CROMWELL.

Dunstan Times, Issue 655, 6 November 1874, Page 2

CROMWELL.

—o—(FROM OUR OWN- CORRESPONDENT.) Wednesday last, the 4th lust., will long be remembered in Cromwell, and is worthy of being numbered among its red letter days, not so much that the day was devoted to the laying of the foundation stone of the District Hospital, and the evening to celebrate the Anniversary of the Lodge of Oddfellows—both noble institutions—but from the oneness of intent of the great crowd that had assembled to take part in the proceedings. The watch-word appeared to be “ do it well,” aud right well was the whole thing done. But to begin at the beginning. The Mayor having proclaimed tho day a public holiday all the places of business were closed. The early morning wore somewhat of a dull appearance, but as the day wore on the visitors began to arrive, and by midday the town was fairlv alive to the <-x----tent that with all the accommodation it was hut scant enough for the numbers that had gathered from every corner of the district to take part in the day’s proceedings. The town was gaily decorated, and with the crowds of well-dressed people lining the streets it wore a truly holiday appearance. As I picked my way through the happy throng, and watched their bright faces beaming with contentment, aud radiant with pleasure at the good work that was to he done that day, 1 could not hut oonfes this is evidence of prosperity. But I am digressing. At one o’clock, the hour appointed for starting the procession, tho various bodies began to assemble, and by abon: 2 pm., something like order was arranged, and a start was effected. Tho Cromwell Brass Band headed the procession l followed in order by the Mayor and Town Council, Friendly Societies, and the general public, the whole marshalled by Messrs Starkey and Jolly. Arriving at the site of the building, which is situate on the terrace to the north-west of the town, about two miles distant, the procession was ably bandied by the marshalls each body being placed in the space allotted to it, and the business of the clay commenced. I may here mention that the wind was blowing a perfect hurricane, consequently I was unable to gather scarce more than the meaning of what tho various speakers said, therefore I can give but a brief digest: The Mayor, D. Jolly, Esq., opened the proceedings by explaining that it had been arranged for Mr Thomas Logan, who was the chief donator, to lay the foundation stone; hut he being unable to attend, had nominated his partner Mr G. \V. Goodger to perform the interesting ceremony, who, he had no doubt would do so to tho satisfaction of all concerned. The preliminaries having been arranged, the stonemasons donned their white aprons, and on the principal actors of the occasion taking their position on tho platform, Mr Goodger stepped forward and was greeted with loud cheers ! having adjusted his apron in the true orthodox fashion, the stone was raised, and Mr Jas. Dawkins, tho Chairman of tho Building Committee handed the plans and spedfixations, expressing the hope that the building would be erected in a good and substantial manner, as he had hut little doubt it would. The Secretary of the Institution then handed the customary manuscript, detailing the particulars of the day’s ceremony, together with copies of tho Cromwell Argus, Dunstan Times, and other newspapers, and the usual coins of the realm from a sovereign to a sixpence, tho whole of which wore placed in tho cavity of the lower stone by Mr Goodger, who then briefly addressed those present. The stone was now lowered into its position, and having boon duly plumbed and squared the silver towel was brought into requisition, and the stone was declared well and truly laid. A cheer, such only as Britons can give, was given, and the business of tho toasting was gone through with the usual speeches and responding.?, tho more noticeable of the speeches, however, was by Mr D. MTCollar, Secretary for the Gold-fields, who, after congratulating the district on the establishment of a hospital in the Cromwell district, said he regretted his Honor the Superintendent was not present, who had aided by .alibis actions the cause of charity and education. One toast however, r.np’.are I to escape notice, (the Press) whether it was thought that no one was present to represent tho fourth Estate 1 cannot say, hut the omission was made.

A general move was now made homeward?, and all minds bent upon the ever* inn's amusement—the Oddfellows’ Ball—

which was the greatest of successes, at one time there being 47 couples on the floor. The dancing was kept up ti'l daylight. Tie Clyde Brass Baud, who occupied the orchestra, at the close was thanked : n ou’ogi.-i----tic terms for their services. Mr Nettiefold responded.