BLACKSTONE HILL.

Mount Ida Chronicle, Volume VIII, Issue 434, 9 August 1877, Page 3

BLACKSTONE HILL.

(From our.own correspondent,) .. . : August 6th

The winter appears to have broken at last, but,' from its having been so fine overhead, a dose of snow may reasonably be expected. I do not recollect a more favorable season for work. The promise, too,' for the future in the shape c f water ought to be good,* as the drifts are full. That the money expended by the County Council on roads before winter time was thrown away, must be patent to all. A better systrm requires inauguration. Let portions'be thoroughly made by contract, and the other portions merely maintained in a passable condition until funds permit. . By so doing we may get good roads jd time. ■ The new Education Bill will suit towns admirably, but will not work for sparselypopulated districts, unless the whole of the teacher's salary is paid by the State. The area of compulsion ought to be en-

larged to four miles, time of attendance differing according to distance. The youngsters here put in a better attendance.from two miles and over than those under a mile. The clauses referring to religious teaching are a sham —better eliminate them. II those in favor of religious leaching arc satisfied, they get . plagu'ey- little wool for their cry. ; We had a concert in aid of the sjchool funds on the 2nd inst., Mr. Win. Wade in fhe chair. The attendance was very good on the"whole, but unfortunatelyjthe ladies mustered very poorly for the dancing. Messrs. Johnstone, W. Wade:, Leeder, Holding, M-Dohald, Dunsmu'ir, Paget, Morgan, and Smith kindly assisted as vocalists. It would be almost invidious to particularise, still I must say that Mr. Holding, with, his "Tight Little Irish Lad," brought down the house. Master W. H.Cqllett presided attiie harmonium,assisted by Mr. Deaker. After the concert, the room was cleared for .dancing - which went on merrily. Mr. M'Kay presented a new and acceptable feature with the ipe>. eliciting some fine step-danciug. A roo«t enjoyable evening was spent, and the party broke up at 4 o'clock aim. : ■•.-'... .■■-:■•■:■'\ •..■■..■■■■ ■■

Mr. Withers has struck splendid.stone: at Bough Bidge. For some time, he has; beeo sinking shafts, &c;. with a View to; putting his "mine in good working order. Extra good returns will, no doubt, prove very acceptable.