Alexandra Times at KellyGang 10/5/1873 (2)
There is just now considerable agitation in Gobur circles, about the Gobur common. Some are inclined to think it rather an un common thing that a place should have a common and yet no common; a little paradoxical certainly, but capable of explanation in this wise: the bulk of the Gobur common is embraced in gold leases, old worked shallow ground, and claims now being worked; so that if the leases wore all fenced in say, and the old workings excised, the Gobur common would look rather "dickey." It appears further, that the sapient managers won't allow the miners resident around Gobur, to fence in a few acres for cultivation, this is simply outrageous; and if this paltry action of the said managers be not taken through selfish motives, it is, no doubt, overstepping the bounds of their duty.
Settlement of the miners and their families, should be encouraged and not hindered; and this "dog in the manger" management must be tolerated. Better would it be to acquire an extension of the existing common, and lot the goats and the few cattle requiring the accommodation, go farther away.
There was a man once, who, somehow could not articulate ,very well, the letter r especially; and so that was literally, a dead letter to him. This person told another one day, that if he wanted same particular blessing, he must pay for it (the r silent.) Now if we Goburites, should want the blessing of the gospel preached to us we must pay for it; and very proper too. What right have we to expect any luxury without paying for it? Certainly, we are told in an old fashioned, book, not much in use here, that there are some very valuable things which may be had "without money and without price;" but those don't comprehend or include a minister to come from a distance to preach to us. Well, we ought to ascertain how much has got to be paid and secure the attendance now and again of a minister if for other reason than common decency.
In the 8th chapter of Amos, the following words may be found: "Behold the days come, saith the Lord, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord." Perhaps this may not apply to Gobur exactly, or in Gobur this prophecy may not have its fulfilment; but it might, so far as the people scorn to have any chance of "hearing the words of the Lord."
Gobur, 7th May, 1873.
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