ALEXANDRA.

Dunstan Times, Issue 897, 27 June 1879, Page 3

ALEXANDRA.

(from our own correspondent.) The bridge contractors have got fairly under weigh with their undertaking. A band of men are engaged miking the roadway to and excavating for the foundation of the pier on the east bank of the river. Some again are quarrying and preparing stone for the pier. A quantity of material is already on the ground, other is daily arriving, and Mr Drumray is at present in Dunedin making arrangements for the purchase of a steam engine and other appliances that will be required. So far the work is being tackled in a systematic and businesslike way, and failing accident or uuforseen circumstances, a fair start with a good show of work will be made before the winter is over. The main or I may say the only difficulty in the contract is connected with the pier on the east side, and by the contractors devoting their fresh energies to it, evidence they know what they are about, and further, that they are in earnest. The weather so far has been highly favourable, the river being low with every prospect of its falling considerably lower. I do not hear of anything further being done to utilize the bridge across the Manuherikia. It appears to me a most monstrous thing that after the expenditure of close upon a thousand pounds upon so really necessary (?) and useful (?) a work, that for the sake of a few more pounds it should remain idle. From what I can see it resolves itself into the simple question—was it wanted or was it not. By the supreme indifference of all parties concerned—the Vincent County Council and the Borough of Alexandra—the answer must be in favour of the latter ; but who knows, do you, dear reader? 1 am sure I do not. Look at it however from whatever point you will, it looks much like letting the ship sink for the sake of an extra bit of tar. If the bridge was wanted twelve months ago, it is an now, and I am constrained to say that it is strange—more than passing strange—a howl of discontent is not heard from those for whose convenience it was built. That the matter is not dead however is evidenced by the fact of

the concert to be given on Friday evening next, in the Town Hall, in aid of the Manuherikia Bridge Fund—A great number of people ask, and to my thinking very naturally, what is meant by the Manuherikia Bridge Fund. 1 have gone somewhat out of my way to explain, but not at all times have succeeded in making myself clear, so I shall leave it for the Committee to answer the somewhat crude question on Friday night to, I hope, a numerous audience From the names of the performers a treat is in store, and for whatever the cause 1 shall hope, in acknowledging the kindliness of the ladies and gentlemen who are ever ready to give their services when called upon, to see a bumper house. On account of a slight vise in the river since the sinking of M’Lennau’s dredge, the efforts made to raise her have been unsuccessful ; further attempts will in a few days be made. The break in the weather during the past week has had a good effect, enabling both farmers and miners to get to work. The snow fall on Monday last was very heavy, and should lighten the hearts of the miners, as it promises a good supply of water for the coming summer. Mr Fache submitted to auction here on .Monday last, a half-share in Iverson and Foxwell’s claim in Conroy’s Gully, but as the higheet bid—Lls2—did not reach the reserve, it was withdrawn. I hear it has since been sold at a slight ailvance. On the same day be disposed of the old Courthouse, realising for it L 22, which must be looked upon as good value. M r Chappie’s sale on the Wednesday previous, of Mr Duncan Robertson’s property, was fairly attended and good prices realised, showing chat, despite the hue and cry of hail times and the pressure of the banks—a young lady friend of mine asked me the other day why it was not called the squeeze, as she liked that word best -that there is still some loose cash left for speculating with. I have heard nothing as yet whether it is intended to get up some little jubilee to afford the well-wishers of Mr Duncan Robertson an opportunity of bidding him good-bye. From the fact of him being the veritable old man of the district, that is, the oldest inhabitant, I think the very least that could be done would be to invite him to a bit of bread and cheese and a glass of beer, with perhaps a wee drappie of the eratur just to m ike things sociable like. There is none too much time to spare, as I understand he takes his departure from the district on Monday or Tuesday next, if anything is to be done. Mr Robertson is a plain unassuming man, and 1 am sure he would be the better pleased to join at a i plain spread that would come within the. j means of everyone, than at one of your exj pensive and accordingly select affairs. Clawhammer coats and white chokers are not in i his line. My next duty I hope will be to report the particulars of a happy and jovial party.