CROMWELL.

Dunstan Times, Issue 381, 6 August 1869, Page 3

CROMWELL.

'(from our own 'correspondent.) Our Municipal elections have been the all-absorbing topic of the last few days. The citizens came boldly forward to defend their principles or prejudices as the case might be Nevertheless one important question, there is little or no doubt, has inlluenc d the ratepayers in recording their votes. I refer to the water question. A permanent supply of that" necessary element being of the utmost importance to the town, I trust this much-vexed question may bo satisfactorily disposed ot by the present Council (if I may so express it). At the present time we are in rather a singular fix. The election for Councillors resulted in a dead heat for Bridge Ward, and as the Ordinance makes no provision in such an emergency, the candidates will have another (rot over for the muchcoveted but unprofitable honor and glory, in Kawarau Ward Mr. 11. E JJagg was returned by a majority of four over his opponent, Mr. William •Shanley. The day of election being the day on which the Council held its usual fortnightly meeting, the ex-Mayor ■and Councillors met, and transacted the necessary business; and, strange as it may appear, proceeded to accept the resignation of (he present Mayor, Mr. Goodger, and also that of Councilor Kelly, whose term of office does not expire until the Ist of August, 1870. But the farce was not complete •until the following day, when the exMayor declared his intention of 'coming forward as a candidate for re-election to an office which he had declared vacant, but under what authority seems a mystery, however I suppose the Municipal body will get into fair starting order after a lew more baulks.

In milling matters, a steady improvement is observable. The Cromwell Quartz Mining Company, at Bendigo Cully continue to realise splendid returns, with every prospect of im .provement, I lie stone improving as the works proceed. The Aurora Company, Barns and party, have secured the old Criterion Company’s machinery from the Arrow, it is expected that it will be erected on the claim and in working order in three months this company has a ready constructed a road up the range from the gully to their claim for the purpose of taking 'll)) the machinery, and having a water right of their own, they will have a great advantage in being able to erect

the machinery at the most suitable and convenient place. In sluicing, there is little to write about, except that the supply of water is considerably increased within the last week or so in consequence of the partial melting of the snow on the lower part of the ranges. Considerable activity is observable in both farming and gardening, and if the Government only redeems its promises in opening up the land for settlement, we may look forward to a prosperous future, but I must say we have little faith in Government promises. Ominous sounds, deep though hot loud are beginning to make them-

selves heard in leference to the treatment we receive from the powers that he.