THE Mount Ida Chronicle FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 1872.

Mount Ida Chronicle, Volume III, Issue 185, 20 September 1872, Page 4

THE Mount Ida Chronicle FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 1872.

As might have been anticipated, the programme of Stafford and Co., disclosed a few evenings since to the House of Representatives, enunciated an almost entire reversal of the policy of their predecessors in office. In fact, the speech from first to last sang the single song of " retrogression," rather than that of " progress," and we cannot disguise from ourselves the fact that, from the entire omission of any allusion to Water Supply and other works, the. Groldfields in general, and this place in particular, have nothing but neglect and disappointment to expect from the late change of U^inistry.

If the Fox-Yogel Government were dilatory and shilly-shally in the performance of certain admitted works on Goldfields, still works to a consider- ; able extent were sanctioned and would no doubt, had the late Government re- [ mained in office, have been at an early date initiated and eventually brought to a satisfactory termination. Amonothese works we may mention an inv creased Water Supply and the construction of a Sludge Channel for Naseby—works absolutely essential to the development of this part of the Mount Ida Goldfield and, without doubt, of a more than ordinarily reproductive character. We confess that we were not much pleased at the reply given by Mr. Eeeves to Mr. Mervyn's late application, that the " Govern- " ment required further information " looking upon the answer, as we then did and still do, as savoring rather of evasion and put off than of an honest desire to see the sanctioned works proceeded with without delay, more particularly when 'information" upon the question, usque ad nauseam, was already in the possession of the Government. Still, there was a justifiable hope that the promises made by the late Government would be gradually given effect to. With the present Government, however, it would appear, from what we have been able to judge of their present action and future declared intention—as intimated by their chief, Mr. Stafford—that little or no prospect exists of the carrying out of the works sanctioned by the Pox-Vogel Government. While on this subject we cannot refrain from giving utterance to the feelings of general dissatisfaction—if not of indignation—which pervade the public mind at the action taken by Mr. Mervyn in opposing a Ministry who had promised milch for this place, and supporting one whose opinions must have been known to him to be adverse to the wishes and interests of. those whom he was returned to represent. In fact, we cannot but feel that in all matters connected with the Mount Ida District, since his election, Mr. Mervyn has shown an- indifference to the interests of the place which it would be difficult to understand were we not all well aware of the fact that with many men self and selfinterest are the governing principles, and in the cause of self-seeking, selfaggrandisement, and place-hunting, many a constituency has, before today, been sold and made tools of by unscrupulous and designing adventurers. We do not say that such has been the case in this instance, but we do say that Mr. Mervyn's conduct, from first to last, since his election for this district, has an extremely suspicious look about it. Mr. Mervyn was well aware of the fact that the people of this place desired that the Houndburn Hill deviation should be so constructed as to cause the whole of the traffic of the up-country towns and districts to pass through Naseby. Tet what do we find ? Why, we find that when, in compliance with a very largely and influentially signed memorial to the Provincial Council on this subject, a Select Committee was appointed to enquire into the question, of which Mr Mervyn was nominated Chairman, he (Mr. Mervyn) subscribed to a report which was utterly at variance with the feelings and interests of his constituent. What reason Mr. Mervyn had for pursuing such a line of conduct it is difficult to surmise, other than, perhaps, not being a local man, his proclivities lie elsewhere and in an opposite direction. We do not for a moment say that Mr. Mervyn possessed sufficient weight to influence a single vote in the Committee ; still, in the interest of his constituents, his name should have been found supporting instead of opposing the memorial. We have seen Mr. Mervyn's explanation of this matter—an explanation which, however ingenious, is, to our mind, unsatisfactory and evasive in the extreme. Again, in the matter of the Water Supply and Sludge Channel, about which Mr. Mervyn was questioned so much and talked so much during the late election, we find that gentleman, when these matters were almost on the very eve of accomplishment, deliberately voting against the Government who had sanctioned these important works in favor of one by whom,., we .fear

