CROMWELL.

Dunstan Times, Issue 725, 10 March 1876, Page 2

CROMWELL.

(from our own correspondent.) The best of friends, we are told, sometimes fall out; but be this true or false, it would seem that two of a trade can never agree. A story is current to the effect that a gentleman following the laudable calling of an auctioneer thought for to assail the character of another brother. At once the opinion of those learned in the law is sought, and a letter demanding an apology has been forwarded and duly replied to ; although the answer in question deserves to be framed and suspended in the Town Council, or some other conspicuous place, so that the rising generation may have an opportunity of immortalizing the author, and directing his attention to Lindley Murray, the more so, as this gentleman is a nondescript ailachd to some journal, and has of late been most liberal in spreading untruths concerning better men than himself. The public will, I am credibly informed, be treated to some racey and interesting items of intelligence, and the gushing traducer will have another chance of airing his eloquence, and appealing to the “tender sympathies ” of an enlightened—and let me hope—intelligent Jury of his fellow countrymen. Verily, his greatness is a-going ! going !! gone !! ! which is usually the fate of those who frantically rush into affairs that do not concern them, and with which they have nothing to do. I again call attention to the necessity of every person professing to have an interest in the affairs, not only of the Province, but also of the Colony, taking the proper steps to have his name placed upon the Electoral Roll. There may be another General Election before many months. Now that the town is amply supplied with water it may not be amiss to throw out one or two suggestions of a practical nature which might very properly engage the attention of the Corporation or its responsible officer. In ail towns of importance it is far from usual to allow every person, be ho or they Councillor or otherwise, to use the branch hose at pleasure. I believe the contractor has, hy the forms of the specifications, to give a guarantee for three months to maintain the works in an efficient state. It has to some occurred that it would bo nothing but fair and proper to allow no one but the Fire Brigade and the Corporation dayman to handle the branch and water the street, when, if any injury were done to the plant the contractor would then be enabled to look to some responsible person. To all appearance Mr Drummy has done his work ably and well, and I am therefore pleased to be in a position to place this fact upon record, as it was by myself doubled as to the joining of the pipes over the Cromwell Bridge holding firmly together, inasmuch as the vibration caused hy waggons heavily laden passing thereon and thereover, can be better imagined than described especially by those who might happen to be thereon during the transit of a ten-horse waggon team, tightly packed with bales of wooL The stand pipes might be improved by the addition of a basin, well perforated, which would break the force of the drop, and dispense with the heavy rushing sound now so unwelcome fo equestrians, and which is far from inviting to those who have to manage young restless animals. Especially is this observation applicable to the pij>c in front of the Telegraphic Office, Of course everything cannot ho done at once ; but it is as well to direct attention to the subject. To any casual observer it is self-evident that the contract for making and forming

the Clyde and Cromwell road will ha pushed promptly a-hoad, and establish, that alter all there is nothing so satisfactory as road making by contract. The rude and ragged-looking bluffs which everywhere aro to bo found on this road are now being removed by means of blasting, gads, &o. When completed I think this piece of work will give the public every satisfaction, and render travelling in vehicles far safer and far more inviting and agreeable than at present.

Messrs Woods and Mason have finished the contract for forming and gravelling Melmore Terrace, which, from the Post Office upwards, has been widened about half a chain; while Erris Street is now fit for traffic. The work itself has been satisfactorily carried out by the contractors j but I very much fear the Inspector of Works, —which is a similar appointment to a town surveyor—has paid but little regard to the permanent levels, concerning which in the past, it may be said, was bis “hobby horse.” Messrs Wood and Mason were engaged about two months over the work. To make Melmore Terraco other than an eyesore, a few pounds might be judiciously expended on the footpath from the junction of Erris Street to Stewart’s corner. Attention has been frequently directed to this subject, and it is desirable that at the next meeting of the Council one of the representatives of Macandrew Ward will, if present (which has rarely been the case of late), invile the attention of his colleagues thereto ; failing which some other burning light will doubtless shed its gent’e rays, and lead tho erring into the narrow and straight path of duty. Tho ratepayers would be pleased to see the work at once started.

