LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Dunstan Times, Issue 429, 8 July 1870, Page 2

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

The Escort on Tuesday last took down the following quantities of gold

The first of a series of Winter Evening Entertainments took place at the Town-hall, Clyde, on Tuesday evening last, the sth inst., and we opine those who were present could not but have felt highly pleased with the efforts made to render the evening pleasurable and agreeable. The entertainment was of a varied character, consisting of instrumental music, glees, songs, readings, and concluding with the ancient but still mirth-provoking farce of “ Box and Cox ” When it is said that those ladies and gentlemen who performed on this occasion acquitted themselves in an extremely creditable manner it leaves nothing further to be said, eulogistic praise being neither looked for nor desired, no violent effort to astonish being attempted, as the performance was simply as intended and advertised, a “ winter evening entertainment,” the monetary receipts for which to be devoted to any worthy local institution. Indeed it is a matter for congratulation that in a district like ours, so r-emote, and with a population so very limited, persons possessing the necessary ability can be found, and with it that good nature and unselfishness, without which the natural gift is valueless. In all small communities there must be inevitably a certain class of people who consider it their especial province and duty to sneer and cavil at every attempt having for its object the promotion of happiness and the fostering of kindly and social feeling with each other. These would be cynics, while without the ability, or rather lacking the will to bestir themselves out of their narrow groove, still have a deterrant influence upon persons coming forward on similar occasions. Unhappily Clyde is not exempt from a slight sprinkling of the class alluded to, and therefore here, where every cheese-mite has an influence for good or evil, we must feel the more grateful to those who, braving the open jibe, (# still more effective covert sneer, boldly attempt our rescue from the appalling dullness of an inland town on a winter’s evening. The hall was well filled, fully one hundred and fifty persona being present, and the proceeds amounted to 1., which are to replenish the somewhat needy euchequer of the Clyde School. The entertainment was opened with the overture, “ Era Diavolo,” on the piano, by a lady. This most beautiful piece of music was rendered with ability, and drew forth well-merited applause. Next on the programme was the glee, “All among the barley,” which was most harmoniously sung, the voices of the five ladies and four gentlemen blending very Well. Then came a song, followed by a reading from Artemus Ward, “The jumping frog of Talaneras County.” The able manner in which this humerous peice was read elicited roars of laughter. Other glees and songs, among which were “ Sigh no more, ladies,” “I- ngland’s future Queen,” and “ Tommy I 'odd,” followed, the whole being rendered pleasingly and in good tune; also the reading of “The Deluge” and “Timothy Tiggs’ terror,” which were favorably received. The farce of “ Box and Cox” next followed, and fully maintained its screaming character. The get up of Mr. Box, the gentleman connected with the printing interest, and of Mr. Cox, the hatter were without a fault, and were not in the least marred by the acting, which was inimitable, and last, but not least, Mrs. Bouncer was perfect. Without a hitch the whole went off, and the acknowledgment of the audience at the conclusion, in callings on the stage the lady and gentlemen who took their allotted parts, showed that their endeavours to please had been appreciated. “God save the Queen,” by the full company and the audience, brought the first part of the entertainment to a close. The hall being cleared of the seats, the floor was quickly occupied by some dozen or mnre couples of devotees to Terpsichore, who tripped it right merrily untlil early morn. At the usual weekly meeting of the Waste Lands Board held on Wednesday, the '29 th ult., no business of local interest was transacted.

On Sunday last Mr. MTherson Crossed at his punt, at Rocky Point, the long-expected machinery for the Cromwell tympany. It is now at the wheel, and all hands are busily engaged in erecting it. There will doubtless soon be some extensive cmshiugs, and we may expect shortly to hear of some large cakes of gold. The Go'den Link are now on the beat stone that they have struck yet, and are busily engaged raising it, The late heavy rains Caused much damage to the road between LogantowU and Wakefield, but it is now undergoing repair. From its appearance it must have been a complete water-course. The arrival of the m chinery will give impetus to mining matters, which have languished of late, partly from the dread of winter causing many to register their claims. The coming spring will test the resources of the reefs, and there is little doubt but that many more valuable claims will be opened and a tid» of permanent prosperity once more flow into the place. The heavy flood in the Clutha washed away the land at M ‘Lachlan’s ferry, and it was only by the most strenuous exertions that the punt was saved. The bank was washed away up to the foot of the king post, rendering it impossible to work the punt Mr. M‘Lachlan is hard at work repairing damages I believe it is his intention to shift the punt lower down the river, nearer to Cromwell, thereby avoiding some bad pieces of road and forming a more direct line Communicated.

