DUNSTAN.

Tuapeka Times, Volume VI, Issue 306, 22 November 1873, Page 3

DUNSTAN.

(From our own Correspondent. The meeting of* the committee of management of the Dunstan District Hospital, on Monday last, turned out to be rather a stormy one. There were present (outside members) Messrs. Preshaw (Cromwell), Burke (Blacks), and Calder (Alexandra), who had been requested to attend by letter from the Secretary, to consider the resignation of Dr. Stirh'ng, he also adding that the private grounds appeared to be dissatisfaction with salary, for which he got well snubbed for introducing private matter into official correspondence. A private letter from Dr. Stirling to Mr. Naylor -was also before the meeting, the sum and substance being that though his resignation was absolutely in the hands of the Committee, he might be induced to stop for something like £400 a year. The letters referred to produced a rather warm discussion. It was, however, resolved that the resignation of Dr. Stirh'ng be accepted, and a proposition by Mr. Christophers, seconded by Mr. Simpson, that the Committee advertise for a surgeon, at a salary of £300 a year, with private residence, and private practice allowed ; an amendment by Messrs. Preshaw and Holt, that it be £350, and one by Mr.'Naylor, which was not seconded, that it be £400, was lost, and the original motion was carried. Tho principle adopted by the Committee of adhering to the rule of not looking beyond what was officially before them,- is doubtless right ; still, the good name Dr. Stirling has gained for himself all over the district, and which was testified to by the outside members present, might have been an inducement for them to endeavor to meet matters half-way. On the other hand, it looked like imposing on the Committee, he having accepted the office at £150, which had been raised £100, and now hinting another rise of £150. The Committee may be justified in not promising what they might not be able to fulfil, however much they may regret to lose his services. Mr. Naylor, who was a little piqued with the Hospital Committee for not supporting his views in reference to tho doctor, h&9 sinoo received some consolation from another source, he being the fortunate winner of the first prize in Eames' Derby Sweep, amounting to about £60. Even Dame Fortune herself, it appears, adheres to the principle of feeding the fat pig. It is proposed .to form a company under the Mining Companies Act to carry on operations on the Conroy's reef ; the only thing I wonder at is that it has not been done long since. The time the reef was in operation it paid remarkably well. Their last crushing gave something like an ounce to the ton. The original holders and others who worked there are strongly of opinion that plenty of gold exists in the claim, but the amount of expense that it would take to drain the mine was too mujh for them ; hence it has lain so long idle. The proposed capital is to be £4000, in 4000 shares of £1 each ; the present owner to receive £650, and 550 paid-up shares, for their plant and claim. Seeing that the wheel and battery is reckoned about the best up country, and well situated for a never-failing supply of water free of expense, and with power to work twenty head of stamps, and can be made to work the pumping gear for the claim, these terms may be considered fair, and shares ought to go off in like manner to Nationals or Mosgiel factories. Mr. Clapcott lectured this evening in the Town Hall on the advantages of life insurance. The attendance was not so large as might have been expected, the rainy weather unusual at this season here no doubt keeping back some. . The way Mr. Clapcott handled his subject leaves no room to doubt but that the Government have made a wise selection in appointing him travelling Sub-Commissioner, and the few of his choice readings he favored us with were really excellent, and elicited great applause. The yearly Masonic ball is now fixed for the 10th prox., and preparations are on foot to make it the brilliant affair it always is. In speaking of it in my last, it reads as though it were held at the Halfway House, which no doubt every one knowß is a mistake, for the place of operation is always the Town Hall.