CROMWELL.

Dunstan Times, Issue 660, 11 December 1874, Page 3

CROMWELL.

(FROM OUR OWN CORRESrONDF.NT.) It is gratifying to know that Cromwell, like other places, is progressing, and making vapid strides in attaining an unenviable notoriety. First, and foremost, is the great Water Scheme, that at one time threatened to turn the heads of the seven wise men of the modern Athens. No leas a potentate than Mr Barr has been interviewed, and nas induced to visit our healthy and prosperous district, attended by a well-known gcntlemanand two assistants, who, together, surveyed the proposed scheme. We have also Debenture Forms, and other things, which, as far as my memory serves, are termed coupons. So far, so good, but now comes the rub—cash ! Of course, if the debentures are sold, then, in all liklihood the water will be brought in, and future generations will be privileged to drink from the pellucid stream, and gratefully remember the financial year of 1574. Perhaps this “spec” offers a good inducement to Dunedin speculators ; and those who were disappointed iu the Deep Level Company wdl have an opportunity to invest their spare cash. This water question was started in the year ISC6, surveyed in 1874, and yet the debentures remain on hand ns one of those veritable props of the Corporation. If left standing another six months, and the balance sheet appears, opportunity will then be afforded to ascertain what this little hobby of the Solons’ entails upon the Corporation and the public. For the past three years the water supply lias been ever on the Board, and candidates for political honors have never been backward in stumping it to their heart’s content. It lias be come an “annual chapter,” and it may sifely be inferred that something on the same subject will bo heard about the end of dune, or the beginning of July, so much for our progress. 0, tempora ! O, mores I On another occasion I purpose considering the expenditure and working expenses of the Corporation, which will refute the assertion and vile aspersions cast upon us by some journals. We are not stingy but liberal, and our money is freely expended. We go in strongly for “ progress,” and like to sot Clyde and other small places “ a-go. ” We are exempt from local prejudice; we are rich, and prosperous, and generous to be kind, and so long as our reefs continue g vod we’ll drown dull care, and let the future take care of itself.

I dnre say you have heard of the Commonage being set apart. I notice that application for agricultural leases has been made by sonic of the most unlikely men to work same, realizing the old maxim “Never too late to mend.” Let me hope that these hardy sons of fortune will till the soil, as I prefer seeing them comfortably settled, surrounded by smiling faces instead of having the land occupied with sheep. I don’t know whether it is prudent to say anything concerning the repudiation of the Deep Level Company, as 1 might embroil you in an action for damages, and seeing that the Cromwell Directors are “up in arms, and eager for the fray,” it behoves we to he particularly cautious ; although, I should like to know why Mr Colclough held over the telegram from Mr Logan, received on the sth, and shown to Directors on the 17th oi last month ? I would further like to know whether the legal management had anything to do with the course adopted ; and whether the model Town Clerk thought to command the Dunedin votes, as their “proxy,” thereby securing a decided majority ? These are questions which possibly will be satisfactorily answered in the Supreme Court, as it was on last Saturday evening resolved to demand the Dunedin Cnardian “to contradict the vile aspersions contained in Loader, Ac and I doubt not that some of the first barristers in the Colony will bo employed, w'hen the curious will be gratified, and the saddle put on the right horse.

So Venus has passed, and with its transit the good people of Cromwell have recovered their accustomed equanimity, and returned to the active pursuits of life. Wednesday last was not without its specialties. Almost every person—men advanced in years, hright-eyed damsels, and ruddy youths, the dandy and the beau wore all to be seen rushing frantically about with pieces of smoked glass, eager to witness the phenomena. The previous evening was glorious, and the morning was no less so—hanging its sunlit dew* drops. At about one o’clock Miss \ enuswas first tlsorved, apparently on the right arm of the largorplanet, anddid not appear to pass very rapidly as when last seen by mo ;at ten minutes past three it was slowly passing away, although I am credibly told that it would be visible till 56 minutes past five o'clock the same evening, At about three o’clock however, the sky became very dark and cloudy, and I am strongly impressed with the belief that it was not soon by many in this part after 3 pm.

[We aro compelled to hold over tho remaining portion of our correspondent’s letter it haying arrived too late for publication.]