THE MUNICIPAL MARTYR.

Mount Ida Chronicle, Volume III, Issue 180, 16 August 1872, Page 3

THE MUNICIPAL MARTYR.

(To the Editor of the ALoosx Ida. Chroxicxe.)

Sir,—lf Diogenes travelled round in these times, and particularly in these parts, he would not have had to travel far before he would have selected from our small community a wise man, arid the object of hia choice would, I have

every reason to believe, have been the author of the communication which appeared ialast week's issue, and signed " Charles Tiers." I can fancy I sec the old philosopher rejoicing in his success, embracing your correspondent because he was so lull of wisdom, and proposing that they adjourn to the Bal- [ larat to more closely cement their newly formed friendship in soda dilated with brandy.

I am of opinion that tho miners, as a class are not quite so ignorant as your correspondent takes them to be, especially in matters municipal, so far as to allow themselves to bo "cajoled" into doing that which will neither benefit nor interest them, with all his fair but factless asseverations. A municipality in this place would assist most materially mining and the miners, by developing the resources of the district in prospecting for, and in opening up, its hidden treasures. The mayor and councillors will be com-

posed, if not ofminers,of those directly and indirectly interested in mining; and will any sane man for a moment

imagine that a municipal body so constituted will, by any act of theirs, do that which will injuriously affect mining, the miner, or • the district ? It is im-

possible to believe such would be the case, and with the exception of your correspondent, and a few of his ilk, I do not think many of the intelligent of the community even suppose such a possibility. The auriferous nature of the district is well-known—that reefs exist is an established fact—that coarse gold is to be found on the main bottom is indisputable, but how are these sources of prosperity to the district to be arrived at ? Will your correspondent and his tail assist in their development on spec ? No ;be is too wise for that. Then, in the interests of the district, let the town take it in hand ; but, before the funds are corneatible, it must be declared a municipality. Let, say, va portion of the municipal revenue be devoted towards prospect in <r, opening up reefs, and in de*ep-sinking, and I shall be much mistaken if, in twelve months, an era of prosperity has not dawned on Mount Ida. Miners!

throw away your prejudices, and vote

as one man for the municipality. "You are in the majority; you can control the elections ; you can select your own councillors, and expend th-3 revenue for the benefit of the district. Give the anti-progressionists a deaf car. Their facts are not substantial, and their speeches are " stumpy." I now throw down the gauntlet, and challenge your correspondent to ah argument of tho whole question, so far as Kaseby is concerned, and. your readers will decide who first throws ap the sponge. The only argument 1 have heard advanced by "him-'pate me in mindxjf an old stave (slightly altered to suit) —- .•"'.,- ,

"I do not-Jit© tlieo, Municipal,' I do not like thee, Municipal, The reason why I cannot tell, But I do not like thee,! Municipal.*' Concerning tho insinuation—" If everyone had his own," Ac.—l return it with the same heartiness as it was given. It does not fit. jHe has mistaken his man. I am not ashamed of my nom de plume, I again subscribe myielf yours, <&c, -Bjiasdt/akd Sodjl.

A private letter fsW Mr. Childers to Mr." Duffy has announced that the Imperial 6overment vr'ifi. subsidize th«> / American Mail contract by paying the American postages, and giving Victoria and New Zealafadj LIO,OOO ; each. ... , ?}. ; '.-