BALD HILL FLAT.

Dunstan Times, Issue 743, 14 July 1876, Page 3

BALD HILL FLAT.

(IUOM A CORRESPONDENT.) Mr Hugh Crossan, proprietor of the Spcargrass Flat Hotel, having leased his premises to Mr James Oliver, and about to leave the district, was entertained by the inhabitants to a public supper on Friday last, in recognition of his social and obliging disposition as a neighbor, and of the many valuable services rendered by him in promoting the interests of the district. The edibles were everything that could be desired both as regards choice and variety, and to which due justice was done. Mr R. M. Smith, being voted to the chair, said—lt was with mingled feelings of regret and pleasure he occupied the position as chairman that night. He had no doubt they all regretted having to part with Mr and Mrs Crossan, whose social, obliging and generous dispositions, have won for them the respect and esteem of all with whom they had come in contact; but, on the other hand, it gave him the greatest pleasure—on being asked—to preside at this meeting, where they wished publicly to recognise and honor merit wsro merit is due; it was right they should do so, it was a stimulent in the right direction, and he had no doubt, in the present instance, they had conferred honor on those deserving it. Mr Crossan possessed qualifications which rendered him a desirable member of society, and he had no doubt that they would agree with him when he said Mr Crossan had used those qualifications to the best advantage. He (Mr Crossan) had always been to the fore in all matters affecting the interests of the district, and where individual interests required his aid he was always ready with a helping hand. He would be a loss to the district, and they would all miss him and Mrs Crossan very much. But there was one thing certain, go where they would they carry with them the respect and esteem of the residents of the Bald Hill Flat. (Cheers.) He had therefore very much pleasure in proposing the toast of the evening “ The health of Mr and Mrs Crossan.” (Loud cheers.) Mr fl ugh Crossan, in responding to the toast said- -Mr Chairman, ladies and gentlemen, I beg most sincerely to thank you for the honor you have conferred on Mrs Crossan and myself to-night. We can scarcely reconcile ourselves to believe that we merited the same ; but should such be the case, we are still sensible to the fact that we have done nothing but our duty—(Cheers) —and it is most'gratifying to ua to know that our efforts have been so honorably acknowledged by you. We will carry away with us many pleasant recollections of the days spent on Bald Hill Flat, and ever remember the kind wishes you have expressed to-night for our future welfare. He hoped their successors, Mr and Mrs Oliver, would find as much favor as they had done; and that the district—whose prospects for the fnture would compare favorably with any other part of the Province—would continue to prosper. (Cheers.) Mr George Wilkinson proposed “The Health of Her Most Gracious Majesty the Queen,” which was responded to by three hearty cheers, and the company singing “ Rule Britannia.”

Mr James Fish proposed “The Mining Interest.” Mr James Wnite in responding said—This industry is one that had been very much neglected for want of proper talent to bear on the subject. 'What they wanled was practical men who would make it a study. There wcio certain indications which, if studied, would almost b rand to lead to success. The miners of the present day made their business a mere gams of chance, and trusted to it as such, hence their want of success. M iuing was but in its infancy, and was no imagination. There were several quartz reefs already found in the district, and no doubt many more would be found, and when these were once developed they would become a permanent industry of the utmost importance to the district. It was a mistake to think (hat the mining and agricultural interests were conflicting. It only wanted proper legislation to make both industries work harmoniously together. There was one thing wrong on the Goldfields, and that is a want of sociability, and people were actually verging into a state of misanthrophy. He was glad to see that meetings of a social character were being introduced, as they brought people together and were productive of good results both mentally and physically. He hoped they would try and conserve the mining interest as he believed tho district would be partially dependent on it for many years to come. (Cheers.) Mr George Clucas proposed “ The Agricultural and Pastoral Interests.” Mr Patrick M'Gettigan, in responding said—He believed that in no part of the Province had those interests been pushed more vigorously ahead, or with better success. When he first came here there were neither roads, fences, houses, r or signs of cultivation, and that was but a few years ago. Now, there were homesteads of a most substantial character, with all the requisite material for carrying on farming on an extensive scale. What they wanted was more land. If the Government would give them that, he was sure they would use it to tho best advantage. Mr Hugh Crossan proposed “ The health of Mr and Mrs Oliver,” his Successors. Mr Oliver responded. Mr John King proposed “Thehealth of the Ladies.” Mr John Campbell responded. Several of the ladies and gentlemen enlivened the proceedings during the evening by singing, and a very enjoyable social meeting was brought to a close by singing “ God Save the Queen.”