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Cromwell Argus, Volume IV, Issue 163, 24 December 1872, Page 5

Cin;lsTmas Eve.—The time-hononml i custom at this season is for everybody to congratulate everybody—to wish that everybody may enjoy to the full the festive season, and that of it they may have many a happy recurrence. We beg to wish our readers the compliments of the season,—may they have “ A Merry j Christmas and a Happy Mew Year”; may the j miners’ Christmas “cakes” he big ones, and j may the pleasures in which all indulge leave no pains behind. The establishment of a second Bank in Cromwell has brought about a further increase of sixpence per ounce in the price of gold. The | present value of alluvial is therefore £3 Ids. per [ ounce.

We regret to learu that Mr Neil Osterby, the well-known painter and decorator, died in the Dunstan Hospital yesterday morning. He bad been for some suffering from acute rheumatism, and to that complaint his death is attributed. Mr Osterby was one of the oldest residents of this neighbourhood, having been one of the first prospectors of Adam’s Gully many years ago. The deceased was very generally respected, xml his unexpected demise will be regretted by many old acquaintances. Between 400 ami 500 Maoris are to bo employed as navvies on the southern portion of the Waikato railway. Wo have been asked to direct attention to the advertised auction sale of agricultural laud situate at the foot of Lake Hawea. The sol! is .->■ ii I to be very good, and there, are onusual facilities for irrigation. The sale is to take place on Thursday next, at noon.

The Dnllij Times of Dec. 14 says:— The very unusual fact of a district getting more from the Education Hoard that it asked for, occurred at yesterday’s meeting of that body, when an application was made for two acres of land for school purposes at Bannockburn, and after an explanation from Mr Hifdop the Board resolved to grant five acres. In accordance with Ids usual annual custom, Mr John i’erriam has announced his intention of organising a day’s sport, and an evening’s entertainment, at the Lowborn on Wednesday, the Ist oi January. Handbills, coutaining full particulars, arc to be issued in a day or two.

A printed circular addressed to the shareholders of the .Sub-marine (told Mining Company states that, the shares have been allotted, amt that a contract has been entered into lor the construction and delivery of a sub-marine boat, will all necessary machinery and equipments. The provisional directors anticipate being enabled to commence gold-mining operations within a couple of months—that is. about the beginning of February next. There seems little reason to doubt that the results will prove successful.

The second day of the Mount Ida Races proved more favourable as regarded weather than the liist, and the course was iu excellent order. The Hurdle Race of 40 so vs. was won by Nigger, easily,—Maid of the Mill and Pilgrim baulking in both beats. In the Mount Ida Handicap of SO sovs,, Burgundy, carrying Sst, 2’b., beat Miss King, Hatred, Gamecock, and Kate Kearney. Bounce won the Hack Selling Race of 20 sovs., and was afterwards sold to Mr Patterson, of Camara, for £23, bringing .CIS to the Club funds. Hatred, Dragon, Lyndon, and Gamecock contested the Free Handicap of 40 sovs., —distance one mile and a quarter. J.yudou, with ost. 1 2ibs., won, beating Gamecock with fist. 121b., and Hatred with Sst. 12lbs. The Consolation (25 sovs.) concluded the meeting, and was won easily by Wi]!boy.—The Chronicle mentions the sale of Lyndon to Mr Patterson for £BO, and of Backbiter to Mr Prince for £25.

The Arrow Observer of the 20lli inst. chronicles the two following accidents, —one of them fatal, —which serve to give some idea of the rough and dangerous nature of many of the tracks m that district: —“On Wednesday evening or Thursday morning a most serious accident ueiel a woman named Martha .Squires, wife of a miner living up the Arrow River. Mrs Squires was noticed on Wednesday afternoon on her way homeward, and nothing was seen of her till next morning, when her cries attracted the attention of some miners, who on proceeding to the spot discovered the unfortunate woman lying on the river beach dreadfully bruised and with one leg broken. From the place and position in which she was found, it is evident that Mrs Squires had a most miraculous escape from death, as she must have descended some hundreds of feet, and that over a rocky, precipitous face. She was brought down the river and taken to the Hospital.—Last night about seven o’clock an accident occurred near Gibbstmvu, Kawarau, whereby a Mrs Harvey, wife of Hugh Harvey, miner, lost her life. From what we could glean, it seems deceased along with two other women had sately crossed the Kawarau in a ‘ chair,’ and proceeded up the tortuous ami precipitous path towards Harry Look's place. On looking round one of deceased's companions missed her from the track, and saw only a small cloud of dust where the unfortunate woman had tumbled over into the rapid river far below. Mrs Harvey’s hat was found ou the edge of the river, but no trace of the body has yet been discovered.”