ROXBURGH.

Tuapeka Times, Volume VII, Issue 387, 2 September 1874, Page 3

ROXBURGH.

{From a Correspondent.)

All the talk here is about the forthcoming municipal races. I believe Honest John and Cousin Jack had a trial last Tuesday, when Mr. Warden Simpson officiated as judge. The distance was from the township to the Courthouse and back. Honest John made a false start, and had to retrace his steps. This caused a delay of two hours, in order to give him breathing time. He bolted off at such a rattling pace that it was feared by some he might break his neck ; however, he recovered himself and the race came off, both horses pulling up evidently much distressed. They ran neck and neck, and when they passed the post it was impossible to say which had won, so the judge has taken time to consider the matter. Many think Honest John had the worst of it. I saw Young Rothschild taking his exercise the other day, and he really looked in first-rate condition. The betting is not very brisk, the odds being decidedly in favor of L'Einpereiu*, as much as 10 to 1 having been laid upon him. I believe -his Committee meet every day, at the Central Committee Room, adjoining tbe post-office, and such is the interest taken in his, welfare that a night watchman is stationed outside his stable, for fear he might be tampered with. Last week we bad a visit from one of the Government engineers, who has fixed upon a site for the new bridge, or j rather I should say bridges, for we are to have two — one across the Teviot and another across the Molyneux. The site or sites are considered to be very objectionable, and in anything but a good position, and some think have been fixed upon in order to benefit one of our local business men, who is supposed to have very considerably influence in high places, and who owns a considerably amount of land just where the approach to the bridge will be made on the west side of the river. Be this as it may, it is a great mistake, for such a structure should be built in the most convenient and most accessible position. There is an excellent site a little higher up, and a large rock in the centre, which would make a good foundation fer the central pillar. I would suggest that a public meeting of the inhabitants be called to take the matter into their consideration before it is too late. Considerable excitement was caused here last Saturday evening by the whole township becoming suddenly illuminated. Upon enqniry I found that L'Empereur's stable had iv some mysterious manner taken fire ; but it luckily happened he was out taking a canter, so fortunately escaped injury. Perhaps this may account for the precaution taken by placing the watchman outside his stable.