CROMWELL GOSSIP.

Dunstan Times, Issue 675, 26 March 1875, Page 2

CROMWELL GOSSIP.

—o—(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.) Wednesday the ITth'instant was duly ob« served in Cromwell as a public Holiday, the Mayor having in conformity from a re* quisition of the inhabitants appointed it a3 such. At an early hour many were to be seen with the emblem of Old Ireland ia their hats, while every section of the community seemed bent on pleasure. The Mayor, assisted by several citizens, started collecting money for sports, and succeeded in obtaining a decent sum, but owing I presume to there being no notice given no competitors put in an appearance, if I except the small boys, who afforded no small pleasure and merriment by wrestling and foot racing. At eleven o’clock in the forenoon cricket was started on the flat, but no game took place till the afternoon, when two sides were chosen by Messrs Snook and Preshaw respectively, and the match proceeded, which 'after a well contested game resulted in a victory for Mr Snook’s side. Of the bowling Messrs Preshaw and Snook did very well, while the batting of Messrs Snook, M'Nah and others was above the average of players outof practice, Tho scores obtained were not very largo, but doubtless they would have been much greater, if the ground had been better. It was suggested that a challenge should be sent to play the Clyde gentlemen, but soma doubt exists as to whether they could find au Eleven, or would be willing to accept a challenge. As I am not in the position to express any definite opinion thereon, and prefer being silent, I would suggest that if they could get an Eleven, a friendly match might be arranged for the Queen’s Birthday. I feel satisfied that Cromwell would only be too happy, and 1 can’t for the life of me see that anything but a beneficial result to both places would accrue therefrom. It has often struck me that there existed no great difficulty in collecting a very fair Eleven at Cromwell, and perhaps tho Bannockburn people might he able to get an Eleven together who would give a good account of themselves. Why no person has moved in the matter seems perfectly inexplicable, as a good ground could bo made (with but a slight outlay, and the Cromwell folk should ba equally as well able to support a Cricket Club as any other place outside of the Empire Capital of the Province. The material is at hand, and I am led to believe that some first-class representatives of the willow are to be found. It is to be hoped that these remarks will have the effect of reviving that national and healthful exercise that is only to be found on the Cricket field. Shall Clyde he permitted to take the initiative, or Bannockburn? Pursuant to advertisement the Robert Bruce Lodge, No. T.O.G.T. held a Concert and Ball in the building formerly known as Halliday’s Shepherd’s Creek Hotel on Wednesday evenining the 17th instant. At about five o’clock every vehicle in the place was engaged, and the demand was too great for the stable-keepers to keep up the supp’y of horse-flesh. One enthusiistic individual, who not long since was accustomed to sign half the number of letters of the alphabet after his name was not to be outdone, and donned his best apparel to do honor to the occasion. He attracted no inconsiderable attention by the peculiar way in which his four-and niner was stuck upon three hairs of his head. " Where’s the scavenger he asked,” and tho winds replied—gone ! “ Gone ! cried the excited young man—Gone,! it cannot be." Ail are not as feelingly inclined as myse ,f , and me of the bystanders rudely observed, “ He won’t bo able to take his Dinah.” I never, Mr Editor, can forget the look this fashionable young gent assumed. I thought he would have fainted, and doubtless would, if it had not providentially happened that the said scavenger was sem. leading down the street one of his pure Arabian steeds, which it seems had bean engaged to convey this precious young man and a lady fair to tho scene of excitementWith parental care did I watch his progress across the Bannockburn Flat, as I was afraid he would come to grief, and I should lose a valuable par, but it was not to be, for after a deal of suasion the old horse, landed his precious freight ' sound at their destination. I am happy to state that no collision occurred, although at one time such seemed inevitable, between a trap, and that which conveyed the Band. Fast driving on narrow roads is not to bo commended, and where no immediate necessity for extraordinary speed is required, parties entrusted with the ribbons would do well to remember that if they don’t care for their own life other people don’t feel disposed to jeopardize theirs. Let me hope the erring party will take the gentle hint,'and thereby deprive me of the chance to write more pointedly. Tho room was most tastefully decorated. At each end there was a large banner with the name of the Lodge, and also the emblems of the Order, wtu’e the sides w*ro gracefully hung with evergreens and devices worked therewith. A small stage was erected, on which, at half-past eight the Cromwell Brass Band opened the programme by playing in good style the Overture, which appeared to please the audience. The “ Temp’ars’ Battle Cry ” was given by the Company, hut the blending of voices was not so well as it might have been, and the want of practice was observable. Mr Richardson received quite an ovation for “ Erin my Country.” That old, but popular duett, “ What are the Wild Waves saying,” was very fairly rendered, although Mr Campbell would have done better if he had pitched his voice a little higher. Mr J. Stephens, junior, was very successful in his rendering of “ My Angel Boy.” Tho trio, “ To all you ladies now on hand,’ by M“sdamea Watson, Herbert, and Mr Campbell, was given with spirit. The first part of the programme was brought to a close by a song from Mrs Corse. In the second part the most noticeable feature was the capital rendering by Master Corse of tho “ If I’d tho Wishing

