MOUNT IDA.

Dunstan Times, Issue 287, 25 October 1867, Page 3

MOUNT IDA.

(from a correspondent.) HOGBURN, OCT. 21. During tlie last couple of weeks we Ilia vo had very changeable weather—Alternately rain and sunshine, hail and sweet spring breezes—the result of which, however, has had a very beneficial effect, both on crops and on mining prospects. Business, which during so long a time has looked dull and gloomy, begins already to brighten. Water is plentiful, if not over-abundant, and there is a cheerfulness among the bona-fide mining population which augurs well for the next' few months at least. The storekeepers, who, almost with- , out exception, have during many a weary month cast longing—l had almost said praying—looks towards the 1 snowy ranges on the one side, and the veiled unpromising sun on the other, , are once more smiling and accommo«lating, and there is quite a briskness hMkhe market, certainly yet very 1 much “in expectando," but neverthe- 1 loss infusing into business matters i solidity and health. The “ travellers,” those busy bees from town, who are buzzing about when any honey is to be sucked out of the ripening flowers, 1 have made quite a harvest here lately, in consequence of the cheering pros- 1 jiects, and, though they have as yet 1 only the nominal profits of orders,” 1 there is small doubts but that every one of the paper slips which have been (or shortly will be) crossed by a name 1 will, on the 4th of—what shall I say ! January or February, be duly honored. It is supposed that a general washing-up in the larger claims ; will not take place within the next three or four months. A subject has been started lately ■ which is deserving more than passing ■ notice, and which 1, and many with me, would desire to see well supported. It is nothing less than a petition to the ’ Provincial Government for a commonage. It is certainly unfair that hardworking men should pay an exorbitant rent for a few acres on which their cows graze, while the rich squatters ■are able to take up hundreds of thousands for a mere nominal fee. If we had a municipality here, the town would not only have the disposal of all commonage and reserve, but, in -addition, receive two hundred per ■cent, on all rates levied, and I think those gentlemen who at present are] actively engaged in bringing about so | desirable an end are worthy of the j -earnest thanks of the community, whether they succeed or not. We have lately had another attempt made to infuse life into our Cricket Club, and, I am glad to say, not without considerable support both from ins j ■and outs. However, it is clear that as yet the true sjirit lies dormant, for the feeble attempts .made during the 1 last few days are hardly entitled to be ■ ■culled "plays.” But then you must [ remember that several months’ idle- j ness (I allude of course only to cricket) , give people stiff joints, which doubtless | will be still more so the day after two •or throe hours’ practice. I fur schoolmaster has just taken . possession of his new dwelling—a very j pretty little cottage, erected entirely | at the cost of the townspeople, with- ■ ■out any aid from Government. The ; •successful execution of this scheme maybe attributed principally to Messrs hi. T. George, Horswell, and Collett. Mr. Cortitz Cronquist has delivered lectures on phrenology and physiognomy in the Victoria Hall to good audiencer, which, however, have been far surpassed by bis private consultations, and he has generally miff with laudable success. Mr. Cronquist treats much upon a subject of the deepest importance, namely the education (particularly home education) of children, and as I understand lie will shortly visit your district I recommend his discourses to both old and young, more especially mater-familias. Let me add that those who have the pluck to place themselves on the platform under Mr. Cronquist’s hands have little or no ■concealment to expect if their “bumps” ■are bad, while I believe he gives full justice to any virtue. (from another correspondent.) At a large and influential meeting of the Homan Catholics of tire Mount Ida district held in the Roman Catholic Church, on the 17th inst., for the purpose of adopting measures to secure the services of a Roman ‘Catholic Bishop and British Priests for the Middle Island of New Zealand. The meeting was most ably presided over by Mr. M. Brooks. The following resolutions were unanimously agreed to : Proposed by Mr. Andrew Costello and I seconded by Mr. Kelly, That the religions wants of the Roman Catholics of this district require the presence of a Roman Catholic clergyman among ns; that we view with delight the steps taken by our brethren in Dunedin to secure the services of a British Roman Catholic Bishoj, Priests, and hereby pledge ourselves to co-operate with them to the fullest extent in the furtherance of so laudable ami necessary a Proposed by Mr. J. O’Locblcnand seconded by Mr. J. Cogan, That while fully appreciating the zeal and piety of the clergymen now residing among ns, we cannot conceal from ourselves the fact that, should the present state of things ho allowed to continue longer, the Roman Catholic religion in this district must suffer through the inability of the present clergymen to visit us as often as required, ami their imperfect knowledge of our language. Proposed by Mr. O’Halloran, seconded by Mr. Dechan, That a copy of the foregoing resolutions be forwarded to the Chairman of the Dunedin Committee to he sent to the Very Reverend R. D. Viard, Roman Catholic Bishop of New Zealand. Proposed by Mr. J. Bradley, seconded by Mr. Thomas Gale, That, if necessary, the Committee he empowered to collect subscriptions to assist in defraying any expenaes incurred in carrying out .the object in view.