there is little hope of their being undertaken, and by his vote making the Stafford majority three, whereas, had he voted as his duty should have taught and induced him to do, that majority would have been only one. Mr. Mervyn has, by his entire career since representative for this place, shown himself utterly regardless of and indifferent to the wishes of his constituents, and should, in our opinion, be called upon to resign the trust which he has so far abused. So long as Mr. Mervyn was inuocuous, if not a complete cypher, he could and did do comparatively little harm, but when he has actually, as he has done lately, gone against his constituents, it is evident that the less we have to do with him, and the sooner we get rid of him, the better for the interests of the district. We are not nor ever were much devoted to the policy of the Eox-Vogel Ministry ; still, at the present time, it was the one evidently the best adapted to the interests of" this place, and •should therefore have had Mr. Mervyn's cordial support, rather than his late strenuous and unintelligible opposition.

Though we have, we are glad to say, had but few prisoners sentenced to hard labor in the Naseby Gaol, their labor was in former days confined to the beautifying and utilising the private garden of the officer in charge. The present Sub-Inspector Moore, at that time Sergeant-Major, was the first to put a •stop to this evidently improper expenditure of public labor, and during the time of his sojourn here, many useful public works were performed by hard labor men. We are glad to perceive that the system introduced by the late Sergeant-Major Moore is now being carried out by his successor, Sergeant M'Cluskey. We allude to the improvement of the footpath between the bridge and the Court House, a work which cannot fail to conduce much to the comfort and convenience of the public of Niseby. Spkixg has been again and still remains with us. Indeed, since oiir last issue, nothing could have been more beautiful than the weather we have enjoyed. Water has been abundant and still continues so. Still, unless we Boon have rain, the supply will run short, as tb]e warmth of the sun is fast causing the snow to disappear from the tops of the mountains. Mining operations are brisk, but great dissatisfaction is expressed at the dilatory conduct of the Government in the construction of the sanctioned works for this place We are requested to state that the subsidy due from the Government to the District Hospital amounting to £139 6a. 6d. has been received. Great credit is due to the Government for their prompt action in this matter. The receipt of this sum is particularly seasonable, as past experience teaches us that the spring is, for earth accidents, by far the most to be dreaded season of the year. In connection with the late accidents at the Burster, we are glad to be able to state that the injuries to Robert Brown, who was brought into the Hospital, have not proved as severe as was expected, and that he is at the present time almost convalescent. The lecture by Mr. Edward Johnston — subject, Lord Wellington—which was announced to be delivered on Wednesday last, has been postponed till Wednesday, 25th inst.

We understand that John Scott, of Welshman's, who has been for some time past an inmate of the Hospital here, suffering from the effects of frostbite, had, on Tuesday last, to submit to the amputation of five of his toes. The operation was successfully performed by Dr. Dick, the patient being put under the influence cf chloroform. We are glad to hear that the accounts since the operation are favorable.

Mb. Warden Robinson proceeded to Maerewhenua on Monday last, at which place a Tery large amount of business was on the paper. This accumulation of business is attributable to the Warden having been unable to attend the last monthly Court in consequence •of the Pass having been rendered impassable iby the then heavy snow falls. The track, with the exception of that part to the Kyeburn, is now spoken of as being in very fail condition.

We understand that an arrangement has been entered into between Cleary's party and Ttbo Hit or Miss Company. The Company, for a considerable consideration, will be allowed henceforth to discharge tailings and tail water from Surface Hill into the tail races of Cleary and party, which have formed so fruitful a source of litigation for years past — -virtually shutting up the workings on that side of the Main G-ully. Whether the arrangement said to be entered into will enable other parties to return to their deserted claims without the fear of further molestation and litigation, we are not in a position to ■tate ; sfciH, we trust it may be so, and that Surface Ha 1 may ere long prove itself as reproductive as in its early and palmy days. On Friday last, while Messrs. Guffie and Latham, of Mount Burster, were cutting a tunnel for a tail race, the mouth gave way, completely burying Latham. He was extricated as soon as possible from this uncomfortable position, and although an enormous quantity of earth fell upon him, we are glad to be able to say that, with the exception of his leg being bruised, he ia comparatively un-

