HOW THINGS ARE MANAGED AT QUEENSTOWN.

Cromwell Argus, Volume I, Issue 24, 27 April 1870, Page 5

HOW THINGS ARE MANAGED AT QUEENSTOWN.

We heartily -wish we could instil into the residents of the Cromwell District the useful lessons they teach us so well at Queenstown: unanimity in forwarding the interests of the district, promptitude in dealing with public requirements, and the putting of the shoulder to the wheel in carrying out any decision arrived at. Class divisions exist at that place as at Cromwell. Party is opposed to party in some instances, hut they argue the thing temperately out, and then unite heartily 'to carry out the views so arrived at. Their meetings are patterns of order, and are attended by the most influential section of citizens and residents. By adopting this policy, they keep alive a healthy vigour, auJ they obtain what is equally valuable —a due consideration of their interests. They are not so foolish as to allow others to fight for them and swallow the oyster while the shell is left as their only legacy. Quite otherwise, we notice, is their action : they do manage to secure the oyster—and they richly deserve it, for they are not apathetic.—These remarks are induced by reading some reports in the local paper. The people of Queenstown have carried out a municipal election for one of the wards with great spirit and friendliness. Two candidates endorsed the opinions of the third one, who then retired from tire field. The meeting displayed interest in the matter by a large attendance, and the whole proceedings were of an agreeable character. Can we in Cromwell show this kind of action and spirit I —Another report gives us an account of the formation of a pros peering association, —tire private meeting of a few influential men, called by circular, resulting in a public meeting, which at once agreed to fit out a prospecting party under Mr William Fox, and subscribed the required funds, —looking for no other reward than the probable opening of a gold-field. It hits been pointed out by several (Mr Ashcroft amongst others) that we possess auriferous drifts in our plains stretching towards Bendigo. Could we not as easily hold a public meeting and adopt prompt steps to try the problem 1 We arc afraid not.—The other report refers to a movement in which similar promptitude was evinced and vigorous action followed. We allude to a meeting for the opening of the Shotover Bridge by a public ceremony ; and here, again, all was concord.—But we observe, further, that they are (at Queenstown) pressing upon Mr Hauohton their requirements, and obtaining his advocacy. They will therefore probably secure some votes during the Provincial Council sittings. It is impossible to ignore the requests of a community who display so much public spirit, and who are so eager to act, not only locally for their own interests, but also for the general good of the Province. Do let us see if we cannot put aside our miserable personal contentions, and unite in forwarding measures that will tend to promote the advancement of our own district.—-We also notice that tenders are called for a new post and telegraph office at Queenstown. Why should we bo so wretchedly off for similar accommodation 1 Simply because we will not unite, and therefore cannot get attention paid to our wants. Comparisons are not generally agreeable except to the favoured side; but nevertheless they are useful at times. In this case wo have faint hope they may be so, hut we would give something to see a fairly impartial public-spirited man come forward in our midst. He should from us receive every support--.