Original Correspondence.

Cromwell Argus, Volume XI, Issue 575, 16 November 1880, Page 5

Original Correspondence.

t We do not identify ourselves with the opinions expressed by correspondents. ] TBE BLACKS MEMORIAL. ' To the Editor o/The Cromwell Argus. Sir,—The writer of the Dunstan Times' leader, or, as you may prefer to call him, “the man at tho wheel,” says “Then poor Fitzgerald’s letter is paraded, ignoring the fact that had his wishes been acceded to by the people of the district the excision of Blacks from this district would have been completed; and it is certain that in their maniacal rage for economy the Government would not agree to a new appointment. We think that Mr Fitzgerald and his protegi are very much to blame for the unwise course they have pursued in this matter. The chances are, that in consequence of their action, Ophir will be permanently deprived of even a visiting official. As to the ‘ memorial’ referred to, we are informed that signatures were obtained thereto by representations that it embodied the views of the public meeting held at Blacks—which is altogether contrary to truth.” . VHbw,* Sir,., if . the . wishes of- jirgself and others were acceded to, is. it at all -reasonable oven for a Clydeite to conceive the notion,

and also try to make us brieve it, that the people of this district, if they were .able to dp their, own business, wiaild regret their excision from Clyde or any other place I If economy—maniacal or wise-- is to be a consideration, our scheme recommends itself. *Wq ask for no new appointments but. simply wish to utilise officials we have until, such ’time as the business and importance of-the place demand a district officer. And we. do sincerely trust that we will be “permanently deprived of even a visiting official” by reapon of the appointment of a resident one. "Viewed from Sunderland-street, the course pursued may appear unwise; but with BJacks district for a stand-point, it has a different p.nd to us more beneficial aspect, which'the .meeting wbuld have seen as well as those' who aided and subscribed to the memorial j had-jthe glow of the Clyde luminaries and their abbettors not so affected their visions." v The statement that signatures were obtained .by representations that it embodied the views of the public meeting, is sufficiently contradicted by a clause in the memorial- which reads—“ Mr Warden Robinson has notified that a clerk will come here from Naseby twice every.four weeks to transact business, and at a public meeting held here it was decided to endeavor to retain the former clerk, Mr Harvey, to act as receiver at Clydd end visit here as formerly. Your .petitioners, however, desire to make the following recommendation, which will prove more beneficial to the district than either, and one whiclf we trust will recommend itself on thescore’of economy,” &c. That surely explains itself, and requires no further comment. There is no spicing or buttering about that—it goes straight to the point.—l am, &c., ", •* M. Fitzgerald; ~ Blacks, November 8. . : . - * ■ : r • To tJie Editor of The Cromwell Argus. Sir,— v-5 He welcome is, although a fiend, Who turns a stone our axe to grind. Not much poetry in that I reckon, but at all events it is original, and seems to chime in with the subject in hand, to illustrate which a little better I would notice how forcibly the cutting, drying and seasoning bring forth the truth of these sacred lines— ■ Behold how good a thing it is And how becoming well Together such as brethren are In unity to dwell. How changed now from the byegone days of our strife and enmity, from the time when we used to lampoon the Council, slate the Chairman, despise its officers, blackball its contractors, fault-find with their road-making and criticise their culverts—the time when it was thundered from the chair of the Council that the cover of a certain criticised culvert had been wilfully and maliciously displaced, and that the County contained only one man capable of doing it. The County now contains two men capable of concocting the resolutions ; and., by way of wind up, let me give you, changed in one of the characters, a stave of one of Thatcher’s pongs of long ago— Oh, how pleasant ’twas to see '' J. 0. C. and Pyke together In such close proximity. - V I am, &c., Past and- Present. Blacks, Nov. 12. ■ VINCENT COUNTY COUNCIL.' —- The following is copy of the Order Paper of business set down for the County Council meeting to be held on Wednesday, 24th instant• Notices of Motion. Cr Stronach to move—That at the next ordinary meeting of the Council, the construe--tion of the Lauder bridge, in concurrence with the Maniototo County Council, be considered., Cr Naylor to move- That the motion for withdrawing payment of expenses to members of the Council be rescinded, and that such expenses be continued at former rates. Cr Pyke to move—That the resolution of the Council dispensing with the services of the Inspector of Roads be rescinded and that the late Inspector, Mr M ‘Connochie, be reinstated in that position. Cr Pitches to move—That the Engineer be instructed to at once have the main road from Blacks to German Hill put in repair, (as at the Poolburn it is almost impassable) the cost not to exceed LI 0. Or Pitches to move—That as the County is at a loss by the Clyde and Cromwell Commonages, it is expedient that this Council taka steps to place them on a better footing, and would propose that tenders should be called for a lease of them, to take effect at the expiration of the present licenses. Cr Fraser to move—That in future the Council hold its meetings alternatively at the County Offices, Clytle, and the County Offices, Cromwell. Cr I 1 raser to move— That all road works ex-ceptirtg-workvof emergency be suspended during the summer mouths. Cr Fraser to move—That the Council taka into consideration the claim of Campbell and M‘Lean for repairs effected to the Upper Albert Town Ferry.