injured. The following morning Robert Brown, working in the same claim, while in the act of shovelling away the snow from the face of the claim, was, through the sudden giving way of the frozen snow, precipitated some thirty feet, falling heavily on his back. Although hardly able to move from the effects of the fall, Brown was, for the sake of good attention and advice, brought down to the Hospital, and is, we are glad to say, again already about. WHAT NEXT? It may be remembered that some time since a miner was killed by a fall of earth in Moore's claim, and that the body was taken to the Hospital and deposited there despite the protest alike of the doctor and the wardsman. We spoke of the matter at the time and expressed an opinion as to the absolute impropriety of the proceeding, and pointed out that such institutions were established for the recovery of the sick, and not to be used as a receptacle for the dead. We were glad to find that our remarks were approved—nor indeed could we see how other could be the case—seeing that common sense was clearly on our side. We thought that after what had occurred no further effort would be made to prostitute the Hospital to utterly improper purposes—purposes entirely foreign to its object. Yet we find only on Wednesday last the police officer in charge making application for the admission of an insane person who had lately made a determined, though ineffectual, attempt at suicide at Hyde. The application was very properly refused, though it was asserted that the man was no longer insane. When, however, we mention that, from the day of the attempted suicide up to the present, the unfortunate man has been attended by a watchman by day and night lest a second attempt at self destruction should be made, we feel that a case of insanity was sufficiently established, and the refusal to admit him into the Hospital a perfectly right and proper one. Upon the above subject the following correspondence and telegrams have taken place between the Sergeant of Police, the Government, and the Secretary of the Hospital Committee, which has been handed to us for publication for general information, and explaining the action taken by the Committee :—" Police Office, Naseby, Sept. 18th, 1872. Sir, —I find that during my absence, William Sullivan, who recently attempted to commit suicide at Hyde was brought in from that place last night, and on being taken to the District Hospital was refused admittance ; he was threfore brought to the gaol at this station, where he is at the present time. As the gaol is not a proper place for him to be in his present precarious state, and from the fact that I have prisoners confined there at the present time, I in the first instance ask that this man be admitted into the Mount Ida District Hospital. I have, &c, Adam J. M'Cluskey. The Sec. Hospital Committee, Naseby." "Naseby, Sept. 18,4.45 p.m. Mr. M'Cluskey. Sir, —I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of yours of above date requesting the Committee to admit a man named Sullivan, who attempted suicide at Hyde some days since, as a patient in the Hospital. I have waited upon the medical officer, ar.d also upon members of Committee. They decline entertaining your application, considering that the man is, very properly, in the charge of the police. This institution Mount Ida District Hospital) is supported as an Hospital, and not as a gaol or lunatic asylum. Independent of all other objections, the institution is not supplied with a sufficient staff to allow a guard to be placed over the man day and night. The wardsman is now, and will probably for some days, have to attend to one particular patient every two hours. I have, &c, E. T. Geokge, Secretary." " Secretary Naseby Hospital.—What objection to admit Sullivan into Naseby Hospital ? A. Willis, Under Secretary." " Want of accommodation for temporary lunacy cases; neither is he in a dangerous state, nor requiring medical attendance. For further information the Committee refer you to their reply to Mr. M'Cluskey'a application for admittance, dated 18th instant. If admitted the present patients will leave at whatever risk. E. T. George, Secy." The usual half-yearly meeting of the Naseby Volunteer Fire Brigade was held in Costello's Mount Ida Hotel, on the evening of Friday last. The following members of the Brigade were present: —Captain Inder (chair), Lieutenant Stephens, Secretary Pipe, Sergeant Millar, Foreman M'Gregor, Langmaack, Chapman, Kirby, Cogan, Tootell, Grace, Costello, Collett, and Wilson. —The minutes of previous meetings were read and confirmed.—ln accordance with the rules, the officers resigned. —JResolved, " That the thanks of the Brigade are due to the late officers, for the constant care and attention bestowed by them on the interests of the Brigade."—Captain Inder, in replying to the resolution just carried, on behalf of himself and his brother officers, sa:d he had much pleasure in testifying to the aid which he had on all occasions received from the members of the Brigade, reminding them, at the same time, that to be thoroughly efficient they must attend regularly to practice.— The late officers were again elected, and Messrs. Morrison and Wilson appointed to audit accounts and report at the next meeting.

