ST. BATHANS.

Mount Ida Chronicle, Volume II, Issue 119, 9 June 1871, Page 5

ST. BATHANS.

MR. STBA-TFOED's lIEMOTA.L. —PUBLIC MEETING. As a continuation of my remarks of last week on the remov tl of Mr. Scrati'ord, I wish to say ihat the people are well pleased to hear Mr. Carew so favorably spoken of; but if it be true, as is reported, that Mr. Stratford had a prior claim on the consideration of the Government, they (the people) are curious to know by what agency such claim came to be overlooked ? They feel naturally indignant that a disregard for fairplay should be shown in such quarters—such disregard apt to leave a painful impression on the public mind, and to create a feeling of insecurity in the minds of Government servants in general. At a public meeting held in the schoolroom in connection with Mr. H A. Stratford's removal from here, and the closing of the Court House by the Government, Mr. Purton in the chair, the following resolutions were carried unanimously:—Proposed by Mr. Ewing, and seconded by Mr. M'Connochie: " That this meeting elect a Committee to undertake the collection of subscriptions, for the purpose of presenting Mr H. A. Stratford with a substantial testimonial of the respect in which he is held by the people of this district, and their regret at his leaving them. Such Committee to consist of Messrs. Brown, Wade, Johnstone, Mallou, Turner, Pulton, Stewart, Wheeler, MTienzi , M'Connochie, and the mover."—2nd. Proposed by Mr. Mulvey, and seconded by Mr. Wheeler : " That, in not giving Mr. Strat ord th ; least official notification of their intention before the nrrival of the officer to supersede him. the Government have acred with in.'eeorom haste and marked towards Mr. Stratford, in hist otfieiai relations with the people of t iportion of the district, deserves and N

enjoys the respect and confidence of silt class's of the community."—3rd. Proposed by Mr. Turner, and seconded by Mr. Cormick, " That, considering the amount of revenue derived from this office, this meeting protests against its being; closed, as that would entail a loss upon this community out of all proportion great compared with the saving effected; and desires tbe Progress Committee to communicate with the Government, with a view to the said office being kept open ; and offering, as a su rgestion, that if a receiver cannot be stationed here, a trustworthy person residing in St. Nathans might be obtained who would be willing to keep the office open an hour or two each day for a small sum, Ray £SO per annum."—The meeting, which seemed to enter fully into the spirit of the above resolutions, then broke up. June 4. Up to the present the winter is very fine—a little frost every night, but not severe enough to obstruct mining operations. Water was getting scarce, but a fall of snow on Wednesday last, which covered all the ranges, has added sufficient to the supply to preveut any scarcity for a few weeks more. The Rev. Father Royer leaves here to-morrow for Victoria, where lie intends remaining five or six weeks for the benefit of his health. At vespers, this evening, the rev. gentleman addressed an affectionate farewell to his congregation. He intends being home again by the Ist of A ugust. In the meantime, all his friends of every denomination here will miss Father Royer very much, and shall pray that, his journey to and from Victoria may be accomplished with safety and the desired effect on the rev. gentleman's healta.—A. B.C.