DUNSTAN.

Tuapeka Times, Volume VI, Issue 315, 24 December 1873, Page 3

DUNSTAN.

(From our own Correspondent.) Our annual Masonic fete was a great success. On the same day, there was pigeon shooting and horse racing. As a third excitement, we had the visit of the Provincial Secretary and Secretary for Goldfields. The Cromweliites were told by them that they were the most hospitable people in the province ; this kind of flattery, Messrs. Bastings and Turnbull did not extend to the Dunstanians. We certainly did not give them a feast, but, as compensation, we did not "bore" them. At both Queenstown and Cromwell, they were ear-wigged and forced to digest any quantity of local grievance. Afc Queenstowu, Messrs. 13. and T. missed the steamer, owing to delays created by municipal and political bores. This missing of the steamers did not at all please our Government friends. This mishap compelled them to expend a comparatively useless day in Queenstown.

On Wednesday evening, an entertainment was given here in aid of the Clyde School funds, which realised about dElB> and whereat our brass band performed in excellent style. This really brotherly band is first in all good works in this town and district. The performance of the pupils was really good, but better still was the preaching of Mr. M'Connochie. Some folk say that the real reverends who were present were Jealous of Mr, M'Connochic, who received frequent rounds, of applause. But we are not over supplied with churcheß. Our professional clergy need not be frightened. A vacancy in a Dunßtan pulpit will not occur too soon. The pneumatic dredge has been tried with her new paddle wheels, and found" to work admirably. Mr-. Coventry, the owner, has gone to Dunedin, with the intention of putting her into a stock company. The dredge is now capable of testing the bottom of any part of the river, rapids, of course, excepted. Rich finds are expected. A company, in my opinion, should be formed.

Drs Thomson and Stirling were summoned to the Teviot on Wednesday, to attend the inquest touching the death of. Mrs. G. Smith, an account of which will doubtless appear in your paper. TPhatever'v. erdict may be arrived at, the frequency of Buch deaths are creating considerable surprise. There were sudden deaths at CromwelL and Drybread last week ; in both eases young children were left motherless. ■ There is, I ventttre to hint, something wrong, -eoniewhere in, connection with these apparently preventible deaths. Of course,, in saying this, I merely give,., expression , to impulsire •■Srumors, which, "may be Tety wrong.