We take the following from the Daily Times —The Melbourne Herald in a leader, criticises the Report of the Otago Provincial Council on the petition of the unemployed. It approves of the recommendations contained in the report, and, in alluding to that part of the petition where It affirmed “ that a healthy stream of immigration is desirable,” considers that the sentiment will be a surprise to the unemployed there. The article concludes as follows:—“ The unemployed in Dunedin believe that a healthv flow of immigration is desirable. The unemployed of Melbourne do not. We think the former have the more common sense of the two.”

The Daily Times says: —There seems to be some probability of our being again deluged with accounts of un

paralleled finds at the Thames. The Auckland Herald begins the little game as follows:—The Golden Crown and Imperial Crown claims have struck immensely rich stone. The former claim has got a reef three feet in thickness in which the gold is seen in masses The appearance of this reef has been described to us by an eye witness as something incredible. During the week we visited the shop of Mr. Aldridge, blacksmith and farrier, of Clyde, for the purpose of inspecting a horse shod on the “ Charlier" system, and we cannot but give a favorable opinion, as the new principle follows nature more nearly than does the old one. Mr. Aldridge informed us that the horse had been shod some weeks and had taken several journeys, and that he had apparettly felt no inbouvenience from the new shoes, but on the contrary had travelled with greater ease. We do not look upon this system as an innovation, but only as an improvement, and as it fudy realizes all expectations we we would strongly recommend a trial. We extract from the Australian the following description of the plan: an instrument something like a square gouge, with a guide to prevent itscuttingboyond the required depth, the farrier scoops a rectangular groove from the outer circle of the horse’s foot. Into this groove is fitted an iron band, measuring rather more than the thickness of an ordinary horseshoe, with only half it's width; this is secured with from five to seven nails. The shoe being thus sunk, the sole of the foot is never pared, and the frog are brought on the ground. The shock of the constant concussion of the iron shoe on the hard road is thrown into the wall of the foot, and not into the softer parts of the foot, which are protected by the tough and elastic horn of the sole; the frog being also brought on the ground allows the animal to feel and, as it were, to grasp the earth in slippery places. The shoe being narrow, has a certain amount of electricity ab >ut it, and, after a few days’ use, adapts itself to the natural shape of the foot, expanding with its movement and developing the frog bringing the whole foot into action; so much is this the case that, after three or four mouths’ the foot is frequently found to have entirely altered its shape. And here 1 should allude to another impj ovement of Mr Char lier’s.. The holes into which the nails are driven are made oval instead of square, consequently the rectangular nail driven into them takes their shape, and by this means acquire a firmness of hold which is very advatageous. A Wellington correspondent of the Nelson Evaminer concludes a recent letter as follows;—I know you like a joke, so I reopen my letter to tell yon that the Colonial Architect reports that the roof of the House of Representateves very likely will not fall in for above a year. He has sent a piece of one of the beams about the size of a thick octavo volume as a warning to legislators. A member whose wonderful wit endears him to a large circle far and near, saysitis ajsample volume 1 of the New Zealand rot.

Our Lakes correspondent sends us the following telegram:—Queenstown) Thursday. 4.30 p.m.—Mr. horimor, a chemist, carrying on business iu Reesstreet, Queenstown, was found dead in his bed this morning. Tlie weather has apparently set iu fair, and the roads are very considerably improved.”

