LAWRENCE.

Clutha Leader, Volume XII, Issue 596, 18 December 1885, Page 6

LAWRENCE.

The monthly meeting of the Tuapeka County Council was held on Friday last. Mr J. Bennett, was in. the chair. After the ordinary business had been attended to, the Clerk submitted his return, showing the disburaementsfor.November, which were as follow : Roads and bridges, L 696 ; new works, L 20 3; Government vote, L4B ; deferred payments, L45 ; contracts, L 22 8; total, L 1169. The report also showed that 20 surfacemen were employed in the various ridings throughout the County. — All rates in arrears to be at once sued for.-— On the motion of Mr M'Nab, se«

conded by Mr Cotton, it was decided to contribute the sum of L5 in aid of the fund being raised for * : Blalek Peter," the first discoverer of gold in Otago. — A few days leave was granted to MrEdie during the Christmas holidays,— lt was decided to spend LSO. (the Balmoral Road Board spending a like amount) on the road, " Jones' to Crookburn," the boundary of the riding to be -altered to the centre of the road.

The Caledonian Society are doing their best to make the annual gathering on the 28th pass off successfully, and at a meeting of the Committee held on Thursday, Messrs Gordon and Fraer reported that they had made satisfactory arrangements for the accommodation of the Industrial School Band at the Commercial Hotel. — The action was confirmed. — Several subcommittees were appointed, to look after various matters of detail ; and Messrs Miller and Woods reported that favourable arrangements were proceeding for the concert.

The distribution of prizes in connection with the Lawrence District High School will take place at the Town Hall on Friday afternoon, when a large gathering is expected. Several addresses will be delivered by a number af gentlemen who take a great interest in the school, and as our school is famed for its singing, we are to have a few musical selections to help enliven the proceedings. In. addition to the prizes, which are pretty numerous and valuable, and all donated by iriends, the Committee give a medal each to the dux boy and girl.

The installation of our newly elected Mayor takes place to-day, when Mr P. Miller will take charge of the Borough team for the ensuing twelve months ; the principal work will be tho completion of the drainage channel, which has already cost L 3500, and another LIOOO, which was voted last session, will now be spent on it.

Messrs Hugh Craig and Co., of Lawrence, are the successful tenderers for the whole of-the inland mails ; tho price is L 3280. These contractors have hitherto given general satisfaction, and no doubt will carry out future arrangements so as to maintain the confidence of the postal authorities and the travelling public. The presentation to Mr J. C. Brown will be made at a supper to take place on Wednesday evening, the 16th. It is expected that the Premier, the Minister, of Justice, the Minister of Mines, and several members of the Assembly will be present on the occasion.

Our Volunteers are very enthusiastic in endeavouring to perfect themselves in all the necessary requirement of an efficient corps, and are zealously practising in this direction. The Government drill instructor will visit here to-morrow evening in order to make an inspection as to the progress made.