DUNSTAN.

Tuapeka Times, Volume VII, Issue 348, 18 April 1874, Page 2

DUNSTAN.

(From our own Correspondent.) There is little of particular moment to chronicle from this nart at present, and what reaches us from a distance is of a very melancholy character. The direful disease which has been raging in the Cromwell district for some time past, and which lisa been miking such havoc in some families there, has not yet subsided. On two occasions of late there were two of one family taken to their last resting place at one time. Four of the family of Mr. D. Scally, of the Nevis, have in a few weeks been laid side by side. Great sympathy is felfc for the bereaved parents. Almost every day brings some poor sufferer* from that district to the Hospital here, which is now almost full ; but as jet, though some of the cases hare been very bad, none hare

urorad fatal. The Hospital has been under the charge of Dr. Scott, of Queenstown, for ' ["';booA tyhe, the Resident Sturgeon having been 1 luT>^n©d ta> Dunedin in the case of Honeywell, Teriot. Dr. Scott has not been fortunate during his stay, for he himself contracted the disease, hut is again recovering. It seems that Dr. Stirling should hare also attended r \ Court in Dunedrn on the same case ; but he -V ittuft hart thought the lives of his patients of '/more importance, for it seems he disobeyed \ the summons. - It has been rumored since that he is likely to get into trouble for so doing, but nothing authentic has as yet ' transpired about the matter. The late coaoh accident also adds another item, of mournful news, and the case of '- Anderson and family is deeply sympathised with. Of what has transpired through the report of the enquiry, though it is premature , .to speak of that before it is concluded, it . would appear it is one of those catastrophes .• ' which no foresight or caution could prevent. Still, the enquiry may bring to light some- •)' tiring which, if put in practice; might to a considerable extent be a means of preventing N ,ft such-Uke occurrence.' . ' Turning to other matters, that of the Town Council recommending another lease for a r- coalpit, and which has sent the wail of the present leaseholder all over the province, may be noticed. Though with the majority of subjects introduced in the letter I do not joomux to touch, only that if the 'wise men three yean ago spoke of the author in anything but complimentary terms, they will be perfectly satisfied on the point now. What.ever claim Mr. Marie may have to the ground now applied for, as being an applicant among the many who have applied for it, his objec- .. tion to another pit being opened alongside is none the less ridiculous and absurd. The Waste Lands Board has decided that the lease be sold by auction, Marie to get valuation for - his road and drainage works ; and as the last "applicant's price was to be ss. per ton cheaper ■ than present rates, I presume the purchaser will have to do the same. In mining matters, there is the Pneumatic Gold Mining Company applying for registrations 2013 shares have been applied for out of a full compliment of 3000. Lindsay and party, who own the only race at work yet on the commonage, are already beginning to complain about the celebrated 50 acres being in the way of their tailings. How will it be -when the other water geta in P The water works scheme for the town seems to proceed but slowly, and of the new Athenceum or library, which some time ago it was thought was soon to be commenced, there is not a word ; but I believe the punt is to be enlarged at last. I have heard something of a new boat being on the way up for the purpose ; and as the Town Council's favorite ■ " calf," as some one termed the bridge, has . got strangled before it ever became a stirk, I should not yonder if the surplus fifty will not yet find its way into Donald's pail.