DUNSTAN.

Cromwell Argus, Volume V, Issue 218, 13 January 1874, Page 6

DUNSTAN.

I +— - [FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.] January 12, 1874 It is almost too late now to make mention of our Caledonian sports, held on the 31st ultimo, except to say that they were a great success. The different events were well contested, and "the prizes were worth the winning. I would also congratulate the Committee on the successful manner they carried out the arrangements. By their skilful management, and the aid of a liberal public, they have been able to place to the credit of the Caledonian Society for further use the handsome sum of £lO 15s. 6d. The secretary, Mr A. Moore, deserves to be specially mentioned for his indefatigable exertions to make all a success. The course he had carefully measured, and the distances of each post from starting point he had carefully noted. No waiting for settling-up day with him ; as soon as the prize was won th'e cheque for the amount was duly tendered. On Wednesday last, a public picnic was held in the Wai Keri Keri Valley. The attendance, considering the fineness of the weather, and the locality being no great distance from the town, was not so large'as might have been expected. Those, however, who were there evidently had gone with the intention of thoroughly enjoying themselves, for a more pleasant afternoon it has seldom been my lot to witness. During the intervals which were not occupied in discussing champagne, the wine, the cakes, and all the other things liberally provided, sports, mostly in the shape of foot-races, were resorted to ; some of which were of a novel cast, but all tended to make mirth and laughter. Small subscriptions were collected to make prizes for different events. While the vehicles were preparing for the homeward route, a small balance being left in the hands of the Mayor, who was treasurer for tlie day, a lady challenged to run him a fifty yards race for the amount. The Mayor could not resist the lady's challenge, but came only off second best in the struggle, and so had to hand over the stakes. A short speech followed, in which the Mayor complimented all for the hearty manner in which they had enjoyed themselves, and hoped to see more of such social gatherings. Slight whisperings were heard that this was only the common people's fete ; that they had failed to attract the aristocratic body of the place. The Mayor answered they were not all missing, for he thought he himself had a right to be ranked among the upper ten. The election of the surgeon for the Hospital having resulted, as everyone is aware, in a tie, a fresh election on a future day is notified. This result, seeing that they were both local men, were it not for the annoyance of a fresh election, is so far satisfactory ; it will shew the applicants that they are pretty well balanced in public opinion. And I venture to predict that ultimately it will be no great victory. That there should be an election at all under the circumstances now seems a great mistake, and very few will dispute that, but for the part Dr Stirling has taken throughout the piece, all opposition Mould be futile; and even the last public announcement from his pen does not appear to advantage, but leaves the subscribers with the dread of a like occurrence staring them in the face. Still, the fact that otherwise he has given almost universal satisfaction is not to be overlooked. But leaving the subject of the most fit candidate as being too difficult for me to deal with, I would just say a word on the mode of election. It cannot be for one momentsnpposfd that those forty-two subscribers who voted on Saturday can represent the majority of the subscribers of such a large district as the Dunstan Hospital embraces ; and to give an equal right to all, it is evident that the Ordinance requires to be amended, either to give a number of polling places for the different centres of population, or to authorise voting by proxy. The last-named system would be the most simple and least expensive, and 1 can see no good grounds against it; M'hile those in favour, I have not the least doubt, will be pointed out by our honourable member when the next Council meets.

The appearance of the Southern Mercury has aroused some of the slumbering talent in our midst. With the programme of the Dunstan races heading all advertisements, and full play given to the enlarged imagination and the descriptive powers of its Clyde correspondent, the district is not likely to suffer by being unrepresented in the Mercury. Surely, though, the scene of the District Judge in the Cromwell street was slightly overdone, seeing that there is ,a capacious Court only a little way off the road, and the coach might leave him there as well as in the street. The early visit of the Governor is the only matter of attraction. I have not heard what kind of a reception he is to receive. No doubt preparations are on foot. I suppose we need not expect the Hon. Julius to accompany him ; the last leader of the Dimstan Times will frighten him from taking a step in this direction.