ST. BATHANS.—April 24.

Mount Ida Chronicle, Volume III, Issue 165, 3 May 1872, Page 3

ST. BATHANS.—ApriI 24.

Alar renumber of Mr. Armstrong's constituents met in the school «room on the evening of the 24th ult., for the purpose of hearing that gentleman give an account of his stewardship during the past twelve months: Mr. Gr. H. Smith occupied the chair, and after explaining the nature of the meeting- requested that they would that night jjerform a double duty, viz., that along with hearing what Mr. Armstrong had to say, and giving him a hearty welcome, they would also proceed to the election of a Progress Committee—the old Committee's year of office having expired. Mi*. Armstrong then came forward amid much welcoming cheers, which must have convinced any byegrander that he is still looked upon by the electors of St. Bathans as the same " Honest John " they believed him to be when first they knew him. When he had finished a short and clear explanation of business transacted during last session of Council, and his own participation therein, and when he asked the electors if he had fulfilled his pledges to them, there could be no mistaking the hearty cheers of approval in which they replied. A vote of confidence in Mr. Armstrong was then proposed by Mr. Jones, and carried by acclamation. The Hon. gentleman thanked them warmly for this expression of confidence, and congratulated them on their having a Progress Committee, for, no matter how influential individual M.P.C.'s might be, they could effect but little good for the districts they represented unless backed up by the support of such a local body as the St. Bathans Progress Committee, instancing the grant, of a biweekly mail and other small favors for this place which,, he considered, would not have been granted but. for the aid of this Committee. The Hon. gentleman took his seat amid loud applause. 'Mr. Smith again stood up, and . in language which may be styled forcible dwelt at considerable length upon the

importance and of a commonage for St. Bathans. upon which a spirited passage at arms, took place between himself and Mr. A. M'Phail, manager of Hawkdun j-station,; who considered, that the residents; being at liberty to run a horse each and otherwise leniently treated by the station owners, were in no need of a, commonage ; and. even if they desired -one and got it granted, he doubted whether they would maintain a ranger. - Mr. Smith acknowledged the kindness of the station owners regarding horses, but residents paid 15s. per headfor the grazing of cattle. Besides, kindness was liable, to be withdrawn; and no act of kindness, be it ever so lasting, could bestow upon settlers that necessary feeling of security and independence which the right of commonage would bring them; and they were able and willing to pay for a ranger. But time presses, and I regret therefore not being able to give you full particulars of a very interesting discussion. Mr. Torston (Secretary to the late Progress Committee) being called upon, read a very satisfactory report of business transacted by that body during their term of office, from which I take the following extract:—" We have had 19 Committee meetings during the year, the attendance being as follows :■ — Messrs. Smith, Purton, Pyle, and the Secretary attended 19 meetings; Mr. Mulvey, 16; Mr. M'Pherson, 15; Mr. Talty, 14; Mr. Keenan, 1. There were £ll6 10s. sterling spent on improvement of roads, &c, about one-half of which was granted by Government and the other subscribed by residents of the place." The Secretary also gave particulars of subscriptions and expenditure, but I refrain from giving them in this letter, as I have already gone beyond the-limits'l intended when beginning. Mr. Torston having concluded the reading of his report, the following gentlemen were elected a Committee, viz.:—Messrs. Smith, Purton, Torston, Pyle, and Mulvey were re-elected, and Messrs Ewing and Prescott were appointed in place of Messrs. Keenan and M'Pherson, who resigned.—A:B.O. ;