In the Resident Magistrate’s Court) Clyde, on Tuesday last, before Y. Pyke, Esq., R.M, and J. Hazlett, Ksq, J.P., T. Woodhouse was charged with being of unsound mind. Medical evidence was produced. Remanded till Tuesday, 12th inßt. John Alloo v. Botcher and another. Damages done to the fences round a piece of piece of laud held by the plaintiff from the Corporation. An amount of evidence was la en. The Bench, thinking the amount ot damage was excessive, recorded the following verdict : That defendants replace the stone fence pulled down by them and pay the costs of Court 20s. Thormahlen v. Ridley. Claim 3 1, 5s Jtidgment by default, and costs 9s. M‘Connochie v. Walshe. Claim 1 1. 11s Judgment by default, and costs 9s Connew v M‘Arthur. Claim 61. for work done. 11. 12a. and 8s costs was paid into Court. This was purely a neighbor’s quarrel. Judgment for 28s. and 10s. costs in addition to amount paid into Court.

The usual fortnightly meeting of the Clyde Town Council was held in the Municipal Chambers on Wednesday evening last, the 6th inst. Other than fixing the day of nomination to the office of mayor for Tuesday, the 12th inst., no business was transactd.

The usual fortnightly nleeting of the Alexandra Town Council was held on Friday evening last, when the Mayor and Councillors Beresford and Theyers were present. The minutes of the previous meeting Were read and confirmed, aftef .which the outward correspondence was read and approved and the inward, viz., from the Town Clerk, Cromwell, asking the co-operation of this Council in memorialising the Legislative Assembly to grant a sufficient sura of money to supply the Goldfields of Otago with water, was read and received. The Town Clerk was instructed to reply and state that the Council will do their utmost to obtain such a desiraide object. It was proposed and carried, that the Town Clerk write to the Deputy Superintendent, respectfully requesting him to cause all the suburban sections (that is, outside the main line of Tarbert and Limerick-"treets) reduced from 12 1. 10s. to 21., their former price; After having fixed the nomination for Mayor for Saturday, the 16th inst, the meeting separated. Owing to the lateness of the hour at Which the meeting of the Dunstan District Hospital Committee, held last evening, terminated, we are com pelled to hold over a report of the proceedings till our next issue:

We are requested to draw attention to the public meeting on the commonage question, on Tuesday evening next, the 12th inst, at Hawthorne’s Clyde Hotel. As the matters to be considered affect all classes, whether farmers, dairymen, or owner’s of horsesj We hope to see a large attendance.

The soiree on behalf of the Alexandra School Funds, ■which took place in the School room, oh Monday evening last, the 4th inst., was one ol the best affairs that has taken place in the district, there being over a hundred persons present independently of the young fry. The room being tastefully decked off with flags and evergreens presented a very pretty appearance, and the tables, presided over hy ladies faire, laden With dainties and nicnacs of every description, looked quite tempting. The first part of the programme, the satiating of the inner m in, being brought to a conclusion, to clear off the remainder the happy thought of a sale by auction suggested itself, and the knight of the hammer mounted his rostrum and, amidst the greatest good humour, knocked down the lots of pastry, comfits, bon-bons, and other gimcracks to the highest bidder, realising the handsome sum of 51. 16s. The pood things being thus got rid of, the tables were soon cleared and upon hrder being restored speeches, songs, and reading brought the amusement to as successful a termination as could have been desired. The most noticeable piece of the evening was a reading from “ Dickens,’’given by Mr. Stanbrook in a most masterly manner. “God save the Queen” by the whole of company, Was the final scene.

Good news is to be band from the Bendi"o reefs A trial crushing of some live tons of stone from the Alta claim took place at the ' urora Battery during the past week with most satisfactory results. We are not aware of the exact quantity of gold obtained, but we are informed that the shareholders were so well satisfied that they at once entered into arrangement for the erection ot a battery of ten stamps. The reef horn which the stone was taken is eight feet thick, with eve y indication of maintaining that thickness.

On Tuerday next, Mr. Geo. Fache will sell by public auction at his rooms, Sundei land street, a large assortment of engravings, framed, looking glasses, Ac. Likewise a largo assortment of shrubs and forest trees. The sale will commence at On©, o’ clock iharp’.

Queenstown and Arrow 305 7oz. Odwts. Cromwell 870ozl Odwts. Clyde 240oz. Odwts. Alexandra 220oi. Odwts. 4389oz. Odwts.