Cap,” and “ Beloved Isle,” by Mr P. Edwards ; the first was admirably rendered, and rich'y deserved the applause that was so freely bestowed, while Mr Edward’s ainping was the topic in every body’s mouth. I have heard Squires, Sherwin, and a host of others render this song, and I never heard it to better advantage. Mr Edwards possesses a rich tenor voice, and what is more, he thoroughly understands its strength. It is not saying too much to add that ho is the best tenor amateur I have heard in this Colony, and may fairly claim to be ranked as a first-class vocalist. This commendation is all the more valuable as I never saw the gentleman before or since, nor have I ever spoken to him. Mrs Watson sang with feeling, she has not a very strong voice, but used it to the best advantage. Mrs Herbert contributed greatly to the success of the Concert; this lady brought out many of her notes very ■ weetly, and agreeably surprised many of those present. The place was crowded to excess, and the manner in which the Stewards worked, and the way in which the whole affair was carried out, reflected the highest credit upon all concerned. 1 had almost forgotten that Mr Barnes in a few well chosen observations returned thanks, and intimated that the room would be cleared to afford the devotees of Terpsichore an opportunity to enjoy themselves. Willing hands were soon ready, and in a few minutes the young might be seen contending in the mazy dance, “ while the old surveyed,’’ or strolled into one of the adjoining rooms to have a hand at Whist. Mr Barnes makes a capital M.C., and kept th i dancing on till daylight. The Cromwell Band supplied the music, and I am pleased to be able to notice a marked improvement in their playing. Before closing this account, I desire to 'd aw special attention to that reprehensipractice that so many married people indulge in, namely that of taking their babies to these places of amusement. During the rendering of that beautiful duett, “ The Gypsy Countess,” the voices of the ladies were completely drowned by the ■crying of three or four of “ those blessed little pets.” lam not so-selfish as to say that married people should be prevented ■from enjoying themselves equally as well as the single, but some provision should be made to keep their “ dear little ones ” at home, especially so when it transpires that they mar the pleasure of the whole and entire company. There is nothing more hurtful, or calculated to make a person to “‘break down ” than to be incapable of hearing their own a oice, but in lieu therof ■that of several of the rising -generation. The refreshments provided were all in all, and every person left well satisfied with the night’s entertainment, and the amusement provided. In the issue of the Arrow Twinkler of the 13th instant the youthful and inexperienced Editor thereof has ’been pleased to -devote a paragraph, which, upon reliable authority, I learn w*s expressly dedicated “to myse’f. When the A rrow Observer was ■conducted by Mr Johnston, 'and then Mr Brown, it cut a very decent appearance all things taken into consideration, but since ’the accession of tthis penny-a-liner to the ■editorial chair, it has deteriorated and sa■vonre'l too much ofthe Vandemonian slang. The childish style of reporting the 'Court proceedings—the utter disregard of the interests of the particular-district in which it circulates, may charitably bo attributed to tbe incapacity, want of scholastic ■training, and general imbecility of the aforesaid penny-a-liner, who appears only to have acquired the Billingsgate vernacular, and that too of the very worst type. In the first place I have never been expelled the 'Good Templars, and even if 1 had, that fact would not incapacitate sne from passing an opinion upon the writing, or more correctly speaking trashy ■matter of the silly scribbler. It is rumoured theyare about to erect a lunatic asylum at Queenstown, and it is not improbable that my young friend will find a refuge there, which, if all be true, will bo an end devoutly to be wished by the folk of Arrowtown; more particularly' by that good-natmed, but too frequently deceived class, the Hotel Keepers. As for his quotation—necessitas non habet legem —this is to be found at the end of every school-book, and 1 have reason to believe that the scribbler does not know a "Larin verb from a nonn. The young man must have taken leave of his senhes {vide Deader March 13, Observer, and see 'Lindlay Murray), He is evidently a spoilt child who is fond of lollies and sweet bread Don’t fret, young Wild Oats, as it is well known that you are onlyaprofcyd. YouareaPefß Mailrc. When you next allow your arrogance to lead you into the commission of uttering false charges don’t be too confident, lest your mendacity be exposed, and your little mindedness laid here. I forgive you this time, as there will shortly be a new moon, and it is generally accepted as a truism that, it takes effect upon a diseased brain. It is high time that the proprietor of the Arrow Observer secured the services of an efficient person to compile his paper, or the retention of the present “ Wo ” may bo productive of serious injury to the residents of tho Arrow district.—Out of pure compassion I direct attention to this fact— What say the Arrowites and the impartial public ? 5 cannot close my notice without assuring tho staff of the Observer, consistof one lad, and one over-grown boy, who delights in the “We ” that I am not tho Editor of tho Dunsfcan Times, nor is the Editor of that journal a Good Templar, nor has he ever belonged to the XO.G.T’s. That an “ accident may have occurred ” to the deluded writer of tho paragraph under notice in crossing the “ briny," 1 am ready to believe, as I am informed a similar catrastoplie bofoll many unwilling wanderers, who left their country, not from choice but for their country’s good, and who have too frequently been compelled to attribute a protracted stay at Port Arthur to mere accident.