CROMWELL.

Dunstan Times, Issue 337, 9 October 1868, Page 3

CROMWELL.

(from our own correspondent.) October sth 1868. In every profession in life, a certain amount of hypocrisy and deceit is necessary, indeed, did we not cultivate these—virtues I was going to say (let it stand) wo would at once retrograde to the condition of primeval savages, who undecked by the courtesies and amenities of civilized life, blurt out their opinions and thoughts as they impulsively rise to their minds, careless alike of consequences to themselves and the feelings of others, but in no profession, I am constrained to say, are these virtues carried to such an excess as in that of an Auctioneer's, at least so I. felt while making one of the group who were in attendance at a sale of the remaining portion of Mr. W. J. Barry's property on Saturday last. Here, lawls Mr Knockitdown, is a hoss, gentlemen, staunch in wind and limb, fit for heavy or light draught, and a showy gentleman's hack, goes ten miles without turning a air, just look at him : —Billy, (addressing the boy on the animal's back) give him a turn or two to show his mettle. Billy at once draws his cap more firmly on his head, clenches his teeth, and instinctively beats the Devil's tattoo with his heels against the horse's flanks, while at the same time, with a spasmodic jerk he rattles the bit in the animal's mouth, and away with a convulsive bound goes the unfortunate horse, showing in his vain desire to escape from pain, that action and vigor which once was his, but now alas, long since perished with his youth. The sale was not what might be termed a decided success, nevertheless though rather poorly attended, attributable possibly to the severity of the weather that day, a good deal of the property was disposed of, consisting mainly of horses, a few head of cattle, Buggy and cart and miscellaneous articles used in butchery establishments. Arpropos of Mr. Barry, it is much to be regretted that this gentleman is leaving the District, for though not faultless—" yet who shall be the first to cast the stone " —he was ever foremost for the welfare and advancement of Cromwell, unsparing both of his time and purse, and I feel assured it shall never be said that he was permitted to depart from us without a befitting token of the estimation in which he has been held, that while we are capable of presenting Policemen and Wardens with appropriate testimonials we are not unmindful likewise of a citizen's worth. Which of us has not at various times been struck at the singular, sometimes awfu contrasts that are

being enacted in daily life, growing up and flourishing side by side, yet the one unconscious of the other—the joyous revelry of the luxuriant rich falling oh ear of the dying wretch to whom life-was an absolutely painful burden. In the midst of a crowded street under the very noses of the guardians of peace and good order is crime concocted and successfully accomplished, while the fertile brains of the most scientific men of the day are engaged in explaining the dreadful remits of neglect of the sanitary laws, within their reach is the life destroying miasma at work ;so but in a far lesser degree does an anomaly exist here, the evil influence of which, though yet in its infancy gives goodly promise of one day yielding an abundant harvest. While the country is ruled and legislated for to that degree that none but a lawyer—and not all of those—can tell you accurately what is law in New Zealand, or positively say, out of the innumerable Acts and Ordinances created, approved, disallowed, amended, and re enacted, which are in force, and what are not repugnant one to the other. With all this extra-close legislation, will it be believed that, within not many miles of Cromwell, there exists a "No Man's or Debateable Land," unrecognized by the law and ignored by the Government, but such unquestionably is the case, for in the place indicated exists a goldtichi in itself capable of supporting about three hundred and fifty people, and which may contain many miles of auriferous country, and where already in the construction of water races and gold mining works general'y, a capital of over 70,000 J. has been expended, and for this, not a title has been issued or legal grant made, and why, because this country lies beyond the limits of the Otago goldfields, which cannot for some mysterious and unaccountable reason be extei ded beyond their ancient " Gazette " mark, why the" Schleswig Holstein " question of distractingly foggy memory is plain reading to this—Someday perhaps an explanation will be vouchsafed when we will be enabled to determine to whom the prize shall be awarded, Schleswig or Otago, and while we wai f , let us briefly examine the condition of the mimr of " No Man's Land " there they live in primitive simplicity; water licenses ara unknown, and business licenses and miners' risrhts, traditions of a past age, while the existence of the genus, Warden, is open to the same discussion as that of the Moa, the difference being, that popular opinion is inclined to favor the latter, his bones being sometimes found, while of the former no traces exist, unless in the distempered imagination of a few, whose declarations are received with that incredulity which Visionarys usually inspire. Who can say after this that miners are turbulent, and require special management and legislation, while here interests of vital importance to the holders (their all in fact—their all of weary toil) hangs but on a slender thread, that may at any moment be dissevered, unless they fall back upon the law that is open to them now, namely that possession is right and right is might. It is a notable characteristic of our countrymen—the noble Anglo-Saxon race—that we must be ever up and doing, always endeavoring to aleviate our misfortunes and advance our condition. No matter where we find ourselves, or how few in number we may be, the first step is social improvement by formation of committees, having every good object in view. I notice that few evenings pass here without some meeting taking piece. It is probable also that their frequency springs from an anxiety to escape that ennui which invariably falls to the lot of the idler here. The Library Committee are working well, and consequently success is attending their efforts. It is to be hoped they will not send beyond the province for the books they may require. Dunedin being, I am sure, equal to the emergency; and, where practicable, funds locally raised should be locally expended.