CROMWELL.

Dunstan Times, Issue 662, 25 December 1874, Page 3

CROMWELL.

—o—(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.) The following cases were heard in the Residerrt Magistrate’s Court on Friday last, before W. L. Simpson, Esq., R.M.:--Reid Robertson v. Drury.—Action by summons upon an information or complaint, charging the defendant with illegally detaining an agreement relating to three town sections, Cromwell. Mr Johnston for complainant ; defendant in person, who raised the question as to whether an action of detinue being brought in the form of an information o; complaint was properly brought, and as there was a question of title involved, the magistrate had no jurisdiction under the Justices of the Peace Act, 1860. The objections were ruled, when after hearing the evidence His Worship dismissed the case, giving it as hia opinion that the defendant was not the proper person to be charged, and that r.t present ho was legally in possession of the agreement. —Bank of New South Wales v. Colclough.—Adjourned cose from last Court day. Judgment for defendant, with costs. In the Warden’s Court the following case was heard :—Anderson and McDonald v. Gocdgeraud others,—This was an adjourned case for judgment. The complainants sought to recover LI 50 as damages from defendants, from flodding out their shaft and tunnel, owing to percolation of water through defendants. Judgment was given in favor of Anderson for L 25, and costs. Mr Wilson having raised the objection that hi‘Donald was not the holder of a miner’s right. [I have since learned that this case will come before the District Court in its appellate jurisdiction.]

With all the boasted advancement made by Cromwell it is nevertheless without its walks, or places to stroll, and presents a bleak and barren appearance not in any way liable or even likely,to attract the eye of a stranger. Entering the town with the slightest wind prevailing qnc is lost in dust, and prevented from admiring the natural beauties of the town—that is, if any such exist—certainly a tourist would beat a hasty retreat. It has not been uufrequently asked why the Corporation take no steps to water the streets, or to lay out public recreation grounds, so that not only the convenience hat the comfort of the citizens might be observed, and by pursuing such a course much g -od would in all probability result. Reserves were, some years ago, set apart, but owing to the action of the river they have since been swept away. The Town Clerk on one occasion pointed out that one reserve was an “ cyesoro to the inhabitants,” yet the same eyesore remains, and apparently no steps aro taken to remove it or to improve the city. When will this state of ■things cease ? To any thoughtful or reflective mind it should be apparent that a source of vast wealth is being allowed to run waste. We refer to the apparent apathy on the part of our Cromwell readers in not making an effort to work the banks of tho Lindis River, as, from its natural situation it is almost a moral certainty that coal deposits abound there. It is well-known that the Clutha joins the Lindis, and it is apparent that the coal floated down the latter and settled at Bannockburn, and consequently there should bo a deposit in the various bights of the Lindis. However remote this idea may be, it has been submitted to one or two wellinformed persons, whom, I believe, would invest a little capital if a Company were formed. If local speculators are indifferent, foreign cash and enterprise may seize the chance.

If it can be said by tbo ill-natured that ■Cromwell is declining with the closing year this remark cannot apply to the fair daughters thereof, as they have resolved to take advantage of good Old Christmas, and enter the marriage blissful state. I learn, upon reliable authority, that there are uo leas than nine marriages to bo celebrated ; and the Cromwell confectioner assures me that he has very little spare time. This social fact speaks for itself, and indicates that the development of vast mineral resources not tmfreqncntly leads to the development of others, and repels the imputation that “lovely woman was formed for single blessedness.” As I may not he among the invited guests, and as on such occasions it is usual to read to the “ lords of creation” a homily, let me hope that the nine maidens will find good and loving husbands, and that their future will be aa bright, if not brighter than the past. I wish them all the compliments of the season.

I notice that Mr Jules La Fontaine has brought a supply of water from Firewood Creek on the Cromwell Flat, thereby evidencing that there in reality exists no great difficulty in procuring a town supply. If then this spec will warrant a private person, at his own expense, and as a venture entering into it, surely it furnishes food for enquiry as to what the Corporation arc doing ? Summer is now upon the Cromwell folks, and yet no steps to obtain this desired and necessary end have been initiated, if I except the fact that debentures have been

issued under the Act passed last Session, hut which, as far as any benefit to the public is concerned, might have remained a dead letter. lam informed, and can see for myself, that the Town Race is still very dirty ; that geese wash themselves and indulge in daily baths in it, while fetid matter abounds throughout and along each side thereof. With the terrible associations of last year’s fever staring the authorities in the face, it is to be hoped that the warning thereby given will not, like in the days of Sodom and Gomorrah be cast aside and disregarded.