ROXBURGH, MOUNT BENGER.

Dunstan Times, Issue 597, 26 September 1873, Page 3

ROXBURGH, MOUNT BENGER.

(FROM A CORRESPONDENT.) Sept. 15. A numerously attended public meeting was held at Ormond’s Hotel, to consider the action of the Government in withdrawing the services of a Resident Magistrate and Warden from this district, and resolutions condemning such conduct were passed unanimously. There is not the least doubt that the inhabitants of the out-lying portions of the district, more especially the miners, will find it a great inconvenience to have no Warden or Receiver here, and many hard cases have already come under my notice, such as men travelling distances of from ten to fifty miles to transact some business, only to find they must either travel on to the Dunstan, or come again, with still the same thing staring them in the face ; for it will o'ten happen that the particular day the Dunstan Warden has fixed upon to hold his Court here the weather will be so inclement that men cannot cross the ranges. Moreover, it is very hard to know that arbstiict paying some 1,300/. a year to the revenue should he totally deprived of so small a benefit as a Resident Warden. But it appears very like a piece of retaliation by the powers that he for the treatment served out to them in bye-gone days. The Odd Fellows had a kind of “kettledrum’’ last Friday evenng, to which some five, and twenty couple sat down to a very enjoyable treat ; and after the orthox amount of toasting had been fully carried out, the room was cleared for dancing, which was kept up with unflagging spirit for some hours. The affair was got up principally for the purpose of presenting a gold medal to Mr, John Beighton, as a mark of esteem for the energetic manner in which he has worked in the interests of the Order. The affair being quite exclusive. I can only give a hearsay account of it. I also hear that some gentlemen are about to open a Court of the Ancient Order of Foreiters and from the number of names already on the list of candidates for admission, I should imagine they will make a string Couit. One great drawback to this most flourishing place is the v ant of a properly qualified medical gentleman, in whom people could place confidence ; but in that matter we have always been most unfortunate No doubt many a good life has been lost for want of the timely aid of a skilful man. But let us hope that when two Friendly Societies' Courts are established, which bid fair to be strong in numbers, it will be a sufficient inducement for a really good man to come and settle among us. Our school was opened this morning, with a very fair muster of pupils ; and, as the days lengthen and the roads clear up, so as to allow children from a distance to come in, the number ou the roll will be greatly increased. The annual tea meeting of the Coal Creek Wesh y n Congregation took place on Tnesday, the IGth, and, in spite of the very boisterous weather which deterred many from attending, there were nearly one linn lied tickets taken at the door ; in fact, the building was not sufficiently large to admit of the whole company’ sitting a once to the tables, which were liberally prnvi led with the goo I things suitable to such an occdsion 1 may say it was one of the best lail-out affairs I have witnessed for some time. After every-one had done foil justice to the good things provided, the company were treated to some very’ good singing, accompanied (on the harmonium) by Mr. Hcw/ctt. the local preacher, in a most superior manner. Highly interesting speeches were delivered by the Rev. Mr. Beck, who came from Lawrence, where he is now located, and also by Mr. Hewlett and several other gentlemen. I believe the amount of funds, after paying the necessary expenses, is to he devoted to reparing the nice little chappel now standing on Coal Creek Flat, There is one thing about these s irt .of social re-unions which is the life of a place like this, where there are no places of amusement: they bring people together who would otherwise scarcely ever have known each other except by name, and help to lighten some of the cares of this every-day life. In fact, the amount , t of social good is incalculable. I also hear we are to have a concert in aid of the funds of the School, in which the local Glee Club are to take a prominent part, and it is expected that a Dunedin gmtleman will assist—in what manner lam not in a position to say ; but in my next I hope to give full particulars. Sept. 22. On Friday last we had a very original rnd intei csting evening’s entertainment. Die School Committee, taking advantage (f the pnscnce of Mr. J. P. Armstrong, to give a lecture similar to the one given a- Clyde, and ho, with his usual kindness when a good object is in anew, agreed to their request. The Chairman, Mr. Ireland, briefly addressed the meeting, when the entertainment commenced with a glee by the members of the local Harmonic Society, "ell rceived, followed by a song by a gentleman member, which was loudly applauded. The Chairman then introduced Mr. Aimstroug, who, for about an hour, kept his hearers engaged with the numerous adventures that happened to himself and friends on their voyages and travels from Old Ireland to the “ Land of Notions,’’anil up and down its great rivers, until he was landed in Ireland again, where, from the Rind of clothes he had adopted while absent, no one could recognise him, not even the beggar in the street. Then fol--1 uved another glee by the Club, when Mr. Armstrong again took up his story, which brought him out to the Australian Colonies, and the way in wh ch he related some of h;s adventures during the early days of th» gold-fields brought hearty rounds 0*

j pplauso. We were then favored with some more singing, which was followed by a hearty vote of thanks to the lecturer, the ladies and gentlemen of the Harmonic Society, not forgetting the gentleman who so kindly lent the harmonium and gave his services to accompany the singing, brought a pleasant evening’s entertainment to a close. The affair, lam glad to say, realised over 91. for the benefit of the funds of the school.