CROMWELL.

Dunstan Times, Issue 666, 22 January 1875, Page 2

CROMWELL.

(FROM our own correspondent.) The Resident Magistrate’s Court, on Friday last, was the scene of unusual activity, but as the cases were of no public interest I will merely give you the headings and the results of the various cases heard R. Moore v. Gain, for recovery of LI, deposited with defendant to abide the result of a bet. Judgment reserved.—Stevenson v. Johnston. This was a dispute between a client and his solicitor on a bill of costs. Judgment was recorded in favor of plaintiff.— Evans v. M’Nulty. This case had been adjourned from several sittings of the Court, in consequence of the illness of plaintiff; and was adjourned for a further term of fourteen days owing to the continued illness of plaintiff. ~ Jenkins v. Jenkins. An action to sot aside an order under the Married Women’s Protection Act. This was a protracted case, and judgment was reserved.

In the Warden’s Court the applications in the names of T. Baird, R. Kidd, L. Grant, and M. Heaney for agricultural leases were refused, it being proved that the ground is auriferous. John Towan withdrew his application.

As the ocean is subject to and disturbed by winds and the varied course of the moon, so are the good people of Cromwell, in questions of a public character guided and ruled. Not long since the carriers and squatters interested themselves by instituting the most lively enquiries concerning that lasting eyesore of Provincial negligence and imbecility styled the Cromwell Bridge, and I know it was far from an unusual enquiry, “Will the bridge stand? I have been given to understand parties have been known to disturb the meditations of tho thoughtfully inclined when enjoying a "constitutional,” by the perhaps rude, but suggestive enquiry, “ Is the bridge falling ; but this, like every nine days’ wonder, has subsided. The Provincial authorities have exercised a wise discretion in with-holding the outlay of any largo sum of money upon the present structure, as to any casual observer it is apparent that it is one of those erections fast hastening to decay. This result is self-evident, and mnch depends upon the selection of a proper site at the outset. When the Cromwell Bridge was erected at a cost of L 27,000, the public were assured that tho work would bo well and efficiently done, and the material furnished, of the very best ..description. Who is so bold ns to affirm that the present bridge is safe, and in the face of the wool sc,neon being upon us—in the interests of the district—to prevent the entire traffic between Clyde, Cromwell, and Arrowtown being stopped ? I venture to ask tho authorities by what badness in tho past wo have secured this treatment; in other

word*, in what manner have we sinned that sanction* the apathetic indifference of the Government? Some months ago our respected contemporary the Daily Times drew attention to this fact, and nothing has been done. It cannot be urged that funds are nc t available, as by the estimates it is apparent that there is no scarcity thereof. Conceding it behoves the authorities'to consider what they are doing before’ incurring any great or additional expense in repairing a structure which will entail annupl labor and expense. The question then arises, what is best to bo done ? Is it not the duty of the Government to place a sum upon the estimates for the erection of a new bridge, say at the old site of “ Hills,” which any calm thinking man most admit is naturally better fitted as a site ? while it seems very singular to expect the public to supply money to support a decaying fabric. Experience evidences that iron bridges are the most durable ; and why they do not take time by the forelock, and send to Europe for the material, is best known to themselves. The construction of a permanent bridge will take at least one or two years, while the various sums of money that will, during that time be required to maintain and keep in proper repair the Cromwell Bridge would go a very considerable way to defray the expense of a new iron one. No better site could he found than that where the first structure was erected, as the span is much narrower, and stone of a superior description and quality is immediately at hand. There may be some who will cry out, “ Oh, wait!” but it is to our way of thinking far wiser, far hotter, and far more judicious to see that opportunity and advantage is taken of the golden moment, and money utilised when available.

