DUNSTAN.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 1755, 15 August 1867, Page 5

DUNSTAN.

(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

12th August,

; Since Friday last we have had a change for the better in the weather ; the continued storms of sleet and snow have given way to genial sunshine. The lower portions of the hills are gradually assuming their wonted appearance ; the roads are fast drying up; and should the weather continue favorable for another week, traffic over the ranges wUI be resumed, and the ice-bound water races will once again be bringing in their accustomed supply. The Dunedin coach, due on Saturday evening, arrived on Sunday about 4 p.m. This is an improvement on former trips, and next time, it is to be hoped that the journey wiU be made in the accustomed time. No heavy traffic has arrived from Dunedin f<j£ more than a week past; a road waggon is not to be met anywhere, and many persons are anxiously waiting the arrival of supplies from town.

A by no means prepossessing person, who gave his name as Richard Griffiths, was charged at the Police Court, Clyde, on Friday lasfc, before Mr H. W. Robinson, R.M., with having committed a breach of the Vagrant Ordinance, by imposing upon private individuals, with a view to obtain money and goods. • It appears that the prisoner met some four men at Treweek's Station, near Tuapeka, and representing himself as a " new chum," having an uncle who had just purchased Shennan's Station, on the Manuherikia, he required some twelve workmen. The prisoner induced the four men to accompany him' to Alexandra, promising them employment. On the way he represented that he had no money, and he succeeded in borrowing some from his companions, who, in addition, " shouted" for him on the road, besides displaying other kindnesses. On arriving at Alexandra, the prisoner left the company of the four men, pretending fchat he was going to see his sister, and promised shortly to return. This he did not do, and finding that they had been imposed upon, the men started up to Clyde, and gave information to the police, who arrested the prisoner at the Port PhUlip Hotel. He was committed to prison for two calendar months.

On Friday evening last a public meeting was held at the School-house, Cromwell, to take into consideration the conduct of the School Committee, in refusing to investigate a charge made by Mr W. J. Barry (the Mayor) against MrD. M'KeUar,. the master of the school, for having used unbecoming language towards him (Mr1 W. J, Barry). Mr O'NeUl occupied the chair. Having explained, or at least, having endeavored to make as clear as possible, the object of the meeting, the chairman wisely called upon Mr Barry to state his case, which that gentlemanl did. Mr M'Kellar repUed at some length, and showed that, although, improper, ;or rather perhaps indiscreet, language might have been made use of, there was sufficient provocation given, and that no ; one in Mr M'Kellar's place, could have done otherwise than notice it. He had counted on inquiry by the School Committee, and believed that such would be made. Mr John Marsh, the Chairman, and Mr Whetter, a member of the School Committee, made some explanation which appeared to show that there existed an! entire misunderstanding on the matter. The meeting appeared to be rather more amused than interested, and at last the business was concluded by a proposition being carried that the School Committee should deal with fche matter.

After the conclusion of the meeting, another meeting waa called for the purpose of electing three trustees for the Cemetery in the place of Messrs Hetherington and Stratford, resigned ; and Mr Thos. Shanley, deceased. Messrs Goodyer, Grummitt, and Roberts were elected in their stead.

Yesterday morning, between one and two o'clock, some miscreants maUciously destroyed two fluming boxes in the " drop" near " Solomon's Face," belonging .to the Ovens Water Race Company. The boxes were destroyed by a hammerheaded pick, the marks of which could be plainly discerned, as also the footmarks of the scoundrel who committed the act. The damage done is estimated at LIOO.

The Company have offered a rewara of LSO for the conviction of the offender. The case is one into which the police authorities should make a strict investigation, as mining property is pesuliarly exposed ie malicious or wanton damage. This is the first case of the sort that has occurred in this neighborhood, and no pains should be spared to find the delinquent.