Oamaru.

Bruce Herald, Volume VII, Issue 649, 13 November 1874, Page 5

Oamaru.

(From our own Uur respondent.")

Nov. 9, 1874.

To-day the Prince of Wales's Birthday is •,eld as a holiday, most of the shops and stores being closed. The citizens are in /anous ways enjoying the respite from bueiaess, and vehicles for an outing were in great demand in the morning. Those who delight in the noble game of cricket are watching with interest a game in which some crack players are engaged. Val Vose, the vencriloquist, is to delight a wondering crowd to-night in the Volunteer Hall, and continues ais entertainments for two nights more. The weather is singularly calm and beautiful.

The annual soiree of the Good Templars came off on Thursday last in the Volunteer Hall, and upwards of 400 visitors were there. It was a great success. The Rev. Mr Todd addressed the meeting, as did Mr Dewsberry of the Weßleyaus, besides other gentlemen. The speeches showed nothing new in the advocacy of total abstinence ; nor can I say that the labors of the Good Templars are very evident in the reduction of the number* of drunken men who every now and again are to be seen in our streets.

The first instalment of this year's clip of wool was brought into town last week, from the station of Messrs Oakden and Browne. U is reported to be of good quality.

Great preparations are goiug forward for the various amusements and events coming off at the show time. The concert on behalf of St. Luke's church organ fund is to be held on the 21st inst. ; and, as the town will be crowded with visitors at that time, it is expected it will prove a great success in a pecuniary point of view, and from the local amateur talent engaged to perform, a very pleasant and enjoyable entertainment is looked, forward to.

The show of the Northern Association is expected to be a grand aftair — in point of competition, in the horse department, and in one or two other classes. The Committee are exerting themselves to have every necessary arrangement perfect, so that there may be no hindrances in the judging and exnibition.

A lamentable accident of a fatal nature befel a man of the name of John Hannale on Thursday last. The deceased, in company with a number of men, was taking gravel out of a pit, near Pukanui Point, when the uank gave way, and before Hannale could out of the way of the falling gravel he >vas completely buried under it. He was very <soon got out, but he was found to be dead. The dray which was being loaded was completely smashed up, and tne horse was half tniried, getting one of his legs broken. The ilip of earth aud gravel was estimated to be 10 tons in weight, aud about 5 cwt. fell on Hannale. The poor unfortunate man has ieft a widow with five children.

The School Committee have had experience of the scarcity of teachers, for it was with difficulty they could get a suitable man as assistant in the North School, and they have only procured a gentleman temporarily, who is to undergo an official examination before being permanently appointed.

The Caledonian Society bave held their annual meeting, and the directors are now preparing for the sports at New Year, for which a sum of £103 is to he given in prizes, f should like to see our local society follow the example of the Dunedin Society, and get established evening classes for youths ; but it must be confessed that every step in this direction has hitherto been a failure.

There is little news of importance for your columns, but ere long your correspondent will have no difficulty in making up a small budget of interesting intelligence.