BT BATHANS.

Cromwell Argus, Volume 1, Issue 43, 7 September 1870, Page 6

BT BATHANS.

—o—{From our own Correspondent.) 'August 31. 1 do not suppose that many of your readers take an interest iu the subjects of wind, weather, and e’imate that prevail in different parts of the colony. Yet for all this lam of opinion that the information is useful: not only because a few may be glad to know, or because a correspondent who keeps a register may (by inference) be trusted as a truthful reporter and close observer in all matters of local interest; but also because (a reason of itself sufficient) in years to come the register may prove a valuable reference to those who believe in periodical returns of storms, floods, open and severe seasons, &c. &c.—lst to 3rd, tine mornings and gloomy evenings ; 4th to Oth, snowing and cold ; 7th, raining ; Bth, rain —frost; Oth to 17th, glorious weather; 18th, rain ; 19th to 22nd, gloomy—occasional rain—latterly, hard frosts ; 24th to 2Gth, heavy fall of snow; 27th, fine—hard frost; 28th and 59th, snowing—raining—bleak and cold ; 30th, clear sky, but very hard frost; 31st, very tine windy. I need scarcely mention that mining operations have been very much impeded this mouth by frosts ; and this should be remembered by those who watch the escort reports, and who are guided in their opinion of the different districts by the same. I have heard it remarked that the storekeepers and business people generally have during this mouth complained of the scarcity of change. The real seeret is disclosed : they have been afraid of burning their fingers with stolen notes. What a universal sigh of relief the disclosure of Rennie has caused ! We are all very sorry to learn that the Inspector is in trouble, for he appears to be a general favourite. Tom says that he was also universally liked on the diggings in Victoria, and desires me to tell you that if the Inspector is called on to pay up losses, he (Tom) will sign a subscription list to make up a fund to the rescue, and he is confident that an appeal will be responded to with spirit. Dr Carr, the magnetiser and phrenologist, visited us on the 22nd, and succeeded admirably in both characters. He secured the services of six or seven volunteers from his audience, first to have their heads manipulated, and subsequently to be entranced. Their characters were certainly for the most part accurately delineated, but exception was (very justly) taken to the coarse witticisms of the lecturer. In the science of phrenology I quite believe, and consider it most useful to enable parents and teachers to rightly direct children on the one hand, and check vice on the other. In regard to mesmerism, if it is more harmless than chloroform to the systeiq, and the power of applying and removing its influence can be safely acquired by students in the science, prejudice would soon be removed, for often surgical operations have to be performed at a time when chloroform cannot bo obtained ; and if mesmerism is independent of chloroform, or ether (query), and the power of application open to be learnt by ordinary intelligent men (and, to prevent its abuse, only upon willing subjects) “what a boon to mankind will be conferred !” Pardon my digression. What a loss to the scientific world lias been caused by the death of Sir James Simpson, the discoverer of chloroform. I should have much like 1 to have heard a lecture on mesmerism by him. His views would have increased or shaken one’s belief according to their tendency. He was so practical and painstaking in all he uutertook. His sister in Otago will be gratified, while mourning his death, to see how highly lie was appreciated and esteemed iu the colonies, as well as in Great Britain. We are very pleased to hoar of Mr Pyle’s success witli his exhibition in the up-country towns for it will be a means of an augmentation to the Hospital funds, and the reward of gratification to himself for all his trouble. I am glad to be able to inform you that there have been no accidents this month. We are all enjoying usual good health, making fair wages, “iu spite of frosts, and occasional idle days.” The sludge channel is serving its purpose admirably, and the ground, as the stripping becomes deeper, is maintaining its gold-bearing reputation, and thus increasing our confidence in the permanency of St. Bathans as a gold-fields town. Tom is so desirous of recording a dream of his (poor fellow, he seems to have been cut out for a different sphere to this hard digging life), and publishing a few hints, that 1 must leave my review of the past history of St. Bathans from its infancy for another letter. tom’s hint to thk government. Engage Dr Carr to manipulate the heads of the children in the Industrial School. Direct the Governor of that institution to keep the charts and a record book, and, guided by the descriptions given of their craniums, encourage the development of those qualities moat prominent. By this means, they may become (if phrenology can be relied on) masters instead of Jacks-of-all trades, and useful and trustworthy members of society. By active employment in au occupation for which they have a gift, so to speak, they will be better able to banish into oblivion scenes of youth over which they might otherwise brood, branding themselves unnecessarily, while society is willing to spread the veil and receive them as equals. tom’s hint to the editor of the Otago Daily Times and Witness. Why do you always date the Witness Saturday, when you publish it on Thursday night ? Are we to delude ourselves into the belief that we are getting Friday's news ? Is it meant as a lut at the intelligence of your subscribers '! 1f a joke is intended, it may be termed must decimally poking luu rtith a crowbar.