The Alexandra and Yea Standard, Gobur, Thornton and Acheron Express at KellyGang 2/11/1878 (2)
During the past two years a number of young larrikins have been in the habit of regularly and systematically making a noise round the schoolroom at night, and not only disturbing the business of the school, but insulting persons passing In that quarter. Although the police have repeatedly made attempts to bring these pests of society before the Police Court, yet they have man aged to escape and rejoice in their mischief. Strange that in a civilised community such young scoundrels should so long have been permitted to carry on their mischievous tricks obstructing and retarding the night school until it was eventually closed, as the then teacher, Mr Wollaston, found that he could not maintain order or discipline. It is from such a class of boys that our Kelly's, Morgans, and other murdering bushrangers spring up to fill our gaols and give employment to our hangman, so the sooner they are stamped out the better. Let there hbe no false delicacy in the matter. A fine of 10s is only a punishment on the parents. A month's imprisonment with two or three sound floggings would more effectually meet such cases of outrage and strike terror into the ranks of these young ruffians, who seem to inclined to set law and order at defiance, even before the beard is formed on their chins. If they do such things in the green leaf, what will they do in the dry part, the present time the country is being put to immense expense in providing the means of education for the rising generation, and why should a few larrikins be per mitted in any way to interfere with the progress of such important work? A flogging from the hangman may possibly save their necks from being stretched some day by that same important functionary. "
“Toby” will speak next week, the paper being full this time he cannot have a show. " Bushranging," " murder," "Christian kindness," &c., in our next ; but just one for the "Cup"-Chester, 1; Savanaka, 2; First King, 3.
The public buildings having been duly inspected by Mr Finley, on behalf of the Government, and found correct, were handed over on Wednesday to the local authorities, and the Court-house will be opened for the first time for the transaction of business on Monday next.
An old native woman died on Thursday morning at Mount Pleasant station. She was known as "old Peggy," and was aged 78 years. For some time past she has been a sort of pensioner on the owners of the property, and has had every comfort and attention paid her during her illness ; and we have to record an act of kindness on the part of Messrs Brown and Dobie, who would not allow the poor old woman to receive a pauper's burial, those gentlemen having kindly undertaken to pay the necessary expenses, much to their credit.
On Monday a lad was brought up at the Police Court on a charge of insulting behaviour, and it appears that Mr Stevens has for some time been subject to great annoyance from a number of boys, who throw stones at the school building when he is attending to his duties at the night school, and he has been compelled to apply to the police for protection. It will be as well for us to inform these juveniles that they are liable to a fine of £10, or three months' imprisonment, and it is therefore to be hoped this is the last that will be heard upon the subject.
Messrs M'Kay and Curteis held their monthly sale of stock on Tuesday last, when the yards were filled, prices being considered satisfactory. Stores went from £3 up to £5, cows £4, and a lot of fat cattle from Mount Pleasant were quitted at a fair price. Some lots sent in for sale with reserves were turned out, as owners evidently only sent in their stook with a view to try the market, and then to sell outside, a most unfair proceeding towards the auctioneers, and which course should be discontinued.
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