SERPENTINE.

Mount Ida Chronicle, Volume IV, Issue 246, 21 November 1873, Page 5

SERPENTINE.

(From a correspondent.) We of the Serpentine have something to say in your paper, for a wonder. At last the post office is an established institution, thanks to our new members. We are also in a fair wav of getting a church—as the sum of £4O ?r £SO has been already subscribed towards it. I ain given to understand that tenders will be called for the erection immediately. Mining matters are going on as usual. Cogan and Company are washing up a large paddock. The ground looks well, but if this dry weather continues water, will be getting short for all hands. There has been a memorial circulated in this district to the Superintendent and Provincial Council, to get some land thrown open for selection. It is surely time something was done in the matter. There are a number of old residents who would be glad to settle on the land if they had the opportunity. Iknow of one who has been for years past trying to get land for cultivation, but has been opposed by the runholders, at all times, in a most determined manner. There are thousands of acres of land about here, now lying waste, which must not be cultivated because it is a sheep run. The consequence is to have to pay an exorbitant price for the necessaries of life. If the land was thrown open we could grow our own produce, and save freight for the distance of fifty miles. As you are well aware, freight is dear, and times have been bad.