Keitangata

Bruce Herald, Volume XXIX, Issue 2963, 27 May 1898, Page 5

Keitangata

(Fbom OubOwn Correspondent.) Wednesday. Amongst the arrivals by the south express on Thursday were Mr W. H. Wetherill, Inspector of Machinery for the Otago District, and Mr B. Bree, Inspector of Stock for Bruce. Both these gentlemen hold offices under the N.Z. constitution of the Mason fraternity, the former as G-.S. for Otago, and the latter as G-.8. for Souihland, district. Our local brethren of the mystic tie met together that evening to receive these G-.S. representatives with due honors. After a serious consideration and a very long pauae, the reception committee for the gubernatorial visit has determined to abandon the programme arranged for the Governor's reception on the 16th and substitute a less expensive odo. Though reducing the number of honored guests, amongst those excluded are the names of well-known residents and largest ratepayers ; while among the chosen sixteen are residents of twelve months' duration, and non-ratepayers — thoae who done broadcloth— but more anon. While not being au fait as a correspondent, and one who is always pleased to accept editorial revision, I must decline interference from that besmeared imp of your office, the P.D., who seemed pleased to convert the number of months Mr Cornish had acted as town clerk into years. Seribendi recte sapere est principium etfons. The principle and source of good writing is to think rightly. Publican v. Policeman (not too vigilant in all parts of our coalpolis), euquiry is to be held on Thursday, 23rd inst., before Mr Hawkins, S.M. The evidence to be given will show — no I cannot foretell the case as it is sub judice, and therefore I must refrain from comment. It is common for man to err. On Monday a contingent of our local corps left by drag to join the express, (alias Flying Jordan), from the South, enroute for Port Chalmers, to have a friendly contest at the butts, with the Port Navals. The following are the results, as received by telegraph from Lieutenant M'Laren : 200 yds — Navals 338pts ; Kaitangata 330 ; 500yds— Navals 406 ; Kaitangata 396 ; Totals : Navals 744 ; Kaitangata 726. ;Majority for Navals 18pts. Detailed scores in my next budget. By the death of Mr W. T. Smith, J.P., on Wednesday last, this district sustained a loss which will not be easily retrieved. Mr Smith has lived in this community now for upwards of thirty-five years, and during that long period has endeared himßelf to all who have been brought into contact with him. He has occupied many public positions, and was always recognised as being possessed of great ability. As one who has been brought into contact with him officially I can testify to his true and great value to this district, while there can be no question that in his many public services his rectitude of character, and conscientious and efficient manner, proved an example and encouragement to younger residents. Mr Smith was born in October, 1837, his native place being Stobo, Peebleshire, Scotland, and he arrived in Dunedin by the vessel Ben Lomond during the year 1863. After working a few months at his trade as a joiner, ' being employed at the erection of \ the late Mr "James Hume's asylum, • he went to the Dunstan district. He | arrived in Kaitangata as stated above, ! his first work being the erection of [ Kemra Bank homestead. He then \ commenced business in the sawmilling i trade, and also opened a general store. 1 After many years in this business 1 he retired, and took up his residence at Wangaloa, where, up till the time of his death, he was engaged in - farming pursuits. b Mr Smith was a man who, as 5 already stated, devoted himself to \ public affairs, and in the Provincial days he represented this riding on the Kaitangata Road Board. Upon the I abolition of Provincialism and the a establishment of Counties, he waiI chosen as one of the first Bruce 6 County Councillors. He was re- £ elected as chairman of the Kaitangats a Town Board, when first incorporated, t and was still a member of that bodj 8 when Kaitangata was proclaimed i y borough, and the then members of the I Board, its first councillors. He foi is ten years occupied a seat as a membei i of our school committee, being chair , c man for two years. I' I could write at a considerable ' length enlarging upon Mr Smith'i estimable qualities, but the Kai ii tangata portion of your readers know ?. him as well as I do. I propose, there J8 fore, to conclude by expressing ou 14 deep and genuine sympathy with hi 1 wife and family in their present bou " oi bitter trial and afeioa,