The Dunstan Times. CLYDE, FRIDAY. MAY 26, 1882.

Dunstan Times, Issue 1049, 26 May 1882, Page 2

The Dunstan Times.

CLYDE, FRIDAY. MAY 26, 1882.

Beneath the rule of men entirely .just The pen is mightier than the sword.

The sixth annual statutory meeting of the Vincent County Council is convened for Wednesday next, the Slat inst., but in face of the renewed litigation, this time hy a ratepayer—one who has had no part in any of the previous irregular proceedings—to oust Cr Colclough from the chair, it is very doubtful if the meeting will be held, as to assume the position of chairman, whilst the question of ownership is before the Supremo Court would be so very much like a contempt if Court that we scarcely think Councillor Colclough will take the responsibility of. But as the question has involved so many is ues, not the least being the locking up of the County exchequer and the stoppage of all works, we cannot but think it would not alone be well, but wool I redound much to tbo credit of all those who concern themselves in keeping the ball of litigation rolling if they were to bury, for the nonce, any little personal feeling they may have in the matter, ami tiy, if not to heal, at any rate to patch up the difficulty. Vet why there should be either personal feeling or difficulty over a questh n so pal ry as the one of holding the County Chairmanship we are at more than a loss to imagine. We are perfectly well aware that man's ambition founded on the love of power will at times lead him to that which his better nature would revolt against,and again tbatthesweetsof office will be all powerful to him even to evil, but to the office of Chairman of Vincent County is attached neither power or spoils ; therefore why this bitter war is indulged in and )> olonged is more than ever a mystery. Yet again, the mole hill to some presents the every appearance of a mountain, mind we do not say, nor even do we hint at such a thing ; but who knows that in the minds of some, the importance of the office in contest might not be so great that in their fighting for it they wilfully shut their eyes to all the evils of delay and inconvenience caused. Such a thing is within the bounds of possibility, and to th's phase of the question we direct the attention of the ratepayers. It is just within the range of reason that when on Wednesday next the whole of the Council meet they may he brought to dispassionately discuss the situation and settle it ; hut should they not nothing remains hut for the people to come forward and demand that it should bo done hy one of tho many honorable mo les open to them. Last week we suggested for the Council to cither call in some disinterested outsider to act as arbiter, or to resign; wo now offer a further, and one wo think that should meet with very general approval—that is for tho office to he deemed vacant, fur each councillor to offer himself as a candidate, amd for a plebiscite of the whole of

the ratepayers to be taken and the choice on whom it may fall to be elected in the customary way in terms of the Counties Act. To carry this out would take fourteen or fifteen days, after which everything would soon fall into its old groove of order, whereas to persevere in law, possibly months may elapse, ami with the decision chaos and disorder ami ill-feeling. Failing a settlement, and that a very quick one, to the ratepayers of the Northern and Southern divisions of the County we say Agitate, Agitate, Agitato for separation, and then if “ plenty” did not 11 peace” might possibly reign.

Fourth Page.—For balance of reading matter see fourth page. Sale at Blacks —Buyer’s of cattle and hoi sea will do well to bear in mind the unreserved sale of cattle, etc., on Tuesday next, the 30th inst., at Blacks.—George Fache, auctioneer.

Sales —Mr Fache reports having to sell by auction, this day (Friday), at Cromwell, household furniture, etc., on account of Mr W. Hall ; and to-morrow (Saturday), at Quartzville, bakery business, furniture, house, spring cart, etc., etc. New Music.—We acknowledge the receipt of a piece of music, “ Trie Daily Times Masuvka, by M. A. Junes, and published by Kelsey and Co, of Dunedin. Our musical friends pronounce it a most agreeable well-timed pretty piece o c music, and worthy a place in any repertoire.

N. Z. L. and M. A. Co.’s.—The New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Companies report for May has reached us. It contains the state of the market in London, and the chief of the New Zealand ports in wool and other Colonial products. To growers as well as buyers it is valuable and worthy of reference. McQueen's Dredge,—McQueen’s large iron dredge has at last got to work and we learn with excellent prospects. The washing apparatus which is on an entirely diffe rent principle to anything as yet used in separating gold from the dirt, works smoothly, and proves itself capable to putting through as much dirt as be raised. Conroy's Reef.—Last week we noted the fact that the owners of the Conroy’s Quartz Reef were busy erecting the machinery ; we now learn that the battery is all complete, and that by the end of next week at latest the motive power—a powerful overshot water wheel—will he in position and when crushing will commence.

Public Holiday.—lt is announced else ''•hero hy the Mayor of Alexandra that he his proclaimed Thursday next, Ist of June, as a public holiday to celebrate the opening of the Alexandra bridge. It is also announced, under the signature of Mr \V F. Forrest, the bridge opening committee, that refreshments will be provided on the occasion, and the days proceedings will be In ought to a close by a social dance in the Town Hall.

