THE MAYORALTY.

Cromwell Argus, Volume I, Issue 34, 6 July 1870, Page 5

THE MAYORALTY.

To the Editor qf the Cromwfxl Auotra, Siu,—The time is fast approaching when tho ratepayers will be called upon to choose one from amongst them to represent their interests in the Counoil as Mayor. It cannot be disputed that the past differences, jealousies, and party-feeling shoiild bo thrown aside, and that our great object should be to place at tho head of affairs an upright, honest, and -well-meaning man, who will do hia best to benefit, the town and district without fear or favor. I think all will admit that that character has been clearly shown by, Mr G. W. Goodgor; and as he has had but little time allowed him to carry out any measures that he might havo suggested to tho Council as likely to benefit the inhabitants, he ought, in common fairness, have the chance, and be returned for tho ensuing year, for the fact of some improvement in tho way of making the footpaths passable and a-promise from the Provincial Government—that the roads are to be put in thorough repair from here to Clyde and Queenstown Wanaka &e and a Bridge to be thrown across the River CTutha at Rocky Point, through hia and tho councillors perseverance in urging on the Govmt to do it. and likewise his great desire to cause an ample supply of water to be at hand so that at a short notice it could be thrown in great volumes on any fire might unfortunately occur shows that his idias and Intention are rightly directed and as I learn he is a great ad* vocate for having a large Extent of country layed off for a commonage ( who with honest thoughts could doubt, seeing that he has I believe os many cattle as any Gentleman who got up the little Ruse” in the shape of a public meeting to try and injure him in the opinion of the electors of course it has been seen through and condemned I a plain blunt man must say he ought to bo elected Youis obediently OBSERVES Cromwell June 27th 1870 [The foregoing letter is an exact copy of "Observer’s ” MS : if it is not very intelligible in some parts, we cannot help it. Had it been written on a less important subject than the election of a Mayor, wo should have declined to insert such a " foggy ” composition.— Ed.] (To the Editor of the Cromwell Aeoos.) Sbh,—On the.2lst of this month, the citizen* of Cromwell will be called upon to confer the highest honor they have it in their power to bestow—namely, to make one of their number Mayor for the ensuing twelve months. There are two candidates for theoffice—Mr W. Smitham and Mr G. W. Goodgor,—and I would strongly urge my follow ratepayers to weigh well the recommendations each party has to qualify him for that important position. It ia desirable that we should elect one who will bo capable of taking tho initiative In every movement which may have a tendency to benefit the Cromwell district, at the same time paying due courtesy to the Councillors by seeking their advice on ail matters affecting our welfare as citizens. Ho should ba able to direct tho deliberations of the Council and endeavor, by example, to create a harmonious working among them, so that the Corporation may become the recognised public body of the district and as such command the respect of every member of our community, who will then have some assurance that their grievances will have proper attention. Such a one I think the sensible por tion of the inhabitants will agree with me is not to bo found in Mr Goodger, and wo can say (in the language of Arteruus Ward) that “Playing Mayor ia not his forte.” I would therefore strongly recommend tho ratepayers not to record their votes for Mr Goodger. Mr Smitham has filled the office of Councillor for two years, and is therefore acquainted with the Municipal workings, and haring so served his apprenticeship, he is well fitted for the honorable position of Mayor. Ho has always been one of the foremost in supporting every movement having for its object the furthering of tho interests of the Cromwell district, and I think ha ia therefore deserving of our esteem. I trust we will, as ratepayers, acknowledge his past services by placing him at the head of the poll on tho day of election.—l am, &c., Citizen.

A little boj, about the size of Commodore Nutt, but not so wall made, with a large head, small, deeply-set, rod-ringed eyes, small flat nose, protruding jaw, and vicious expression of countenance, who was much'given to smoking and chewing, and “ drank like a man,” was presented to the magistrates at the Melbourne (Jity Court recently. He was acoompained by a girl about twice his size, of an engaging oast of features, with bright black eyes, dark, hair, and a well-bred demeanour, who seemed very fond of the ugly little boy. The lad’s growth was stunted, and he was 14 years old, while the girl, though only seven years old, was about twice his size. A benevolent half-caste negro had found them wandering about the streets without any protection, their mother being in the hospital and their father being dead. The boy, however stated that his father was not dead, but working at Mr Glascock’s yard, though his half-sister’s father had died some time ago. It was stated that the boy had run away from the Industrial School, but this he denied, and from Mr Sam. Waldock, who had probably wished to make a jockey of him. The little dwarf could ride the wildest and most unmanageable horse, probably because, like the flies, ho was too light to be shaken off, and he would doubtless make an invaluable jockey if ho could be depended upon as not open bribery. While in court he maintained a stolid demeanour, but when a pencilcase made in imitation of gold was handed across the court his little ferret eyes brightened up, and furtively followed the shining article from place to place. He was so wild that he would stay in no place, and preferred baling about Little Bonrke-street, living on garbage, tobacco, and drink, to the best regular faro. The girl was lively and intelligent, and appeared of an affectionate disposition—a good specimen for a philanthropic person ta adopt and bring up at homo. The Bench having no alternative, sent the boy to the Industrial School for four years, and the girl for seven years, and the two loft court, the girl crying bitterly at having to leave the negro, who had boon kind to them, and at the prospect of not seeing her mother again, while the Imy merely blinked his red eyes from under his rbnormally developed forehead, and told tho giij that she noedint be a fool, aa next day was Sa>rday, and after that eamo Sunday, when sWw.vq.M \. r m taken £o ibe her mdt^dr.'— -Awrit. 1