Cromwell Argus. AND NORTHERN GOLDFIELDS GAZETTE. Cromwell, Monday, Nov. 10, 1919

Cromwell Argus, Volume L, Issue 2647, 10 November 1919, Page 4

Cromwell Argus. AND NORTHERN GOLDFIELDS GAZETTE. Cromwell, Monday, Nov. 10, 1919

Within the last few days the Argus had the honor of its Jubilee, and no doubt we will be pardoned, were it necessary, for briefly referring to that event. The first issue saw the light of day on November 3rd, 1869, under conditions quite in keeping with the excitement surrounding that period, The history of its foundation makes interesting reading at this juncture. In 18139 Tuapeka claimed two papers, the “ Tuapeka Times,” and the “ Tuapeka Press.” The proprietors of the latter, Messrs Matthews and Fenwick, realising that the prosperity of two papers at Tuapeka was an impossibility, sought a new field for their energy. Cromwell, with its rapidly developing mining fields, was selected, and in October, 1869, the enterprising owners made a visit to the town and wore so favorably impressed that they decided to transfer their energies to this centre. Simultaneously with their visit a man named Garrick arrived on the same mission. Learning of tiie intention of Messrs Matthews and Fenwick, however, he pledged himself to abandon the venture, and leave the field to the founders of the Argus. 1 On their return to Tuapeka, Messrs Matthews and Fenwick received information that Carrick was forwarding a plant to Cromwell, Thereby they were to some extent forestalled, but j with that resourcefulness which has j been associated with the journal right j down the ages, rose to the occasion, f It was intended to issue the first i number in Cromwell on Ist December, 1 1869, but immediately bn learning of a the breach of faith on the part of the opposition venture, Messrs Fenwick s and Matthews met the, position by J printing the first issue of the Alta us ,J in Tuapeka, and despatching same to J Cromwell by horseman, Mr Fenwick undertaking that task. As far as our s records show, the issues of November v 3rd and 10th, 1869, wore printed in £- Tuapeka. Publication was then sus- ii pended for two weeks to enable the proprietors to remove the plant to o Cromwell, and the first issue printed k in the town appeared on December Ist p of that year, Through the njany changes from that period onward the £ Argus has survived, but it would be presumption in the extreme on our part to endeavor to recount the many j\ interesting episodes associated with ;l the journal through that period, lb a has passed through several hands, and si

overcome all opposition, and still stands to-day as an outspoken champion of the district’s cans?. The early iiropiieWw wgre wifrouW witli tlw

duty of an active part in establishing the town, and this was avell and honorably fulfilled as our filos, still on record, will show. Its infancy was in stirring times, amidst the varying fortunes of the goldfields, and the ever fluctuating periods of prosperity. Unfortunately tho baud of sturdy pioneers, men of fine physique and noble character, associated with tho town fifty years ago, is steadily do. dining. Equally unfortunate is it that the industry which made tho Dominion is now almost neglected, not that the gold-bearing areas are exhausted, but through lack of capital and cheap power to explore lower levels. In our own time the stability of the province is in the tilling of the soil, and in this settlement and production is steadily increasing. The burning question of the hour is the demand for land and the greatest possible dcvelopme it of the country. In this theie are great possibilities, and to achieve that object the districts needs must be steadily safeguarded. That the policy adopted by the A ROUS in urging the claims and tho advance, moot of the district has been appreciated is to be found in the fact that it exists to-day, with unanimous public support behind it. We need only add that it will be our one object to retain the confidence of tho public by continuing a fearless and outspoken policy on ail matters relating tc the welfare of the district, and in doing that we can sec many interesting times.

j It was no surprise to us to find that i the Minister of Lauds had again dc- ■ dined to acquire the Mount Pisa run, i along with the valuable freehold, buildings, and water rights, on the j terras suggested by the recent deputa- | tion. The department’s action in the ! matter never left the impression that : they would seriously consider the I offer made, or heed the almost unani- | mous appeal of residents throughout | the district. Thfe reply to the doputai tion, published elsewhere in this issue, i is so devoid of any sound argument i that wc must again assort that the ■ offer is being emphatically declined j because of prior arrangements. We | would not like to say that the matter I will rest where it is—in fact wc are . firm in the opinion that it will receive I considerable prominence in the next I few weeks, and will be made a paramount political question in this district. In the absence of any details wc cannot accept the Ministers opinion that the proposed negotiations were on an absurd basis. We have been informed with some authority j. that the lessee was prepared to accept arbitrated value, and that should dis- ( pose of the Minister’s excuse. Our

, opinion still is that the freehold, ! water-rights, and appointments would ibe of immense value in subdivision. It j would have presented the Government

I with a rare opportunity of demonsbi-a- ---■ ting the practical conservation of l-water and scientific distribution, and : this would enhance the value of the { hill country, by including the area , that may be controlled by irrigation. It can only be added that the Min- | ister’s reply is anything but acceptable; and local bodies interested are certain to take further steps without delay. If a more satisfactory statement is not j forthcoming, the question will call for what might be termed “straight talk.” A meeting ot Ihe TTpper (Jlullui Juicing Club will be held at iiawea Flat on Saturday next at 7 p.m. Mr R. Bruce announces that lie is in a position to supply any particular kind of coal which it is possible for a coal* merchant to purchase.