The Rabbits.—The work of noisoning the rabbits—in the Vincent County district at all events—is being prosecuted most vigorously. The numbers killed it is quite impossible to say, but when it is understood that on the highest computation not more than one out of twelve or fifteen is obtained, the balance making their way into burrows and under rooks and there dying, and that on one station alone 230,000 skins have been obtained during the last season somewhat approaching an estimate can bo made.

Mackenzie’s Claim. Mackenzie and party are making strenous exertions to got into their claim (late Coleman’s ) at Butchers Point, below Alexandra. This claim hrs been opened for the past ten years or more, but fnim a variety of causes—an inability to cope with the influx of water not beimr the smallest—nothing has been done in it for the last four years. During the seasons it was at work, however, a large amount of gold was obtained. The present holders think with improved app iances and with the aid of steam power to drive the pumps which they are using, they may bo able to successfully combat against the difficulties, and reap a rich reward f >r their labor.

Volunteer Coups for Clyde.— There is some talk of forming a Volunteer Corps here in Clyde, in fact already some thirty have signified their intention nf joining ; it is as yet undecided whether the corps should he contingent of the Cromwell and Bannockburn corps or one on its own footing. For our own part we would be in favor of the former, not alone for the reason that as an united win do they would form a most respectable body, hue that it would tend to break through the jealous feeling that has unfortunately been allowed to take root. A central goldfields corps, comprising Blacks, Alexandra, Cromwell, and Clyde would be a body worth joining W* i commend our idea to the promoters nf the C yde corps, as also to the officers and even of Cromwell and Bannockburn.

The Cromwell Argus is responsible for the following.- “ We have good authority for the statement that there is likelihood of an alteration shortly in the bounds of the judicial district pt present under the control of Major Keddell, R.M. and Warden. We believe that gentleman has signi lied to his Department the opinion that it would be more conducive to the piompt and regular conduct of the public business were the Mount Ida district dissociated from that of Dnnstan and Wakatipu, and has recommended that such should be done. The last-named districts are well within the ability of the Major, whereas the three wide districts over which he has travelled the last six months must have been a tremendous straiu on him physically and mentally. Indeed we should imagine that few men could have been found to undertake the task, and it is therefore to the credit of Major Keddell that he so long fulfilled the arduous duties so satisfactorily as ho has. But there is limit to endurance, and we are clad that the Government has been moved in the matter by the Warden himself, as his recommendation will have morn weight than auy amount of public agitation.

Billiard Tables.—The County Solicitor has informed the Southland Council that no provision having been made in the new Licensing Act, therefor no license foes can be taken from keepers of billiard tables and bagatelle tables.

Forresters’ Ball —The anniversary ball of the Court Pride of Alexandra, A.0.F.. took place in the Town Hall, on Friday evening last, the 19th inst. The company, though not so large as we have seen on former occasions, was select, and from the spirit they all—about 35 couples—entered into the dancing ; there can be no doubt but they enjoyed themselves. The Alexandra Brass Band discoursed the music in the customary excellent manner, and Mr VV. Robertson officiated as M.C.

The Supplement.— Our supplement this week has the opening chapter or a colonial story of life on the gold fields, from the pen of Donald Cameron,—one of the best authors we have in the colonies. In a few weeks we will commence a serious of artic'ea on agiioulturo by Emerson Mclvor, F.1.C., F.C.S., author of ‘‘The Chemistry of Agriculture,” these articles will prove of great value to farmers, and should be well conned by them.

Local Government Circular.—ln reply to Major Atkinson’s query No. 5 in his Inca'-government circular—‘‘Can you suggest any (new duties which should he imposed on, or new powers which should be enforced by, counties, more especially as to the power of making bye-laws ?”—the Southland County Council baa replied— Yes ; to abolish licensing committees outside of boroughs as useless expenditure, and vest their powers in county councils ; to give powers under the Protection of Native Came Act; to give power to appoint cemetery trustees.

Dunstan Gun Club.-The Dunstan District Gun Club hail their annual shooting contest on Wednesday last (Queens Birthday) at Cromwell. About twenty members were present, but many others were deterred from putting in an appearance on account of a heavy misty fog which overhung the Molyneux from early morning till nearly noon, about which time it c eared off and the sun shining blight and warm a pleasant afternoon followed. The shooting was scarcely up to the average eight birds out of ten being the highest scores. Mr Mereweathel- and Mr J. Campbell each scored S and on the shooting off the best two out of three (birds, Mr Mereweather won which entitled him to first prize, Mr Campbell takes second, and Mr Cecil Rees third with 7 birds.