Old friends must part, and among the voluntary exiles I regret to chronicle the departure of Mr Isaac Wright, but I experience a pleasurable feeling in notifying that ha was not permitted to leave the town without a public spread being tendered, I am informed our leading citizens were present and took a prominent part. The Eev. J. Jones publicly thanked Mr and Mrs Wright for their services in relation to the spread of evangelical truth, and while deploring their departure from the district bid them God speed upon their journey, adding, they were deservedly well respected, and that he wished them bon voyage. A few such people would elevate our social circle, and repel the insinuations by Dunedin journals so generally bestowed. Mr Wright, as a Councillor, was one of the most conscientious Cromwell possessed. I had almost forgotten to mention that the spread was laid by Mrs Kidd of the Cromwell Hotel, and that Mr D. A. Jolly, the Mayor, presided ; the Vice chair was entrusted to Mr Fergus. The ordinary toasts were proposed.and responded to, when the assembly broke up. It is reported that the Lucknow Company have found payable stone, but as parties interested are very reticent, I dedine to vouch or pledge myself upon the matter—the report may he trne, or it may be false, but I sincerely hope the former. The Athenjemn Committee have resolved to add to the present structure, and feel themselves justified in entering into a further liability as mortgagors of 7001. An Athenamm is defined by Kuttall and Collins (7J) to be a public reading room, fnrnishod with papers and periodicals. The Cromwell structure has not been so used. As regular as the morning sun adorns the eastern sky, so regularly hastheAthenasum since its opening been dedicated to Ballroom purposes, while not a single periodical has faund its way thereto, nor has a table occupied the floor. Members contributed and subscribed, believing that the Athensenm would be devoted solely to the purposes of literature, but their hopes have been disappointed. If the Athonaium is to bo used as a public dance-room, and to answer the purposes of a theatre, the sooner respect is paid to the special Provincial Act, empowering the Committee to enter into and incur obligations, and exercise borrowing powers, the more satisfied will the subscribers feel, and greater confidence will in the public mind he raised.

The Cromwell Argns has tried and passed the verdict that Cromwell is once more visited with typhoid fever. There is no gainsaying the fact that, notice in accordance with the Act, 1852 was given, and to the uninformed I may for their benefit add that the Doctor was by Law bound to furnish such a notice to the Local Board of Health. To create a prnic our illustrious Mayor attended by five distinguished Councillors immediately upon receipt of Dr. Stirling’s letter proceeded to inspect certain unmentionable premises, and did not forget to invite females to view the same—at all events a gallant Sergeant, who attended as au escort, did so invite a female, and though present, I could but think and venture to murmur, “Oh, temporal". Disease is bad enough, especially when of an infectious nature, and the local organ would have shown more discretion bv a little delay and forbearance. Two young women have been visited by the dread enemy, hut it must be remembered that the complaint was acquired at Bendigo, and ' not at Cromwell, and possessing as ( we do, an unenviable notoriety respecting our sanitary condition, the Cromwell Argus would have shown more sound discretion if they had but reflected upon the injury such a report was calculated to do the community. With every deference I don’t believe that any necessity exists for alarm, and hope that in the present autumn, Cromwell is in as healthful a condition as it was last Spring.

It again becomes my painful duty to record another- death, tho victim being Mr John Munroe, a mine'." The deceased" has for years labored in tho Nevis district, and nature being over-taxed has at length succumbed. Mr. Munroe expired at the Dunstan Hospital on Sunday last, and it is worthy of remark that a largo circle of friends have arrived from the Nevis for

the purpose of paying the last tribute of reapeot to one, who, by uniform kiiujffiess and civility endeared himself to all with whom he associated. The body was brought into Cromwell on Tuesday last, and the respect with which the deceased was held amply testified by the large procession of Wednesday last

For the information of the timid I might mention that the Town Clerk has been instructed to furnish Chrolido of Lime,’ free of charge. It is worthy of remark that water : oloaots within a foot and a half of the race, and which have on more than two occasions been specially referred to, are allowed to' exists At [the picsent time, Cromwell does not possess an Inspector of Nuisances, and seeing that the fever created sad havoc in February last, it would not detract from the credit of our local authorities if they moved in the matter, and appointed such an Officer. When the wolf is at the door it is too late to repine.