HOKITIKA.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XCIII, Issue 10599, 7 March 1895, Page 2

HOKITIKA.

[COKB23I?CINDEHT “ CANTERBURY TIMES.”] March 4. HOBiTICTJIiTOKAI, SOCIETY’S SHOW.

This society has justified its existence by producing at its first show a startling surprise to everyone who was present. In former years we bad horticultural shows, but they were anything but, successful, and an impression had arisen that no scope was afforded for them here. Last Wednesday’s experience amply disproved this. The society has not been long in existence—only two or three months —so nothing was grown specially for the show. Every exhibit, therefore, showed the general result attained by each exhibitor without any special effort having been made. The display of was certainly Email, but whatever deficiency there may have been in flowers was amply compensated for by the fruit and vegetables, Not only were the exhibits of these very numerous, but they were of a very high quality. Mr Trask, the mayor of Nelson, told me that the flowers were almost as good as those giown at Nelson, and the fruit and vegetables he had not seen surpassed anywhere. The principal exhibits were apples and grapes, and they conclusively proved that the Coast is admirably adapted for fruit-growing. THE BEDDON PRESENTATION. The Kumara presentation to tha Premier was made last Thursday, and was the biggest function that town has seen. It commenced with the procession of Oddfellows and school children at four o’clock in the afternoon, and, after a “ social,” ended with a dance at —well, I would scarcely like to say what time the dance ended. Tha presents were very handsome, and must have afforded the recipients much gratification. In addition to the public presentation was one of a gold Albert chain, with a greenstone pendant in the form of a shamrock, given by Messrs Moynihan and M’Grath, well-known claim-holders. The Greenstone presentation took place the next day, and assumed the form of a gold bangle with diamonds and rubies, which was given to Mrs Seddon. It is said that the Chinese residents of Greenstone are not going-to be outdone by their Caucasian neighbours, hut intend making a presentation on their own account. The general presentation from the electorate takes place here on Thursday, and this also will be followed by a “ social ” and dance. The public recognitions of Mr Seddon are not to end hero, for active steps are being taken in Groymouth to follow tho example set In Westland, and it eaema that this farewell visit of Mr Scddon’a will, in mining parlance, “ pan out well.” TOO DBT. Residents of an agricultural district will understand what a drought meane, but others can hardly understand how beautiful dry weather with occasional showers of rain can do any harm. Yet such is our experience at the present time. The weather has been dry for so long that all the sluices are out of water, and hundreds of men are idle. The effect of this great look-out ” by Nature is moat disastrous. The miners are not able to earn anything, and many of them get into_ arrears with the storekeepers, and these, in their turn, are forced to regard the fourth of the month with apprehension. The loss of time is never regained.