NOTES FROM ST. BATHANS.

Mount Ida Chronicle, Volume IV, Issue 255, 23 January 1874, Page 3

NOTES FROM ST. BATHANS.

January 21st. The annual statutory .meeting for the] election of a School Committee for the, -curront year was hold in the schoolroom on the 12th inst.; but, in consequence of. the small attendance, the meeting was adjourned till the evening of the 13th, when a pretty fair muster of householders put in an appearance. Mr. J. Ewing was voted to the Chair. The Secretary to the retiring Committee read a statement of the proceedings for the past year, which showed the institution to be hi a flourishing condition. The nomination of members of the new Committee was then proceeded with, when the following gentlemen were declared duly elected :—. Messrs. J. Teague, D. Aubrey, J. Eagle, J. Morton, J. Cormick, W. M'Connochie, J*. Melvin, E. "Wheeler, G. H. Smith, J.' Ewing, and W. Pyle. On the motion of Mr. Morton, a vote of thanks to the Amateur Dramatic Club for their contributions to the school fund during the past year was heartily agreed to. The proceedings terminated with a vote of thanks to the retiring Committee and the Chairman. The annual meeting for the election of a School Committee was held at Welshman's Gully on the evening of the 12th inst. ' The attendance was extremely small. The following gentlemen were appointed, a Committee for the ensuing twelve months:—Messrs. W. Williams, T. Hughes, 0. Owens, G. Owens, J. Griffiths, J. Thurlow, W. Thurlow, C. Dungey, and J. Murdoch. A handsome schoolhouse, is in course, of erection at this place, and will be' ready to receive the pupils in a fortnight. It is intended to inaugurate, tho opening by a picnic and ball.

, A number of shares in mining properties have changed hands lately, and at prices that indicate great faith in the resources of the district. At Welshman's, Mr. O. Owens has purchased a one-sixth share in Brown and party's claims and« water races for the sum of £3OO. Mr.' Eobert Carr, of- the same place, has disposed of his interest—a one-third share —-in the Port Madoc Company for £3OO. Mr. Thomas Murdoch is the purchaser. Mr. Thos. Eowe sold his interest—a one-third share—in the ■ celebrated "Kildare Hill claim, a few days ago, to Mr. James Barclay, for close on £2OO. By an arrangement entered into by the shareholders of this , property, the claim, tail race, and plant,,were submitted to public competition," by Messrs. Inder ynd George, yesterday, and realised *£67o. Mr. John Ewing was the purchaser. A bazaar in aid of the harmonium and Church of England building funds is on the tapis, This is the first thing ot the kind ever held here, and from its novelty and the excellence of the object in view, combined with the energy of its promoters, I have no doubt it will prove a great success.

The sale of the township of Blackstone Hill took place yesterday. Mr. Walter Inder officiated as auctioneer. There was a total absence of competition, and in all cases the lots in occupation were knocked down to the occupiers at the upset price. Nothing is known as to the intentions of the Government with regard to the sale of St. Bathans. It is well known that the Board of Enquiry sent in a report favorable to the sale of the sites at present occupied, and there is no earthly reason why their recommendation should not be carried oat. The township was surveyed nine months ago, and, relying on a distinct promise that the sites would be sold, the residents made arrangements for improving their properties, and carrying out a scheme of public improvementsincluding the introduction of a water supply. Owing, however, to the vacillating policy of the Government, all these useful measures have come to nought, and the business people continue to be fleeced ■quarterly for business licenses. The , St. Bathanites are somewhat indignant at such treatment, and certainly they have reason to complain of what they regard as a decided breach of promise .on the part of the Executive.