ALEXANDRA.

Dunstan Times, Issue 462, 24 February 1871, Page 3

ALEXANDRA.

(from our own correspondent.)

We are all Buffering a recovery from the effects of the Superintendents! election. Here the contest was severe. For a fortnight previous to the polling on active canvass was kept up by the partisans of both sides, although there is no doubt, had the supporters of Macandrew exerted themselves os well as those of his op ponent, he would have had a majority. On the polling day a largo number of electors from the surrounding district visited the town, and gave it a livelier appearance than it Ims worn for a long time past. The excitement kept waxing more and more intense up till the closing of the poll, and when the numbers were known loud cheers broke from the Reid party. Although the excitement was very great I am glad to record that no rowdyism of any kind was displayed on the polling day, everyone standing the usual election “ chaff” good-humoredly. Some time last week, however, 1 am informed, that a number of the supporters of one of the candidates banded together, and informed several of the business people that they would withdraw their custom if they (the bnsimss people) did not vote according to directions. Ido not know how they got on in other cases, but in one instance a well-known resident in the district recommended those attempting the coercive measure alluded to, in language more energetic than elegant, to visit a certain place, metaphorically said to be paved with good intentions, and voled according to Iris conscience, risking whatever loss of custom doing so might cause.

.While on politics, I may mention the Provincial Council, though no candidate has yet been elevated into the position of favorite by the folks here. A requisition inviting Mr. Shepherd to stand is leing circulated H’ound Butcher’s Gully, &c, and is likely to be largely signed. On the polling day a pigeon match came off near the town, which attracted a large number of sportsmen. The results I have not been able to ascertain, hut I presume they were satisfactory. Mining news is at a premium, being so scarce. The dredges up at Mutton Town Point appear to be doing fairly, the Galatea doing exceptionally weil, her last week’s returns being one hundred and seven ounces. Brown and party (the Mannherikia) will most likely ho into the ground they propose working at Mutton Town Point in the course of two or three weeks.