CLYDE.

Otago Witness, Issue 2368, 20 July 1899, Page 30

CLYDE.

July 17. — Few may remember the incident nowadays, nevertheless it is worth chronicling if for no other purpose than to show that an event, like history, repeats itself. News of Edward Baumb's death had reached the waterless gullies of German Hill, and the horny- ■ handed diggers were in a state of ferment until they became acquainted with all the circumstances of "Ted's" unexpected demise. The fact was, Ted had given way to the seductive influences or Dutch Harry's shanty; and, one frosty night, finding himself unable to get the length of his tent, which stood in Dead Man s Gully, he sought the God of Eepose beside a huge boulder, against which he had evidently ■tumbled in his erratic movements. Next morning Ted's mortal remains only were there, the recumbent body being frozen to the rigidity of » stalagmite. The diggers gathered to tluKppot, and the limb of the law arrived after the lapse of some little time. A J.P. was sworn in for the occasion; a jury of six was fixed up, and the inquest proceeded with. The Coroner tried to be as impressive as he possibly could, and ho managed the whole affair admirably from start to finish. As lo the cause of death, there was much difference of opinion ; but an amicable understanding was arranged by a juryman suggesting that they adjourn to Dutch Harry's jjhanty lo discuss the question. The adjournment was agreed to. The shanty was crowded with digge-s, who refused lo leave at the request of the constable, nnd confusion was the result. After five hours' careful deliberation, the jury found the following' verdict: — "That Edward Baumb met his death by neglecting the precaution of providing himself with a bottle " of Dutch Harry's No. 1 soda water, and tkat fleath was accelerated by other accessories not to be named by the jury." "You lot of confounded humbugs! " said a voice at the door; and amidst great confusion "Ted ' jostled his way towards where the jury sat, and holding out a bottle labelled "No. 1, Prince," exclaimed, -■ " Yes blamed idyils, I had this in my pocket an' yer didn't find it! Why, yer don't know a. ttead man from a feller as is quietly sleeping. The foregoing has been brought to mind by the report cf a recent inquest held at Ophir, in tvhich a jury found that the deceased "died from heart disease, accelerated by exposure to the severe weather." The report doesn't gc to show that this verdict was in "accordance with medical testimony, and until the public mind is satisfied as U medical evidence being given to direct the finding, it would not be out of the way to apply a p?rt of the verdict on Ted Bauir.b I'.he'.e ii phows "that death was accelerated by other accessories," s"s mcetiag the requirements Df the recent inqueat at Ophir. Secretarybhip. — i£r Geo. Koche haa been, ap-

pointed secretary to the Dunstan Hospital Committee at a salary of £40 per annum — a nice dot, certainly. Lignite. — The two lignite pits at Dairy Creek are in full swing now, the average weekly output amounting to some 400 tons. This output will be considerably increased when dredges are put upon the claims north of Clyde.

Social. — The Rev. Mr Lothian, who has resigned this charge, was tendered a farewell social at Alexandra on Wednesday evening last. Mr Lothian bade good-bye to the Clyde congregation at the close of last evening's service. St. Mary's Church was crowded on the occasion. The Rev. Tait, of Cromwell, was- the officiating clergyman.

Ball.— Court Star of Dunstan, A.0.T., will hold their annual ball on Friday, 25th August.

Political. — Mr J. J. Ramsay has written some friends in Clyde, intimating his intention of giving up politics. This means that he will not contest the Tuapeka seat at next general election. Mr Ramsay, I understand, has gone into business as a commission agent in Dunedin.