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Dunstan Times, Issue 896, 20 June 1879, Page 2

Thr uncertainty as to who is to administer justice from the Dunedin Dench in the place of Mr John Bathgate, E.M., who is about to take a journey homo on leave of absence, is at last settled, the gentleman selected being Mrl-W. L. Simpson, the respected R.M. and Warden for the past seven years of this the Dunstan district, and by a strange round of circumstances, the successor of Mr Simpson is Major Keddell, late R.M. and Warden at Coromandel and who, it will ho remembered by many, was the first Warden on the Dunstan Gold Fields. Time, in its sure' progress, effects many changes, but few—Major Keddell even himself —would wo ever think after the lapse of so many years, now numbering some sixteen, Shave looked for this change. Major Keddell will find great changes m the interim of his absence ; instead of the barren wilderness the Dunstan district was then with its. hordes of ever shifting population of broad shouldered and brawny armed gold-diggers,'seeking their piles on a few fields ; with barely a sign of, civilisation, leave alone settlement,the will return to find the digger gone, or whore they are, to find them settled and following their occupation as steadily and systematically as that of a regular business, settlement abounding in every locality and every want the earth can produce grown ; let it bo hoped the change will be a welcome one to him. In the departure of Mr Simpson the district will lose a strong supporter and sure friend. From an intimate knowledge gained during a long residence, he knew its every and most minute requirements, and many has boon the helping hand he has given towards obtaining whatever was sought. While deploring the loss the district will sustain, we perforce must console ourselves with the fact that what is our loss is his gain—his removal meaning preferment. Wo will not here say good bye and God speed, as we feel assured the opportunity will bo afforded us in another place, and under other circumstances of doing so.