Our Dunedin Letter

Bruce Herald, Volume XXX, Issue 3104, 3 October 1899, Page 3

Our Dunedin Letter

7'A '.•''..- -~ '" : '7\ j (Fbom Oub Own Cobbe&pondent). Monday Morning. The boisterous weather has continued up-country and has had the effect. of making all dredging shares fall in, the market. Floods in the Molyneux were* apprehended, but no such ill luck hasj happened, and the splendid return of 5270z for a weeks work on the Hartley and Riley dredge comes in as a welcome surprise to croakers. With regard to the present boom many people think it cannot last, but from careful inquiries made from those who are competent to judge, I learn that their opinion is that it really is only in its embryo state, at present, and that when English and Australian capitalists arrive here — and they are expected shortly — large tracts of gold-bearing country will be taken up by them, so that soon, not only shall we have a fleet of dredges on the Kawarau, and the Molyneux, but also on the Mataura and all over the Waimea plains. It is always pleasant to hear of fortunes being made, and I do not think any of us grudge Mr Kyle, the late master of the Mornington district school, his lucky investment in Hartley and Riley which ha brought him in a fortune. Last week Mr Kyi retired from school teaching and received presentations and most flattering testimonials for his 19 years hard work teaching the Mornington " young idea how to shoot." This gentleman intends to take up his residence in Roslyn, where he will be able to enjoy a well earned leisure. The Dunedin Horticultural Society's Bulb Show, which has been looked forward to with with great interest was held last week, and was an unrivalled success. Never has there been such a show of spring flowers here, and surely they cannot be improved upon, as I think the daffodils have about reached pei'fection ; one must certainly be blind to beauty of color and form if does not admire the exquisite bells and trumpets of this queen of flowers. It would be invidious to name any exhibits where all were so meritorious but the eye could not resist the undoubted attractiveness of Mr Davis' collection, which had come from Christchurch. lie showed 144 varieties for which he received first prize, the 1 blooms being lovely ; amongst the finest of which were specimens of " Golden Star," " Prince of Wales," "Emperor," &c. Mr A. Wilson, rector of the Boys High School also made a splendid display, he showing some specially fine specimens of " Empress " and " Sir Watkin ;" his however were sent in for exhibition only, so of course were not classed. The decorated tables were disappointing in the extreme. Only three ladies had entered for; them, and of these, Miss Kathleen M'Lean's, an original and particularly pretty arrangement of narcissi in small gilded cornucopias round a yellow satin and lace centre, was the only one that was really worthy of being called a decorated table, and naturally took first prize. The pothers were simply arrangement of daffodills in flower glasses. Owing to the war scare, I suppose, fche grain market keeps firm, and from this time there is every prospect of a slight rise in both the oat an<\ wheat markets. The demand for all lines is good, though no real change can be reported in the market yet, but I fancy that those who have been able " to hold on to their grain " will be the lucky ones after all. Wednesday, the 4th October, and Saturday, the 7tb ; are the days of the Jockey Club's race meeting at w ingatui. If the weather it at all propitious there is sure to be a good gathering, for after a winter's dullness, we all enjoy an outing, and though the entries are rather disappointing, in point of numbers, Mr Douses excellent handicapping brings the candidates so well together that it would be a difficult task to spot the winner. No little excitement prevails among : the Otago Hussars at the thought of active service in the Transvaal. However only 50 men are required from i here, and offers to serve are pouring in from Oamaru to Riverton. Major Robin has already been sent for to go [ north to Wellington. He is most \ likely wanted to consult with the authorities as to organisation before the selection of the N.Z. contingent. I believe no Maoris will be included in ■ those selected, as it is very rare now-a-days to find a good shot among the [ native race. s The cycling season opened on Satur--1 day afternoon, when about 200 cyclists • took part in the procession, which left 1 the Octagon for the Botanical Gardens, where their photographs were taken.

Lawn tennis seems to be at a low ebb here. The t^£.T^. wfiich has been the senior club here for many years and the possessor of three grass and three asphalt courts, has lost its grounds.* Mt James Allen, M.H.R., the owner of the property, has sold half of the section and already cottages are erected on the formerly smooth grassy verdure, and the pavilion has been pulled down. The asphalt courts are, however, still in possession of the club, which is going to have a floral carnival next week, by which it hopes to clear a sum sufficient to pay off back arrears and to lay down at least one new grass court, but we shall see. I will be able to tell you of the success of the attempt next week. Party-giving has reached the stage that to be a success, the hostess must think of some novelty or other. Last week Mrs Rattray gave a large " At Home," to which she invited about 100 ladies and gentlemen, each one being requested to come representing a proverb or some well-known quotation. Some of the representations were extremely clever. Here are a few of them: — "To see yourself as others see you," the lady simply carried a small mirrow in her hand, which she held up to each one who looked for her motto. "In for a penny, in for a pound," was cleverly depicted by a drawing of two inns, etc. A blank card with " Dreyfus " written across it stood for " A man more sinned against than sinning." The latter won the prize for being the most original.