Opening of Alexandra Bridge.—As by advertisement it will lie seen that the Alexandra Bridge is to be officially opened on Thursday next, the Ist of June, and that for traffic it will be opened from the 2ud of June. The Committee appointed to carry out the affair are, we believe, making e'ery effort to render the affair a success. From the number of rounds of beef, hams, and the no end of other comestibles that are being prepared for the occasion a large crowd is expected to gather together. Dunedin boasts of having the largest dredge in the world. Vincent County by all accounts will be able to boast of the largest bridge in the Colony, and as the ceremony of opening the largest bridge cannot be expected to occur above once in a life time the opportunity should not be lost of attending on Thursday next.

Australian' Mutual Provident Society, —Tiie thirty-third annual report of the Australian Mutual Provident Society which lies before ns is an interesting document, and shows unmistakably that the age is really a provident aim. and that despite the all but universal cry of hard times and die scarcity of money, s ill there is plenty to put by for a rainy day. The amount of money paid into this' society, considering that it is but one out of many hundreds of kindred institutions, is truly wonderful ; and if a table of the whole could be compiled the total would be stupendous. Por the year the receipt of the Australian Mutual for premiums and for annuities was £558,711 2s 3 I , interest, £225,7(58 12r 5d ; tines, £2lB Os 9d ; bringing the total of accumulated funds to £3,820,185 5s Oil, whilst the total liabilities arc but £3.000,108 19s 10J. The expenditure for the year was, for claims under polices and annuities, £'261,320 13s 7d ; expenses of management and commission, £73,657 0s 51, including the item of drafts and cheques. The number of policies issued since the establishment of the s ciety to 31st December last was 65,409, assuring £23,005,171, of which 18,678 have been discontinued, leaving 40,701 existing policies, assuring £17,211,035, from which the total income, incln ling interest is £817,223 5s 41, and, deducting the expenditure as above, leaves the very handsome annual balance of £743,565 18s lid to meet policies falling due.

A Gentle Cook..—A riot in a girls’ re formatory. near' Coventry, England, occurred last month. It arose from some grievance of the girls against the conk. A committee had investigated the matter, and Lord Leigh, the chairman, informed the girls that the cook had sent in her resignation. A scene of the wildest confusion than ensued. The girls would not listen to His Lordship ; they knocked the furniture about and shook their fists repeatedly in the tr .es of the committee. Two of the most violent were put in cells, but one of them kicked through the panel of a door, crept out of the hole, and regained her liberty. Her rc-appearanee amongst the girls was the signal f>r renewed disorder, which became so serious that it was found necessary to call in the police to quell the riot. At the trial the ringleader stated that the cook had thrown a teacup at a girl who was in a consumption. The cook had also threatened to poison the girls, and had chased some of them around the kitchen with a

red hot poker. The Judge sent three ot the prisoners to gaol for throe months, with har d labor.

The Cost op a. Foooy Day in London.— The Glasgow Citizen states that on a recent foggy day, the gaslight and coke companies of London supplied 75,000.000 cubic feet of gas, for which the charge would be £12,000. The Cost of Intemperance Earl Cairns, speaking at Bournemouth on intemperance, said it was an almost incredible fact lira,, there was spent in this country every year in the purchase of intoxicatingliquors £150,000,000 —neavlv twice the national revenue What was wanted was greater legislative ''control over the houses as to number and oth#r matters. A Juvenile Kelly Gano.— Four little boys, all under the ago of 10 years, who were allowed to sit on a seat, where they looked almost like babies, with their legs dangling down, were last Tuesday charged at the Central Police Court with stealing a horse and van, the property of Peter Murphy. The name." of these little fellows, who, it seems, had agreed among themselves to be known as “The Kelly Gang,” we r e William M'Guffiu, Walter Doran, William Napier. and James Baynes. From the evidence given it appears that these youthful desperadoes stole the horse and van from the yard of tho '.Miner’s Arms in Georgestreet, and left town with the. avowed object of driving as far as Dubbo before commenceing business in the bushranging line. Dn the way up they agreed as to their titles, *and they were to he known among themselves as Ned and Dan Kelly, Steve Hart, and Joe Byrne respectively. The question of a supply of arms was left to a future occasion, but in the meantime they thought they might look up a few horses, and they commenced with one at Parramatta. The theft, however, was discovered all too soon for the emhryo bushrangers. They were apprehended without a struggle, and. after the evidence had been heard against them, they were committed for trial from Parramatta. Then they were brought down to Sydney to explain about the other horse and van they had taken from the Miner s Aims. 1,, court they offered no explanation, hut laughed throughout the whole proceedings as though they thought it a good joke, Mr Dillon, the magistrate, himself could hardly keep from smiling, so comical was the whole affiir. The height of the absurdity was reached when the magistrate, in a severe tone, addressed them as follows: —"Prisoners at the har, having heard the evidence, have you anything to say? You are not obliged to say anything unless you desire to do so ; hut whatever you do say, will be taking down in writing, and used against you at your trial.” The prisoners had nothing to say beyond a grin, and they were then fully committed for trial, bail being allowed, each boy himself in £2O. and each in two sureties of £lO. or one of £2O.