Lawrence was treated to a sensation on Monday last by a reduction in the price of the 41b loaf of bread from lOd to 6d.

The Home mails, via San Francisco, will close here at the usual hour on Monday, next, and via Suez on Tuesday evening. The Spring Meeting of th© Dunstan Jockey Club takes place this day (Friday) and tomorrow (Saturday). We have before spoken of the entire horse Lord Lovatt, the property of Mr. Joseph Packman of this place. In connectiontherewitk we may mention (as will be seen from

advertisement in another column) that Mr. Packman h„is a large and well fenced paddock for mares entrusted to his care.

From the prospective Post Office arrangement it will be seen that Serpentine is not hereafter to be entirely ignored. The people of Serpentine have fought well in this matter, and we have tried our best to help them. We only trust that the tenders may be such as to render opposition on the part of the authorities impossible. This is a matter which has been long mooted, and which should long ere this have been attended to by the Government.

Another instance of the extremely dangerous character of the Taieri fords occurred a few days since to Mr. S. London of this town, who, in attempting to cross the Hamilton ford with horse and covered waggonette, suddenly found the vehicle floating and carried rapidly down the river, some 100 yards, turning over and over in its course. Arrived at last at a comparative shallow, Mr. London succeeded in extricating the horse and getting safely to shore himself, after having had a very narrow escape of being drowned. The waggon still remains in the river much damaged but what loss Mr. London may have sustained from loss of goods has not yet been ascertained the suddenness of the whole affair may be conceived when we mention that a little dog in the vehicle at the time of the occurrence of the accident was drowned.

\We see from the ' Tuapeka Times' of the sth instant, that Mr. Pyke, R.M., has made some very severe aspersions upon the character of Mr. R. E. Field, Receiver of gold Revenue here, in his official capacity as clerk to the Bench. We have seen a letter from H. W. Robinson, Warden and R.M., on the subject, entirely exonerating Mr. Field from all blame in this matter, in fact establishing a clear alibi, and we learn from reliable authority that legal proceedings are at once to be commenced against Mr. Pyke unless an\ ample apology is made. _^J A special general meeting of the Mount Ida Trade Association will take place this evening at Daniel's Empire Hotel. The object of the meeting is to /take into consideration what steps should (under the circumstances of a change in the Ministry) be adopted to secure the carrying out of the works sanctioned by the late Groverment in connection with this place. The question is of vital importance to the district and one which demands full and careful consideration at the hands of the Association. Grave interests are at stake, both public and private, which it seems to us to be a matter of impossibility that a suicidal policy on the part of any Government should even for one moment be allowed to interfere with or disturb.

The ' G-azette' contains the following among other appointments :—Mr. J. P. Pillans and Mr. H. W*. Robinson have been appointed Auditors of the Courts of Law Trust Accounts for the districts cf Clutba and Otago Goldfields respectively; Mr. R. E. Field, to b<* Registrar of Births, &c, at Hamilton, vice Mr. Stratford.

The first nigbfc's sale of Mr. S. London's stock of drapery, &c. (Messrs. Inder and G-eorge, auctioneers), took place in Mr. London's premises last evening. The attendance was a fair one, and the amount of goods sold considerable, and at, we trust, remunerative prices. Some things were undoubtedly sold bargains, and we recommend all who require seasonable goods at low prices to attend the sale, which will be continued on this and tomorrow evenings. Mr. London advertises that the goods must be sold