WAIMATE.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LXI, Issue 7225, 26 April 1884, Page 3

WAIMATE.

[FKOM OUE OWN COEEE6PONDENT.J April 25. In common with other places, there is a. universal growl here at the hardness of the times. The lateness of the harvest, combined with the ruinous rates ruling in Timaru and Oainaru for grain, has caused farmers to avoid making any town purchases except such a 3 are absolutely necessary, and shopkeepers despair of moving off "farm requisites" thi3.winter save perhaps the indispensable tea and sugar. A disinclination is also shown to " square up," and the only result of "accounts rendered " is an extra expenditure in postage stamps. Several working men who have saved a little capital have recently left the district for the North Island, where it is supposed there is "no real depression," and some of our town tradesmen have found it advisable to " seek fresh fields and pastures new." Some people cannot "part," for the simple reason that they do not possess the needful; others fail to do so solely from an objection to the operation, albeit they may have a superabundance of hard cash. Among the latter in this part of the world is a very wealthy squatter, whose only reason for not paying his rates to the County Council is that the Council declined to add one to the many roads with which his enormous estate is gridironed. At an interview with the Council this gentleman, whose rates amount to over .£7OO, told the members emphatically that unless they made this particular road, they would have to recover from him in the Supreme Court, intimating at the same time that he might be able to escape payment by the discovery of some informality or technicality. One or two members were in favour of humouring the close-fisted old gentleman—being evidently afraid of risking such a large sum in the operation of the law—but the majority were averse to allowing bounce to triumph, and the result is that the Waitaki Sheep King has his wish gratified, an action having been already commenced to recover the rates due. I have only to add that the Council's Engineer stated that the estate had received more than a fair share of expenditure on roads from the County funds. The Rev C. Griffin (Wesleyan minister), who left Waimate recently to fill a pulpit at Lawrence, was a favourite with all classes of people, and general regret was felt when he took his departure hence. Mr Griffin was a prominent member of several local bodies, and his broad-minded views were much appreciated by those >vith whom he worked. In private, his unostentatious style and courteous manner endeared him to everyone who knew him. Mr Griffin's place is taken by the Eev J. H. Gray, of Balclutha. The new pastor of St Paul's, who possesses a remarkable voice, seems to give satisfaction to his flock. A lecture was given in this Church laot night by Dr Kelynack, on "Wesleyan Missions in the South Seas, and their claims." The Mayor presided over a small audience, and the learned doctor delivered a very interesting address on missionary work, winding up with an earnest appeal for help. The collection at the conclusion was very satisfactory. Kemarkable activity still prevails amongst the temperance men. We have three societies—or, if I include the " Salvationists," four—all pegging away in most persevering fashion at the drink evil. The Good Templars, who comprise the oldest temperance reformers in Waimate, hold meetings every week in their hall, but the gatherings are of an unimportant kind, and but poorly attended. The Star of South Canterbury Lodge was once the most flourishing temperance body between Christehurch and Dunedin, but the Star is now in the descended. This result is due slightly to departures from the district, but mainly to the popularity of the Blue Ribbon movement, which at present, by its novelty, perhaps, receives the support of the majority of teetotallers. The Reekabites recently brought into a Tent by Mr Levy, of Ormondville, have made wonderful progress in a short time, and strong efforts are being made to got temperance men to join the benefit society. On Tuesday an instructive leoture was given at the Blue Eibbon meeting by Mr Harding, of Hawke's Bay, on " The chemical properties of alcohol." The opponents of strong drink have a splendid opportunity of advancing their cause, as most of those who like an occasional beer, show a disinclination to indulge their palates—at any rate, while even a very small " shandy" costs a whole sixpence. The publicans will have to oonie down to three-penny beers if they wish to counteract the designs of the cold water advocates. Our energetic member addresses his constituents at Waimate on Thursday next. As most of the big guns have gone off, Mr Steward will have plenty of material to work on, and as his constant attention to local grievances has given satisfaction, the meeting is expected to be unanimous in its approval of his conduct in the past. The next election is already causing some talk, and, notwithstanding Mr Steward's popularity, he is not to be allowed to have a walk-over. So say the local prophets. Mr John Douglas, of Waihao Downs, is spoken of as being anxious for the honour of representing Waimate; and Dr Deane, an old resident here, and now in South Australia, is reported to have his eye on the seat. The proposal to bring fresh candidates forward" emanates from those who wish to see a fight j not on account of any shortcomings of our present M.H.R.