GERALDINE.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LXIII, Issue 7483, 24 February 1885, Page 5

GERALDINE.

frEOM OUE OWN COEEESPONBENT.I Again I have to report the prevalence of magnificenfharvest weather, thus enabling the farmers throughout the district to “ be up and doing.” Stacks of golden grain may already be seen rearing up their proud heads, and their owners are exultant, and living in hopes of remunerative prices being given them by the grain merchants. What a pity it is that so little time has been given to exhibitors at the Hew Zealand Industrial Exhibition. In regard to this district, the Committee met as soon an possible after being appointed (Friday last), but as the date for sending applications to Wellington must necessarily close on Wednesday next, the Committee have, with praiseworthy promptitude, advertised the fact as well as they were able. They meet again on Wednesday next, so it will soon be ascertained how many thousand feet (more or less, of course) space will be required for the Geraldine district. Exhibits of wool, corn, marble, coal, and other minerals, &c., could be forwarded from here. I understand, however, that the Directors of the Geraldine Dairy Factory have decided on exhibiting some samples of their cheese. It is much to be regretted that Geraldine cannot boast of a Volunteer Corps, so that it might have the honour of offering its services for active duty in the Soudan. However, it cannot be helped under, the circumstances. The district boasts of a large complement of young men, among whom a martial spirit is again being aroused. I use the word again, because not many years ago (two or three I Relieve) the establishment of a local corps was on the tapis, and a large roll of proposed members was signed, but for some reason or another the matter fell through. I understand that another effort will be shortly made in'a similar direction, and, it is to be hoped, with a more successful result. The religious horizon just now is very calm. A meeting of the members of the Anglican Church of St Mary was recently held for the purpose of electing a churchwarden in the stead of Mr Shiers, resigned, when Mr T. Hughes was appointed. . The Welcome Eetreat Lodge, 1.0.GbT., is progressing, under the presidency of Bro J. Brown, W.C.T., both numerically and financially. An open Lodge was held after its last meeting, which was a most successful affair, the Good Templar Had beinc crammed, with an appreciative audience. A lengthy programme of songs, readings and recitations was gone through with considerable spirit, and the proceed- , ings did not terminate till 11 p.m.