FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1874.

Dunstan Times, Issue 661, 18 December 1874, Page 2

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1874.

The possible erection of a bridge over the Molyneux at Clyde has taken some piactical shape, at last the long delayed plans and specifications are to hand, so that the Town Council have been enabled to call for tenders for the budding of the same. From an inspection of the plans, we find the span between the stone abutments will be two hundred feet, the roadway in the clear having a width of fifteen feet. Judging from the plan the structure will present a light ariellike appearance, and should prove equally useful and ornamental. We are not able to judge exactly of the proba ble cost of the bridge, but there can be little doubt but that it will be within the means of the Council. Of the advantages to be derived by'the bridging of the Molyneux on the main road between the Dunstan and Tuapeka there is nothing to question, and although we may regret that it will act prejudicial to ferry owners, the great public gain must be a sufficient compensation. In the case of Mr M‘Pher son, the owner of the Clyde Ferry, we believe some understanding exists between him and the Government in the matter of protection, Mr M'Pherson being the first to place a punt upon the upper waters of the Molyneux, under which circumstance he will be entitled to receive some compensation for the loss of his means of living. In all probability it will be two years before the Clutha line is opened to Tuapeka, still, as a few months will possibly see it completed as far as Tokomairiro, there can be but very doubt, but that even when this is accomplished, a considerabla proportion of the Dunedin traffic which now finds its way via Palmerston, or the Rock and Pillar, will take the direction of the Valley of the Molyneux, Tuapeka and Teviot interests are being exerted to the utmost, to have this line of road perfected with all possible despatch, and on several places on the line contracts for improvements are in operation. The bridge at the Beaumont is already opened for traffic, so that the necessity for the early erection of a similar structure at Clyde to complete the line of road is the more necessary. Will the bridge pay ? is a question asked by many a doubting citizen. W e think there can he no manner of doubt about it, owners of heavily laden teams will not make use of a punt for crossing the river when they can passover abridge, not only as a matter of greater security, but being more expeditious, with less risk attending the operation, let alone delays that might occur when the Molyneux is in a flooded state. The greater facilities for communication between places, the more docs property increase in value; this has been plainly made apparent down country of late, especially in the vicinity of railways. At Tokomairiro land, which a few years since was worth only one pound per acre is now worth twenty. At Tuapeka a very large increase in value has taken place, and the same maybe said of the Teviot. The Dunstan must next follow suit as the benefits of locomotion become more available, while the same beneficial process will extend itself elsewhere. We think the citi zens of Clyde may rest satisfied that tha bridge will provo a paying speculation, and even should it not prove a direct means of revenue, it cannot fail doing so indirectly-

The Town Council have made a move to ascertain the sanitary condition of the town, and in their capacity of a Local Board of Health have caused Dr Thomson to prepare a report, which we published in our last issue,

The report, although pointing out some minor causes of probable infection, must be received as very satisfactory of the sanitary condition of the town, still, v. r c hope that the few little improvements suggested, together with sundry removals of offensive matter, pointed out by Dr Thomson, will be speedily effected. Our immunity from disease is doubtless owing largely to the abundant supply of water that has been secured to the town, and which is permitted to course along its streets in unsparing quantities,’thus ridding the place in an almost imperceptible manner, much of offensive matter that might otherwise become impregnated with the air we breathe, and perhaps provo the lurking cause of some contagious or infec- , tious disease. The misfortunes of our Cromwell friends must prove a never to lie forgotten lesson, and no town, however small, 0 r any other place where a number of people am living . together, but what should be closely inspected, and its sanitary condition correctly ascertained. The hot dry weather of summer will soon be upon us, when any departure from strict cleanliness may bo visited by a fearful 1 retribution. Dr Thomson’s report is explicit and impartial, while to follow out his advice, will entail upon us but very little cost or trouble. Yalueing health as every right thinking person should do, we must congratulate our i fellow citizens upon the prompt action of the Mayor and Council in taking advantage of the Public Health Act.

We are requested to draw attention to the sale liy auction, on Friday next, of horses, at Cromwell (see advertisement); also to the sale of the Aurora Quartz Mining Co’s Plantaud Water Dace.—6. Fache, auctioneer.

Tbc following are the entries and the handicap weights for the two principle cventafon the first day of Cromwell Race meeting, to take place on the 29th and 30th insls. Grand Stand Handicap—One mile and a-half: Backbiter, 9st 21bs ; Brunette, Bst 71b; Kathleen, Sat; Maid, 7st 81b. Flying Handicap—One mile : Backbiter, Oat 21b ; Brunette, Sat 101b ; Kathleen, Sat 31bs.

