COUNTRY NEWS.

Auckland Star, Volume XXX, Issue 6, 9 January 1899, Page 2

COUNTRY NEWS.

ALBANY

A very successful entertainment was held in the Albany Schqolroom on January 2nd, under the auspices of the Albany Fruitgrowers' Association. The programme was as follows:. Duet (violin), Miss E. MeArthur and, Mr Cross; song, Mrs Biddick; song, Mr Long (encored); song, Mrs Battersby; song, Mrs Beaver; song, Miss Fitzpatrick; song, Mr W. Pye; song, Miss Boyd; dialogue by Mis*; MeArthur and Mr Hills, which was well appreciated by the audience; recitation, Mr Pye. After the programme was gone through the President (Mr Holder) spoke on co-operation, and then the floor was cleared for dancing, which was kept up with spirit until 2 o'clock in the morning. The fruit season has commenced here In earnest. Messrs Pannill and MeArthur seem to have a very heavy crop, especially of peaches and plums. The oil launch 'Speedwell,' owned bj|: Mr W. Stevenson, is a great convenience to the settlers in this district, especially the fruit growers, as she is always ready at a very short notice in charge of a captain, and so is allowed to carry a limited number "of passengers to Auckland as well as cargo. She has been making three and four trips per week with fruit, which is exported in large quantities to the Southern markets!

This district is steadily going ahead. Land is being sold, new hoiises are getting built, and the settlers are contemplating building a public hall. —(Own Correspondent.)