CROMWELL.

Dunstan Times, Issue 835, 19 April 1878, Page 3

CROMWELL.

(Communicated.) April 14. There was a great field day here last Friday. Lawyer’s letters were flying in all directions. On that morning I happened to call at the Post Office, where sure enough there was a letter for me, and on looking at the address I fancied it avas written by a “limb of the law,” which caused me to get into a regular sweat, and my eyes began to swell in my head—in fact I thought they would jump from their sockets. On looking at the back of the envelope I perceived a la"gc impression with a solicitor’s name and address. I paused for some time before opening it thinking what I could have done to cause such a gentleman to write me a letter. On opening it I found it read thus : “ Sir,—l am instructed by the Liquidator of the Deep Level Quaitz Mining Company to apply for payment, forthwith, of a sum of Ids 5d amount of.calls owing as a shareholder, and 10s 6d costs of application ; in default a summons will issue.” The letter contained 54 words, which caused me to think the price rather exorbitant—if sent by cable from England it would not cost more than that. The Liquidator is connected with T.aw, hut has not past his decrees yet, but corresponds with those that have. Fearing that a writ might be issued I hastened to Temple Chambers and paid the calls, hut forgot to pay the costs. I suppose I shall receive another letter of 54 words which will bring the sum of cost up to LI Is. There are about 54 shareholders, all I believe in arrears. Fifty-four letters will cost about L2B. What a patch. A lawyer’s profession is a fine paying one. The Liquidator states that he did not instruct for proceedings to he taken. In strolling about the town I saw several that I thought looked ralher scared, and fancied they laboured under the same complaint as myself, and sure enough such was the case. Some of them I had no compassion for as they owed

more pounds than I did shillings, and should have paid up long ago. It appears that strange things have taken place lately at A rrowtown. I was informed by a gentleman that came from there on Tuesday last that ho saw a portrait of Captain Barry hanging by the neck from a lamp outside the door of an Hotel. I wonder what the poor old gentleman had been doing ? Ido not think he would murder anyone. It is too bad after 47 years Colonial experience—surely, they might have waited until after the “ manuscript ” had made its appearance ; it will be a great loss to our Libraries. Think of a patriarchal looking old tar that braved so many tempests—a sea Captain, who survived many shipwrecks, and on one occasion escaped by getting on a whale’s back—a second Jonas --to be strung up to a lamp-post outside the door of a public-house, to be gazed on and scoffed at by a lot of Arrow Mohawks. I did not think a person, could be got in that little Township to tie the noose.