OUR BENDIGO CORRESPONDENCE.

Dunstan Times, Issue 1030, 13 January 1882, Page 3

OUR BENDIGO CORRESPONDENCE.

In penning a few lines from this place I am forcibly convinced of my wayward and negligent disposition, for I have not transmitted you any items of news since the general election, over which was displayed such an amount of bitter and hostile feeling. The unamiable feeling which it engendered for the time being was perhaps the most intense that ever attended any former contest in which the goldfields residents had to take a part. All the various machinations which party zeal could inspire its conductors to resort to were brought into requisition, and the acknowledged customs of honor and fair play were set aside as being cumbersome for the occasion. In his speccli here Mr Thompson distinctly stated that he was not in favor of denominational education, nevertheless the no-popery cry was raised against him and used as a political flaw in the candidature of a gentleman whose interests were in common with those of his constituents ; hut notwithstanding this, a-would-be political parson at Queenstown mounted his rostrum and assumed the selfimposed duty of directing his audience how to act in temporal as well as in spiritual matters. His party zeal waxed so strong that he almost unmasked himself, and seemed to have for the time being forgotten his holy calling. After this let us hear no more about Roman Catholic Clergymen directing their flocks how and for whom to vote. This man in his mad bigotry against Mr Thompson seems to have forgotten that the latter was not only a Scotchman like himself (not Highland), but a true blue Presbyterian, who was willing to mete out justice to all classes, irrespective of religion or narrow-minded nationality. At some of the political meetings no less than three men were on the floor together, each claiming a right to be hoard, but one of the Cromwell Co’s managers seemed very anxious to make an exhibition of himself in his unbridled fury against Mr Thompson, for while one of his men,in accordance with the privilege he thought he enjoyed in common with all men, held up his hand in favor of the candidate, the said manager ordered him to put it down, which order he obeyed on pain of dismissal from his daily avocation A nother man who openly avowed his intention to vote for Mr Thompson has since been dismissed from the company’s employ Alter this to what purpo o was the framing of the Corrupt Practices Act? As election matters are now stale, 1 will now turn to mining, which is the reverse of flourishing here The industry is confined to the Cromwell Co, whose mine has not of late yielded handsome returns. The yield of two months crushing was a cake of 2020z», but better days may bo in store for the Co, which has always greatly benefited the district Lately eight men (all strikers nearly) have been paid off, the management thinking it advisable to curtail expenses until a now discovery is made

There has been no lack of amusements here lately The sports at Wakefield were a great success, and wore got up by the men in the neighborhood, who were anxious that mine host Harry Wheiler should have a share of public patronage Both Mr and Mrs Wheiler are very popular, and no one grudged them a slice of good luck The sports he’d at Hooky Point failed to give the same satisfaction, and probably will be the last hold there There was a boil-over there, and few have much sympathy with a publican’s little game, when it is well known that his credit balance with his hanker is on the right side of the ledger. The bazaar at Cromwell was a great success about L 250 being realised Cue thing occurred during the canvassing of subscriptions for the bazaar which I cannot refrain from mentioning ns a warning to young men who contemplate marriage A honest bread-winner was induced by the fair persuaders to put his name down for ss, whereupon his spouse rushed after the canvassoro, and in sonorous tones demanded of them to expunge her husband’s name from the list The henpeoker’s demand was tremblingly complied with In one house the visitors were hospitably entertained by one of their own sex, who, Judas-like, kissed them, and afterwards spread false rumors respecting their mission, which caused several promised donations to he withheld However, Bendigo sent down about L2C to the bazaar

The Daily News publishes a statement to the effect that the English Cabinet have refused to recognise the claim of the United States to the political control of the projected Panama Canal on the grounds that the demand is at variance with international law and the Clayton-Bulwer Treaty