CROMWELL.

Dunstan Times, Issue 715, 31 December 1875, Page 2

CROMWELL.

(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.) Contrary to the expectation of many Mr Vincent Pyke has been returned as the Representative of the Dunstan district in tho General Assembly by the large majority of 148 votes. It is worthy of remark that the “ Stranger ” beat his opponent upon bis own around, Mr Baird only polling in tho Cromwell district 114 Votes as against 124. At Bannockburn it was asserted that Mr Baird would have an overwhelming majority, but tho fates were nnpropitious, and the return gave ids opponent a majority of twenty-eight, while at the Nevis 'tho Cromwell favorite only scored a sinilo vote. The Clyde portion of tho Electoral district polled 228, the respective totals being-Pyko, 307, Baird, 159. Out of the ten polling places Mr Baird had a majority at four of them. Thi» signal defeat may in some measure be ascribed to tho fact that Mr Baird is not a fluent speaker, and was not well versed in politics, while bis opponent was an old experienced politician, and endowed with the capacity of scouring votes by bis suavUer in morlo. Mr Pyko has been elected by tho voice of the people, and oven the most a r dont admirers of the local candidalo should grac dully accept their political defeat—for “ if at first you don’t succeed, why, try again.” There isonothing I Lad almost foigottec, and that waa that

the Bannockburn Roll was closed by an Angel, (Mr Angel of the Garrick) and if this can be taken ns a forerunner of tho future it may yet bo Mr Baird’s fortune, or ill luck to bo the chosen of the people. The elected Candidate will shortly be placed upon his trial, and it behoves all who voted at the recent election to narrowly watch the course of events, and it is likewise to he hoped that when the M. H. R. for the district again addresses his Constituents that ho will meet with a reception as hearty as that recently accorded to him, provided ho docs all he promised, and observes his political pledges. Notwithstanding the inclemency of the weather the Bruce Lodge 1.0. G.T. held their pic-nic in the Schoolroom, Bannockburn on Boxing Day, which passed off successfully, everyone apparently enjoying themselves to the utmost. This Lodge seems to a stranger to be the best conducted in the Order in this part of the district, as they weak harmoniously and extend their invitations and liberality to all. The several Sports were carried on with zest till evening closed, when the room was cleared, and young and old tripped tho light fantastic toe to the strains of the Cromwell Brass Band under the leadership of Mr Whetter. Tho Bazaar in aid of the Roman Catholic Church, took place on Tuesday and Wednesday last, at tho Athenamm Hall, and was in every respect an unqualified success. Tho stalls were most tastefully decorated, and every pardonable artfflee that Eve s fairest daughters could legitimately resort to was brought in vogue; and no sooner was the visitor besieged with, “Oh, its only a shilling 1” than another, equally fair and attractive, arrested your onward course with “Dogo in for this, it’s only five shillings !” It would not be in good taste to particularize the efforts of any lady or ladies, but it is only fair and just to add that Mrs Gudgeon, Mrs Goodger, and Miss Kelly were among the most active promoters, and to their untiring efforts may, to a great extent, be attributed the success. Mesdames Solomon, Luscombe, Howe, Robertson, McNulty, Stumbles, and others did good service, as did also the Misses Howe, and Robertson. A rare treat was provided to the lovers of music by the accomplished pianoforte playing of Miss R. Solomon who has lately cast her lot amongst us ; and whom we hope to hear frequently. On rising from the instrument this lady was rapturously applauded. Space wifi not permit of any lengthened description of the pictures, mats, books, &c , but among the most noticeable contributions, and doubtless to many the most interesting and attractive, was a wedding cake, the gift of Mr James Scott, which was raffled for Lls ; and unfortunately (we mean it kindlv) fell to the lot of a Benedict. Messrs Loughnan and Cowan, with their usual liberality, gave lambs and sheep, which were disposed of to advantage by Mr Colclough, who did the “ Going, going, gone” business to a nicety. Pigs and poultry went off readily ; and Brogden coats—more commonly known Oj • Forty acres ” —found purchasers. The arrangements were all in all, and we regret that pressure on our space precludes a more lengthened notice. The amount realized is upwards of L 209, and the expenses are merely nominal; and when the counter attractions are considered it will bo seen that no room remains to doubt th .iDerality In the cause of philantrophy of the Cromwell public. I am requested to state that Messrs James Lawrence, Quartzville, and William Browne, of Carricktown, have presented the Cromwell Hospital with the sum of LlO, being proceeds (less per centage and charges) obtained by the game known as “ Roulette.’’ It seems that two miners made a bet that they would take LSO at the Races and Bendigo Sports, and that, in any case the sum of LlO was to be presented to the Institution. Mr Lawrence at once placed his dray and horse, free of charge, at Browne’s disposal, who immediately commenced playing at Quartzville, and the following day at the Races, and did a very fair business. As most persons are acquainted with the game a more lengthened notice is unnecessary. This is a good example and worthy of imitation. To a well-regulated mind and genial disposition no greater pleasure can be secured than that of diffusing happiness and comfort to our afflicted and unfortunate brethren. Not the least interesting and amusing diversion from tho monotony of daily life was the picnic to some sixty of the Church of England Sunday School children on Christmas Day. The rendezvous selected was Mr Towen's farm, distant about three miles from the town, and the use of his largo and commodious barn was kindly placed at the disposal of the youthful visitors, who seem-ingly-enjoyed themselves to their hearts’ content. Mrs Wakefield deserves great credit, not only on a'"count of the manner in which the arrangements were carried out, bat also for the trouble and time she sacrificed in raising the necessary fnuds to give the rising generation a treat.