The nun fall recorded at Mount Pisa Station for the month of October was 2'1)7 inches Rain fell ou eight days, the maximum fall being oh ou IBth October. A proposal has been made to form a Collie Dog (Jin') i i Ihe Upper Clutha. Valley, an I Fur tint purpose a meeting will be held at Pembroke on Friday evening next. It is hoped all interested wiil m ike a point of attending. Mr T. J. Colter will hold an important clearing sale at Frankton on Friday and Saturday, November 2lst and 22nd, ou account of Mr M‘Bride, who has disposed of his farm property. The list includes a big lino of horses, cattle, sheep, and a complete range of farm implements.

Shearing has commenced on several farms and small runs throughout the valley, but it will be a few weeks yet before the work is general. Several farmers had the misfortune to be busy shearing when the cold storm set in last week, and lost a number of nowlyt-shorn sheep in consequence. At his weekly picture entertainment this week Mr Hull will screen a famous six thousand feet photo-play, “ Rasputin, the Black Monk.” This film is a picture story of a strange figure in Russian history, whose career and rise to an exalted position presents unlimited mystery. ‘‘ The Lost Girl ”is the tenth episode of the Scarlet Runner, and there are some splendid supports.

Fishing in tiie Timaru Crook since the season began, Messrs Coekburn, Elliott, Jas. (J’Kanc, and other sportsmen have met with fair success (writes our llawca correspondent). A. goodly number of Rainbow were taken in llic Creek, and along the lake shore, an 1 from the results obtained it is evi lout (hit this variety of trout is to be fmnl in Lake tiawea in greater numbers each succeeding year.

Mr W. H. Campbell, representative of Messrs J. anlJ. Arthur, the wellknown Dunedin linn of tailors, is at present visiting the inian I districts. He expects to tl.io various centres as follows; Cromwell. L'J.h November; Lowburn, L7th November; Kawirau Gorge, IDth November; Gibbstou, 2Uth November, and Rannoekbuni, tiiiad November. Further dales will bo announced. Mr Campbell has with him a full range of high-grade all wool suitings, and ladies costume fabrics.

A social and dance will be held at Tarras next Friday, proceeds in aid of Soldiers Memorial Fail,

a imiiiic ir?iiii)[ inn ipij in ||, Atheaieuiu Mill 01 Saturday evening next, when Messrs 0. Told and J. B. Shaddock will speak on behalf of the Xatioual Prohibition campaign. The Melbourne Gap, run last Tuesday, was won by Artillerym in, by six lengths from Richmoa 1 Main, 2, and Two Blues 2, in 3min. 2 Usees., a record for the race. A mooting of~ die Vincent Hospital and Charitable Aid Board, held at Clyde on Times lay, was attended by Messrs Smart, Ritchie, Ray, and Brodrick, Tenders were received for the erection of doctors’ residences at Clyde and Cromwell, but consideration cf those was deferred pending receipt of Dr. Hughes report on the hospital requirements of the district. Other business transacted was chiefly dealing with applications for relief and charitable aid.

A well-attended meeting of residents was held at Low burn on Saturday evening in connection with the hall. There is a small debt on the building, and some further improvements are necessary. It was therefore decided to hold a bazaar some time early next year to raise the necessary funds and for that purpose a meeting of ladies will be held next Thursday afternoon at 2.30 p.m. The hall lias proved a decided acquisition to this progressive centre, and no doubt the ladies wi 1 1 - heartily eo operate in the object now in view.

Tlic storm which set ia early last week was one of the worst experienced in November for man}' years. From Sunday until Wednesday night snow and hail storms daily swept the villey. and left a fair coating of snow. Early on Monday there was up to six inches of snow on the ilats in many parts of the back country, but with a few warm days towards the end of the week the snow quickly disappeared,, and fortunately there was an absence of late frosts. On pastoral country, where lambing was general, there *must certainly have been losses, while flock sheep also suffered. It is safe to state that the total less of sheep during the season will be considerably above the average.

A well-known local resident last week received a brief note from Mr 3, li. Jenkinson, who in the early days was on the staff of the Aimes, but now occupies the position of editor of the Melbourne Argus. Therein Mr Jenkinson touches on reminisceues of the early days. He writes : “ I often wonder whether I will ever see Cromwell again. Nothing would give me greater pleasure. I sup.pose nobody would know me now, or I would know nobody. 1 have none but pleasant recollections of the years I spent “on Cromwell,” as they used to say, and would love to cross to Cornishtowu on the chair again, or swim at the Lower Flat, as in (he days of old.” Mr Jenkinson adds that the first leading article he wrote was on a water supply for the town of Cromwell,—that it should be brought across the bridge. He asked that he should be remembered to any old friends still in the the town, and we are delighted to extend that sentiment.