DUNSTAN,

Tuapeka Times, Volume VI, Issue 322, 17 January 1874, Page 3

DUNSTAN,

(From our awn Co-respondent*)

The filling of the post of surgeon for the Dumtan Hospital has been the topic of most public importance in the district lately.. The resignation of Dr. Stirliag'on the grounds put forth led to the belief, until the last hour, that he was not likely to. seek re-election. However, from his own words, he had altered his views on some points, and yielding to the solicitation of his friends, he again became a candidate. Several applications were in for the billet, some from a considerable distance, and no doubt very good men o^iong them, but the election on Saturday wash between our local men, Dr. Stirliug, the present incumbent (to use a church phrase), and Dr.' Thomson, who has been practising in the district for several years. 'Jhe result waa a tie, each polling twenty-one names. The Chairman, or what may be termed returning officer, viz., Mr. Stevens, schoolmaster, -refused to give his casting vote ; so a fresh election haftwheeg^ fixed wMeh, takes place on the 14th February. Of course, though still open to outsiders to apply, the next election will be between the same two parties, and if I mistake not, a considerable amount of feeling will break out during ths contest. The Committee have taken one wise step at least in securing a few subscriptions to the Hospital, they having put back the election so that anyone can qualify , themselves to vote if they pay their guinea , one month previous to tile election. That there .will be a considerable number more •voters at the next election .there is not the least doubt, and to hazard' a guess at the result, .

I should say that the candidates will lilcely be left in the position they now occupy. Both present strong claims on the public ; the one a successful practitioner in the district for a considerable time, the other has gaineA for himself and the Hospital a name which since its establishment it never before could aspire to. The part he has taken in bringing about this election is about all that his stauncheat opponents can bring against him, and that even his best supporters could wish had been otherwisev I shall loave to the partisans of either side to set forth the merits or demerits of the candidates. Already has the game begen, by an announcement that free coaches for Stirling's friends will leave Goodger'shotel, Cromwell, on polling day, headed by a little electioneering puffing by way of attraction. The next subject is the visit of the Governor ; but as he has not yet arrived, what is to be said may be better left till then. I have got so far behind in other matters that I scarce know where to begin. Of course we all enjoyed ourselvest.during the holidays. Our fir3t fete was the Caledonian games, which were quite a success. After giving about £40 in prizes, the Committee banked to their credit some £10 odd for the good of the society. The next was the public pic-nic in the Wai-Keri-Keri Valley, where a good many mustered andspent a pleasant afternoon. The amusements were varied — the principal being that of doing justice to the good things provided. Next came racing; there were girls' races, boys' races, women's races, men's faces, men's and women's races, and races backward and races forward. Music was scarce ; but from the Mayor's crowded conveyance on its homeward route, could be heard the notes of several popular songs, the two Mac's and himself joining in the chorus.