CROMWELL.

Dunstan Times, Issue 668, 5 February 1875, Page 2

CROMWELL.

—o—(FROM OUR OWV CORRESPONDENT.) A day or two since Mr Parsons drove the coach through Cromwell being the first time since his accident. Mr Pa'sons received the congratulations of a number of friends, having by his uniform courtesy and punctuality secured the good opinion of the people in this part of the District.— As a “ whip ” there are a few more steady or careful, and it was a reminder of old times to see him once more guiding the “ribbons.” Mr A If. Short has also done good service, an lit is to be hoped that they will continue to secure tho good opinion at present entertained.

Dissension apparently exists amongst tlie Templars, as there 1 avj been several resignations tendered during the past week, and several of the brethren have indulged somewhat freely in the cup that cheers, while one ot the big bugs, and high in office, was lately hauled over the coals for indulging in the harmless practice of shouting champagne for two fair damsels. Now I don’t complain, as lam not a waterite, but as the pledge states, “ No member shall make ’buy, sell, use, furnish, or cause to be furnished to others as a beverage, any spirituous or malt liquors, wine, or cyder, and every member shall discountenance the manufacture, sale and use thereof in all proper ways.” I can’t discover why Templars are permitted not only to shout, but actually to drink with one, who does not belong to their ausnst body, and who believes in James Hennessey and DunviUe’s whiskey. With reference to their style of public speaking, no better description can be given than that contained in a very able article in the Australasian on the clap-trap that Templar speakers indulge in. So much for Templars —Tetnpora muiantnr et nos mntamvr in tills.

On Monday last the Garrick presented a lively appearance, and from an early bmr citizens were in quest of buggies and horse flesh. The occasion was the christening of the “ Young Australian Batter}',” which was gracefully performed by Miss Stuart, formerly of the Bannockburn, but now of Cromwell. The usual amount of speech!f .-ing followed, and the company did amp’e j ustice to the good things of th : s life, which were in abundance. Messrs Williams and 13 Iwards, the proprietors of the battery deserve special commendation for their indomitab’e perseverance. There was a fair attendance of visitors. The battery will be irameli.atdy utilised in the crushing of stone, although it is to he ref ref el that there is not more water, but through the erection of the store dam, sufficient is secure 1 for twelve hours so-k daily Mr E. Eeid is the Engineer Mr Drummy, of Alexandra, removed the battery and plant from its original quarters and erected it. I regret to record an accident which bapdened to Mr Angus Eeid, at the Young Australian battcy on Monday last, wbercby his third and fourth fingers were very much lacerated. It seems he was cleaning the battery, and put his hand in too far, but fortunately his father was at hand, and immediately shopped the wheel.

The Bannockburn and Carriok Ea"ge Miners’ Association held their annual meeting on the 27th ultimo. Mr ,T. L, Moore Occupied the chair.' Mr Buchan was elected President; Mr Pryde, Vice President; and Mr I). Stewart, Secretary—Messrs Moore; Saltoun, Smiddy, Anderson ' and Eay wore appointed as a Committee. It was resolved to petition the Postmaster requesting a change in the present postal arringimints. Mr Buchan proposed and Mr Pryde seconded “ That this Association is of opinion that Mr MTCellar has broken his pledge to support any measure, which would tend to reduce taxation on the goldfields, by not supporting either by voice or vote the resolution passed in the Provincial Council to reduce the export duty on gold ; and further, that ho has misrepresented his constituents by giving his suppoit to, and ultimately joining a Government whose policy is unfavorable to the to the Gold-fields. This was carried nem. ««■ It was also agreed to petition the Government to buy the Kawarau Bridge, and throw it open to the public. If this last act is to bo taken as a specimen of the way in which the Association intend to carry on their business they certainly don’t lack assurance. 1 recollect attending a public meeting when an unanimous vote of confidence was passed to Mr Mr M'Kefiar. The Bannockburn and Carriok Eance n iners Association '’o not constitute the electoral body. nor do tbeu’eotors at a whole, feel disposed to endorse their aclion, and it would have rednundo 1 more to their credit if they had cal In 1 a public meeting, 'and afforded an opportunity for the cl-

prc’sion of publio opinion. The present Goldfields’ Secretary has dona a great deal for tho District, and has by his uniform courtesy secured friends, who did not give him credit tor tho possession of those sterling qualities, which by his actions have been made apparent. In every small village or limited community little things create the usual quota of scandal, and furnish tho unemployed and the gossiping old maids with a topic. It matters not how scandalous or actionable it may be—suffice it youth and beauty revel in it, and tho privilege is not confined to tho few, but has become in country districts a popular and public theme. Woe to tho young hiss who enters tho town, as there is not a single particle of her attire but what is subject to the strictest scrutiny, and observations of an unkind and unfeeling character are liberally made. lam induced to pen these lines owing to recent events—A young lady came into town on a day lately fiom the outskirts and one would have thought that man •, who were guilty, would have descended to a vulgarism only to be acquired by an isolation from civilization. It the flippant belle, or the querulous old maid would kiiidly bear in mind that all arc but mortal, they would evince more sound discretion, less scandal would reign rampant, and a higher and more elevated tone thereby imparted to society. The aborigines of Australia were struck with wonderment at seeing the first Rail way pass, and the appearance of a strange petticoat in Cromwell seems to disturb the equanimity of the would-be thought elite of our peaceful denizens. When will a change for the better happen ?