In my peregrinations complaint has, on more than one occasion, been made concerning the internal management of the Cromwell Hospital, and before chronicling the same I resolved to go and ascertain for myself, which I accordingly did, and am happy to acid that every one of the patients expressed themselves highly satisfied with the treatment and attention they received ; while I found the Wardsman and matron very willing to furnish every reasonable information. The wards were very clean and tidy, and everything in apple-pie order. I selected one of the visiting days, but each patient had an opportunity to speak freely and conceal nothing. I unhesitatingly state that these rumors were entirely unfounded. It has been by the ungenerous circulated that nothing in favor of this Institution would find space in the Dunstan Times, and that “ Your Own ” would be sure to “ have a go in,” but the sooner such rumors are traced to their proper channel, and the journalistic principle by which your paper is regulated understood by them the better. If these rumors had been well founded I should have exposed the same, and taken the deserving to task. The Institution seems w*ell attended to, and lam the more gratified to be able to testify to the fact. I I do not know whether there is a Ladies’ Committee, but I think there should be, as a visit from such to their own sex is certainly a practice worthy of encouragement. It is only those who have been confined to a bed of sickness, or necessitated to become an inmate of a hospital, who can speak feelingly upon the subject, and an occasional visit from those of the outside world cheers the sick, and revives their drooping spirits. While upon the subject, 1 might intimate that a few periodicals would at all times he acceptable .j- for, in the words of Samuel Ferguson—- “ Thus clasped and prostrate all, with their heads together bowed ; Soft o’er their bosoms beating—the only human sound— They hear the siiky footsteps of the si lent fairy crowd. Like a river in the air, gliding round.”

Cromwell is, after all, to have a second lawyer, as Mr Finn, of Queenstown, has re* solved to attend the Courts once a fortnight, and has partially arranged to have, an agent to act for him at Cromwell. If there is work for one solicitor there should be for two, especially when mining agents no longer practice. John Gilpin’s celebrated ride was in imminent danger of being eclipsed on Saturday last. Law is law, and it would appear that some can never have enough of it. A case which has been in different ways brought before the Court some eight or nine times (Kemagan Bros. v. M‘Dowell) culmi-y nated in the Warden declaring the alleged surplus ground open for selection. No fairy ever danced more sprightly ! No lover ever troubled with more anxious thoughts ! No warrior more eager for the fray ! No ped more gamely ran than did these two suitors to their respective stables. The air was rent with cries “A horse ! A horse ! !” and never did the illustrious G. V. Brooke, or Barry Sullivan re iterate—“A horse ! a horse ! my kingdom for a horse ! more tellingly than did William Kernagan and William M‘Dowell. The stake was great, the race long—only 34 miles—to the Upper Nevis. Mac was the first to mount, and amid the cheers of the onlookers, he clapped his heels to the sides of his steed, and sped on his course. Ten minutes after his antagonist was in hot pursuit, mounted on a spirited bay. Bets were freely offered and taken, as it was generally thought, the bay being a livery nag and stable fed, and the other but just off tho grass, that the race would bo one-sided ; not so, however, thought Old Mac, as passing the dam at tho junction of the Bannockburn road, ha was heard to exclaim “ Old Scotland for ever.” On came the haj, ridden by a son of Old Ireland ; and on still flew tho representative of the Heather. Tho pace was terrific for a short time, but at Richards’ the old man was ton minutes in advance. He neither turned to the right nor to the loft, but kept straight on. Not so tho other, hut with noted perversity ho swerved to tho right, and took tho Carrick Road. Arriving at tho top of tbo hill ho changed his jaded steed. But where was Old Mac all this time ? Pushing on fo reach the desired goal, and crossing tho Nevis stream he obtained another horse,

