DUNSTAN.

Tuapeka Times, Volume VI, Issue 298, 16 October 1873, Page 8

DUNSTAN.

(From our own Correspondent.) I think I allowed the golden opportunity to pass for having anything of much importance to write' about when I did not send you a fuller account of the races and sports, and especially of the entertainment tjiven by the Cromwell ' Dramatic Company. It is too late now, however, to make amends ; all I can do is to try. I will endeavor to do them justice when they come again, which, fipr the sake of the hospital, it is hoped will be very soon. The gross proceeds for the benefit of that institution were £33 ; and the Hospital Committee have tendered the amateurs a hearty vote of thanks, which they certainly deserved. Our Town Council has got rather out of gear at present. Councillor Cox's account for stones supplied to the Corporation has been twice refused payment. Cr. Hazlett says the money was all spent which was voted for the work for which tue stones were supplied, and that as that work was chief! v for the benefit of Cr. Cox, he ought to give the stones into the bargain. Cr. Auckland, as senior partner of the Public Works Committee, guaranteed to brother Cr. Cox the cost price of the stones, and says if the Council will not pay for them he will, even if he should pawn the spotted house ; but even that is not all the trouble. On Friday last, the day of the Cromwell races, it was decreed that there should be elected one honorable citizen to act as Councillor in the room of Mr. Marshall, resigned. The Mayor having gone to the races, Donald was daubed deputy for the time being, who to his credit did all in his power to get an occupant for the vacant seat. He hunted up nearly every citizen who was not abroad, persuading them to take the honor, but everyone had his excuse. Some had to attend their whiskey mill, others their forge, and chips would not go in without a contest ; some said it was not worth while now, for since these d n Lords had smothered the Biidge Bill, there would be little for them* to do, and that the best thing he could do was to go in himself; but Mac. could not see it. He no doubt knew somethinsr of the difficulties experienced by Cr.^Cox, of its being a hard job for Councillors to get auy su«ar from the Council, and now that all is over about the bridge, be will be looking out for the £50 to help him to enlarge the punt. Twelve o'clock came, and not a single burgher appeared to propose another, nor anybody else, for the high and honorable position. The deputy's mission was a failure, but the Mayor has since issued a proclamation stating that they will elect one on a future day, whether be will consent or not. The late fine weather and clear moonlight nights have roused some night-hawks in the district. They have been prowling about the river banks, sometimes on one side and then on the other, carefully washing down sluice boxes which are left unguarded at night. Sluicers may take the hint, as these animals are generally migratory x and have their shooting irons in trim, and those who have not got shooting irons may prepare ropes; but ,\t $ e £ %ft v § %?\ W* shooting irons

and ropes, let them remember Ewen, and let them use the shooting irdn first and the rope, if wanted, after. Just before I close, I will inform you, as you may be inclined to try your luck, that we are to have a grand Derby Sweep on the Melbourne Cup.