MERTON.

Otago Witness, Issue 2722, 16 May 1906, Page 35

MERTON.

May 11. — Foi ihs last week or two the weather has been 'etting us know that winter has set in. There have been boisterous gales of wind and rain, and it has been very cold. To-day there is a change for the better, the weather, though windy, being pleasant, the sun shining brigbt;y. but the leafless trees and bare fields remind us that summer, and even the last red and yellow leaves of autumn, have oassed away. Changes. — In this litt'e corner during the last yaar there have been several changes, some going away to fresh fields and pastures new, others coming in their places, and some have crossed that bourne whence no traveller ere returns.

Persona! — Mr John Duncan, of Corner Bush, is at present keeping fairly well. Mrs Duncan, who has also been an invalid for some time, is now progressing towards recoveiy. Then many friends and neighbours wish them both a speedy retina to health end stiength Fire.- On Wednesday night. 9th mat., the Merton Church was burnt to the ground, flow the- fire originated is unknown. Unfortunately it wis the night before the annual sciree. and some of the provisions wtre in the ch'irch, nud were consumed by the fire. Howevei, more was provided next day, and the soiree was held in the schoolhouse. The church wil' be lebuilt as soon as possible. Meanwhile the servKe c will be held in the schoolHo.ise.