and arrived at the claim fifty seven minutes before the irate and disappointed wooer of the majesty of the law. They who take the sword shall perish by the sword, and there is but one universal feeling prevalent, and it is that of satisfaction at tho result. In the Resident Magistrate’s Court a trumpery charge of horse stealing, preferred by D. A. Jones against William Kirker was, on tho application of the informant, allowed to be withdrawn, tho Bench remarking that there was no stain upon tho character of the defendant. On the civil side of tho Court tho following cases were disposed of : Colclough, as manager of the Lowburn Company v G. Tronson, L 35. The same v Stuart, £lO. The cases against C. E. Gudgeon and E. Burchell were struck out, owing to non-proof of service of summons.—Joblm v, Solomon, claim foi L4O for illegal seizure under distress warrant, was heard, and judgment reserved till this day.—D. A. Jolly v. Buchan.—Judgment by default, for LlB. Davis v. Robertson. —This case was a reserved judgment on an interpleader summons, issued on the application of the bailiff (Mr Hall). The finding was in substance “that there was an entire absence of evidence to connect Mrs Robertson with the goods levied upon, and in so far as the Court had been shown it would appear that Mr J. S. Burres was the person entitled to them.” The bailiff was ordered to give up possession, as there was no judgment against the claimant (Mr Burres), and therefore his chattels could not be taken iu execution to satisfy a judgment recovered against another person. In the Warden’s Court judgment was delivered in causa, Clyde v. M‘Dowell, for a dissolution of partnership. The partnership was decreed dissolved, and the property found to consist of a mining claim at Nevis, certificate 4788, tail race No. 3579, and head race, 3216, the same to be sold by public auction. This decision left open two acres for selection, over which the race described between Keanagan and M‘Dowell occurred ; but want of space in this issue is my excuse for-this b-ief notice, but in your next I will give the history of the proceedings from the beginning. The police are at present actively engaged in investigating a charge of cattle stealing, preferred by Mr John Wrightson, against a well-known storekeeper, residing a short distance from this town. At present I refrain from further comment than this, viz,, that the practice of cutting and branding the cattle of other persons has been too common in the district during the last three years. Speculation is rife, and, as usual, all sorts of rumors are current, but it is more than likely that the respected magistrate of the district will have to solve them on Friday next. Again has that dread enemy death carried away another of our common family in the person of Mrs J. Mason, who was well snd favorably known both at Clyde and Alexandra; and what is the more alarming,. her husband is now nn inmate of the Hospital ; but strong hopes are entertained of his recovery. Mrs Mason was an industrious and persevering little body and deservedly respected by all sections of the ■community. It is strange, but when one of a family goes to that “ far-off country ” others follow. The late Adam Spence left two of his little ones behind and now one of them has been called to join her father in that unknown world beyond 'the grave. The funeral was well attended. There is but one male child remaining, and of very tender years. Typhoid fever has again appeared in Cromwell, and the Local Board of Health were by Dr Stirling acquainted therewith. The events hereafter related will speak for themselves. Dr Stirling preferred a charge against Mr D. A. Jolly, which was investigated and evidence taken, and the Board decided (the Chairman being the accused, and presiding), on the proposal of Mr Stephen Noble Brown, of the Argus—- “ That the Board is of opinion that the charge brought against its members and Chairman by Dr Stirling, in his letter of the 6th of March, 1876, have not been proved, tho evidence taken showing that the Local Board of Health has not in any way neglected its duty.” A public meeting was afterwards convened, when the following resolution at a crowded meeting (some having to look through the windows) was proposed by Mr E. A. Drury, seconded by Mr Jas. Scott, and three to one carried—“ This meeting is of opinion that the finding of the Local Board of -Health, reflecting upon Dr Stirling and his letter of the 6th inst, was directly antagonistic to the evidence adduced, and further, that Dr Stirling did not receive the courtesy which to gentlemen is usually conceded.” in your next I will, with your permission, publish the evidence, and have something to say concerning tho Board of Health, who, when the Doctor requested a post mortem to be made by a disinterested surgeon, remained in the back-ground. The public have affirmed they have no faith in the Board of Health. The result of advertising.—Mr Orange Judd, proprietor of the Hearth and Home, has written to the New York Tribune an account of successful advertising by him. Twenty years ago when he was young as a newspaper proprietor, he resolved to advertise, and went to the Tribune office, intending to put a forty-line announcement in that paper. He spent some time writing out his ideas, proposing to condense them afterwards. But suddenly he noticed that the Tribune clock had stopped, and, to avoid a long walk home, ho threw his copy to the clerk as it was, and rushed off for his conveyance. Next day bis advertisement measured one hundred and ninety-six instead of forty lines, and its cost was a great tax upon him. But the reward was speedy. A sensation was caused. By 3 p.m. two hundred and twenty-six new subscribers had been entered on his bonks ! Since that time Mr Orange Judd has advertised extensively. His outlay on advertising account has been quite half-a-million dollars. aa ® it has paid and is paying him,