Tiie rights and privileges iu connection with the Cromwell annual race meeting were submitted to public auction on Friday last, by Mr J. C. Chappie. The reserve on the Grand Stand and Horse Paddocks not being rcaehed, were bought in by the Club ; the right to sell fruit on the Course was knocked down to Mr Fcraud, of Monte Christo Gardens, Clyde, for let; and tho cards to Mr R. Moore, for 1,4 4s. At a meeting of the Club, held subsequently, it was resolved to invite tenders for the occupancy of the Grand Stand and Horse Paddock.

An urgency meeting of the members of the Dunstan Jockey Club was held at Cox’s Hotel on Tuesday evening last, when it was decided to hold the annual meeting on Tuesday and Wednesday, February 9th and 10th ; and the Secretary was instructed to convene a meeting of the Club for Tuesday, the 22nd inst., for the purpose of drawing up the programme. The Secretary was further instructed to write to the Queenstown and Mount Ida Clubs intimating the decision of the Club, and suggesting that they fix their meetings so that an opportunity be afforded horses attending meetings of being in time for the Dunedin meeting. Wearc informed that meeting of Stewards of the Palmerston Racing Club was held on Friday evening, 11th inst., to take into consideration an application from Mr Stanton, the reputed owner of the Racing mare Mabel to ascertain if that club would be willing to allow the mare to run at their next annual meeting. After a very protracted discussion, the following motion was carried on the casting vote of the chairman —“ That, owing to the decided action of the Dunedin Jockey Club in disqualifying the mare Mabel, this Club is not justified in allowing her to run.”—Daily Times Wclcarnfrom the London Printer's Register that an evening newspaper, to be printed in French, is about to bo published in London. 1.25,000 have been subscribed for the purpose. It is calculated that there are a sufficient number of Frenchmen in London to support such a journal. Val Vosc, the ventriloquist, gave on Friday and Saturday evenings last two of his clever and amusing entertainments in the Town Hall, Clyde, to appreciative audiences. Val Vose was highly successful in throwing his voice into his dummy figures, on the roof of the hall, and under the stage for which ho was warmly applauded. Clever and all as Val Vose undoubtedly is, and much as we enjoyed the entertainment, we should have been a great deal more satisfied that we were in the presence of a real ventriloquist, and that he was unaided, if the stage had been divested of the curtains and other trappings, and had the jovial young Irishman shown himself after his first and only appearance at the opening of the entertainment. Val Vose was supported throughout the evening by Miss Jennie Payne, who sang some most pleasing songs ; also by Professor Saunders, whose performances on the harp were of a high order. The entertainment was successful, and the audience expressed themselves as greatly pleased Melbourne papers say—The New Zealand mares Lurline and Calumny have seriously disappointed their backers, not having carried off a single prize in either race they have contested. The Wagga Wagga Handicap, two miles, was won by Diver in 3m. 33,55., being the quickest time on record in the Colonies. Diver carried 7st II lb ; Haricot, who was second, carrying Cat- 131b,

A severe shock of an earthquake was felt early on the morning of the 30th nit. in the Gippsland district. In several places mining machinery was stopped and the underground workings displaced, and articles fell from shelves. The shocks lasted over an hour and a half.

The plentiful downpour of rain, which commenced on Monday evening and continued throughout the night and part of Tuesday, will he welcomed as a great boon by fanners and gardeners. The long continued drought was showing signs of severely affecting the crops of growing grain and vegetables, while fruit trees were also beginning to suffer.

MrFeraud’s Monte Christo Gardens are in a highly flourishing condition this season. The trees are almost breaking down with their weight of fruit, a number of which have been propped that the branches might support their load. The grape vines promise an abundant yield. The whole fruit crop of the orchard will doubtless be in excess of the requirements of the district, hut Mr Feraud will be able to turn it to profitable account in his wine-making business. A few days ago wo paid a visit to the large garden owned by Mr Walker, at the rear of Sunderland street, Clyde, This was one of the earliest plantations of fruit trees made in the Dunstan district, and was commenced by Mr Westwood in the autumn of 1863. The trees have attained a very large growth, so much so that at least one-half of them will require to be transplanted. The crop of fruit is not quite so large as upon former occasions, owing probably to the crowded state of the ground, while the American blight has affected a considerable number of the plum, apricot, and apple trees. When the improvements and additions now in course of progress are completed the property will not only he very pleasant to look upon, but considerably increased in value.

The Cape Broom Hotel, the property of Mr J. 11. Kemp, of Bald Hill Flat, is one of the prettiest hostelries between Clyde and Tuapeka, and we cpicstion very much if anything better exists in any part of the Province. Surrounding the house is a largo and well kept garden, filled with fruit tree 3 which promise a large crop. Cape broom hedges, intermixed with briars surround the garden, as well as forming break-winds to protect the trees. Hence we may suppose the name of the hotel. Mr Kemp has shown himself a very enterprising man, and his example might with advantage be imitated elsewhere.