THE Mount Ida Chronicle FRIDAY, MAY 12, 1871.

Mount Ida Chronicle, Volume II, Issue 115, 12 May 1871, Page 4

THE Mount Ida Chronicle FRIDAY, MAY 12, 1871.

We this day redeem a promise made some time bairk, of the Mount Ida. Chroniclk to the dimensions of a t'ull-Nizcd journal. The fulfilment of this promise has, from un-

foreseen been delayed considerably beyond the period we at the time anticipated. Ab the old proverb, however, has it, " better late than "never." In appearing, as does the Chronicle, for the first time in a new shape, it has adopted a size which we trust our readers will consider to be appropriate and convenient. \\ r e at all times have a feeling of delicacy in alluding to ourselves. We cannot, however, on an occasion such as is the present, refrain from connecting the Chiionicle with the evident progress made in the district within the last two years. The existence of a local journal has, in our opinion, and we believe in the opinion of all unbiassed and unprejudiced persons, tended in a very great degree to the progress to which we have alluded. Small as our sheet has hitherto been, its columns have been systematically and constantly devoted to the expression of the wants and requirements of the district, and has invariably suggested, to the best of its ability, measures which it deemed most likely to produce the re dress of past grievances and initiate a better oruer of things for the time to come. That the coach, by passing through this town, has not only contributed to the convenience of the residents of Naseby, but has caused the district to be better, far better, and wirier known than heretofore no one will, we think, attempt to deny. Nor, as we imagine, has the Mount Ida Chronicle played an inconsiderable part in bringing about the change of route by which the desired end has been accomplished. The advocacy of the extension of the telegraph system to tfiis place has been another matter which has been constantly and earnestly supported in the columns of this journal, and, we happy to say, with trie prospect of a speedy accomplishment, t) the manifest advantage and progress of the district. The improvement- in the road between this pla e and Eden Creek, the removal of the survey office from Hamilton to this place, the establishment of a commonage for the miners, the non-granting of agricultural lease areas within a radius likely to interfere with mining operations, are some of tae matters which the Chronicle takes credit to itself for having advocated and advocated with success. Nor have we in any way been forgetful of the interests of the miners. On the contrary, it ha 3 ever been admitted and pointed out that the district is essentially a mining district, and it has ever been contended that that interest s!iou d be specially fostered, and its privileges protected and enlarged. We think, therefore, on the whole, that the Chiionicle has, ho far, fulfilled its mission and redeemed the promises made at the time of its advent.

The increase, however, of the district, both in wealth and importance, has brought upon us the conviction that, if the CmiowcLE desires to keep pace with the times, it must correspondingly increase its size ; and it has been this conviction which has led us to appear as we this day appear—in an enlarged lorm. Hitherto its limited space compelled its columns to be in a great degree essentially local in character. Its enlarged form will now enable us to extend our sphere of usefulness, and at the same time to devote a portion of our columns to recording at greater length mining operations, as well in other G-oldfields of New Zealand as in other countries. This cannot fail to render the Chronicle more acceptable than heretofore to the mining portion of the community. At the same time, for the benefit of the lovers of light literature, we purpose publishing from week to week, one or more chapters from some popular serials from the Home magazines and papers. We hope that the increased size of the Chrosiclß may securo it an increased circulation, thereby enhancing its value as an advertising medium throughout the entire district. In conclusion, we may state that the same free and independent spirit which has hitherto pervaded its columns will be and we assure our readers that the same desire to promote the interests of the public which has hitherto characterised t le Chhon'lcle ill its old. will still be continued and pjrsisted in in its new form. lu the hope of

receiving at the hands of the public an amount of additional support commensurate with the additional expense which the enlargement of our sheet will entail, we quit a subject at all times a disagreeable ore—self —and leaving the matter in the hands of the public, we confidently await the isaue and resume our duties.