CROMWELL GOSSIP.

Dunstan Times, Issue 678, 16 April 1875, Page 3

CROMWELL GOSSIP.

(FROM OUR OWH CORRESPONDENT.) That the Cromwell Council have a peculiar way of interviewing their representative was umnistakeably evidenced on Wednesday last, when tho Mayor, and Councillors Arndt and Taylor thought lit to wait upon tho Gold-fields’ Secretary respecting the matter of tho Bannockburn Bridge, the Bendigo Road, and the Cromwell Bridge. In all such movements it is usual to consult tho public, and to afford them an opportunity of hearing the opinion of tho representative without being indebted to the local journal for the expression thereof, and the general public would have folt more satisfied if chance had been offered them of not only hearing, but seeing and judging for themselves. Three individuals choose to interview the Gold-fields 1 Secretary in the Town Hall. No intimation is given of their intention, but the result is flaunted, and duly paraded before the Province. If the deputation were actuated by tho desire to aid the general public, why were the usual steps not pursued—Why was the matter kept as a profound secret, and the privilege of attending only conceded to the highly favored few ? In these remarks no blame is attempted to be heaped upon the Member for the Kawarau, but silence would only be contemptible, and tho reflection upon this Journal would be far from creditable. That the proprietors of the Kawarau Bridge may see their way clear to levy black mail, and force an imbecile Executive into the unenviable po sition of (to protect the public) having to buy the right to a bridge, or to offer a bonus for the prosecution of works which can only be regarded as the nucleus of a private venture—may correspond and dovetail with tho opinion of his Worship the Mayo-, and the distinguished Councillors alluded to, but will mot receive the sanction of that much neglected district—the Bannockburn. It is a well known fact ■that the Government deemed themselves justified in outlaying the sum of 1/2,000 in making the approaches to the said bridge, and then gracefully railowed the proprietors to make exorbitant charges. At the present time Cromwell is in the main dependent upon the Bannockburn for its coal supply, hut the exorbitant charge imposed by way of tolls, makes the commodity too expensive, and compels a portion of the community to go without the luxury that the natural resources of ‘the district has placed within the reach of all. The increase in the tolls nn this particular bridge has now reached SO per Cent, and how the Government can justify the expenditure of L 2,000, in forming the approaches, and then allowing private speculators to impose whatever •charge they like, is certainly an insult to public sense and public decency, and calls for exacting enquiry. The Bannockburn and Nevis have just reason to complain, as the imposition of this iniquitous '.toll must of necessity affect the individual miner through the storekeeper, while it also tends to retard the general advancement of the ■district. The colonists arc heavily taxed, and to bring this fresh impost upon them—more particularly upon the mining industry in the fostering of a principle that is hound to produce its bitter fruit, and leave traces of disaffection, that when the right moment arrives will be assuredly laid tc tho charge ■of those, who are taking the most effectual steps to perpetuate a fame that will not be easily obliterated, or readily forgotten. The Bannockburn is without exception one of the wealthiest parts of the district, and why its existence should be practically ignored is treating it with scant courtesy indeed. The Government are now on their trial, and I trust decided and prompt action will he taken in this matter at the approaching session of tho Provincial Council. The time has passed when tho electors will suffer to he silenced by empty promises -and assurances that the Government if it “ saw its way clear at all, would accede to the request ”of the Bannockburn people. The experience of the past has shown that delays are dangerous, and that so long as ■that section of the community, who perhaps follow the most legitimate calling in the world are prepared to be deceived and cajoled—so long will the miners and the residents of the Bannockburn be trifled with by the powers that be. Truly the time has arrived when representatives should be taught to feel that the interest of the electors is superior to other and personal ; and that a monopoly, injurious to the public weal shall not be allowed to exist under Government patronage and support. I reserve till next issue what I have to say respecting the Cromwell bridge, and its dilapidated strife.