong to the "Old Identity" period, the statement will perhaps be received with some astonishment, that of all the firms who were in business in Dunedin before the Golden Era, only two now remain under the same name, marking the time that has gone past, and these are William Couston (Rattray-street), and William Wright (Gt. King-street).
The valuation and revenue of the town are not at present available, but a few other statistics by way of example may be excusable. On 31st December, 1860, the population was: males, 1230; females, 1032; total 2262. The births during the year were 290, marriages 74, deaths 51. On 16th December, 1861, the census showed: males, 3630; females, 2326; total 5956. In this number were embraced 106 officers and men of the 70th Regiment.
| Imports. | Exports. | Customs Revenue. | |
| 1859. | £243,871 | £87,720 | £18,742 |
| 1860. | £325,162 | £80,268 | £31,769 |
| 1861. | £859,733 | £844,149 | £93,199 |
The exports for 1861 include gold.
The opinion, almost amounting to conviction, had been entertained from the earliest years that Otago would become celebrated as a great gold-producing country. This feeling received confirmation and strengthening as time rolled on. Sometimes the rumours and reports were practical jokes, at others a substantial basis was shown for the statement. A "lump" was first reported to have been found in the North East Valley creek, and all Dunedin went thither to find themselves only befooled. Then more officially gold was reported, as found in quartz, at Goodwood. The surveyors were finding traces at the Mataura, the
