ALEXANDRA.

Tuapeka Times, Volume VII, Issue 347, 15 April 1874, Page 3

ALEXANDRA.

\From our own Correspondent.)

On the Bth inst. Mr. J. G. Chappie disposed -auction of tho ' stock arid fixtures of the late Mr. J. O'Brien, at the Gorge Creek, at very satisfactory prices. The cattle which were in prune condition averaged about £6 per head. The house and farm were not : a6ld, the price offered not coming up to "expectations. There r is one phase of the Ma-crewoenua 'pollution case that 'seems 'to have eßcapod your notice. Messrs. Borton and "M'Master •object to the miners polluting the river on the Aground that it interferes with their "washing operations. Suppose that pome landholders lower down the river obj'^tcil to Messrs. Borton and it'Mastor polluting the 'river. • There are some ppopjp fasf.Hioue enough' to prefer putting up with the lr.uViy water resulting from rnmmg operations, rather than have a rm'yt.T.-e of tobacco juice, aWnic, corrosive subiiraate, and the other abominations used in sheep dressing, mingled with the water they use for domestic purposes. The usual monthly meoting Of the Alexandra School Committee took place on the 6th inst. The Committee took into consideration the question of a supply of books to the scholars. Mr. Reid the schoolmaster was 'present, and gave an explanation of the difficulties attending the making of any alteration from the present system. The Committee ultimately decided that they did not %cc their way clear-to make any alteration at

present. A vote of thanks was given to Mr. Reid for his attendance and explanation. A letter from Mr. J. C. Chappie referring to the sewing machine caused a very animated discussion. At first it was proposed, that in consequence of the discoxu'teouß tone of tho letter that no notice should be taken of it, eventually*?*, motion was carried that copies of the correspondence should be furnished to the local papers for publication. I enclose copies of the letters referred to. without comment, excepting to state that the sewing machine has been handed over to the School Committee. The letters are sufficiently curious as a specimen of the amenities of public correspondence in' Alexandra. [copy.] " Alexandra, 18th February, 1874. "W. Theyers, Esq., Chairman of Alexandra School Committee. "Sib. — I beg to|make application on behalf to MmFhilayand Mrs. Chappie to place asowing machine in the school for the purpose of the girls being taught the same, it being understood that the machine be under the charge of Mrs. Finlay and Mrs. Chappie. And will you kindly get an answer at once, and do not delay until your next monthly meeting. — Yours truly. " John Cole Chapple." [copy] Alexandra, March 3rd 1874. "Mr. J. C. Chappie "Sib, — I have been requested by the Alexandra School Committee to acknowledge the receipt of jour favour of the 18th ult., and to enquire whether the sewing machine referred to was purchased for the use of the school, and if so to request that it be handed over to the School Committee. — I am, &c, " James Rivers, " Acting Secretary A.S.C." [copy] "Alexandra, March 14th, 1874. " To tho Alexandra School Committee. Gentlemen, — Received yourjjlette bearing date 3rd March, 1874, aud am instructed by the Ladies Committee to inform you they can only account for your absurd request to hand over the sewing machine to your care on the supposition that you are entirely ignorant of the merits of tho case. The money was collected to augment the funds already in the hands of the Ladies Committee for the purchase of a sewing machine, conditions being the ladies to retain charge of it, and whilst acknowledging your superior knowledge of Bewing in general and sewing machines in particular, we also know your term of office exists for one year only, and your successors might be gentlemen of inferior abilities in the superintendence of .embroidery. Indeed might altogether disapprove of both sewing, and sewing machines. Under these circumstances you cannot fail to perceive tho impropriety of the ladies resigning their trust, and thereby betraying tbe confidence reposed in them by subscribers. — I have the honour, &c, " JonN Cole Chappus. _ "Hon. Secretary and Treasurer to the Ladies Committee."