JOTTINGS FROM LAW RENCE.

Lake Wakatip Mail, Issue 879, 10 November 1874, Page 3

JOTTINGS FROM LAW RENCE.

(from oue own correspondent.) November 4,

Owing to a scarcity of interesting news in this district, I failed to forward my jottings in the usual Older, and judging by the very barren news which appears in tho various papers from their own correspondents, other districts are in similar circumstances to our own. One local correspondent of the Tokomairiro paper in his last communication complains of the dearth of news, and says, " It no change takes place, I shall have to substitute poetry—very original,of course—in order to make up a sufficient quantity of matter for an epistle." My forte, however, not being in the " original poetry line," any attempt at such might be deemed an infliction, rather than instructive or amusing. I shall, therefore, content myself, like Micawber, by waiting " 'till something turns up." Mr Hill, watchmaker, has left us, and his business has been bought by Mr Martin, of Alexandra, who is carrying on both establishments at present. Another watchmaker, Mr Albert Wilhelm, has also started in the shop in Ross-place, lately occupied by Mr Stuart. Another dnq>er has been added to our business places during the last fortnight; Mr J. Sly, i>octmaker, Ross-place, having opened out an assortment of drapery and clothing. Great preparations are being made for the celebration of the Good Templars, anniversary next Monday, November 9th, by a soiree, concert, and ball. If the weather is at all fine, there will be the largest gathering that has been in this district for a long time. The order is progressing very rapidly in this district. Fifteen candidates were initiated last Monday, and there are a number to undergo the same ceremony at next meeting. If this Society continue to make members in the same ratio for the future as in the past, some of our hotelkeeprs will have to emigrate to the Palmer, or other new pastures, for their occupation will be gone. Hospital matters are still in statu quo. At a meeting of subscribers held about three weeks ago to adopt the rules—some sixty in number—which had been drafted out by the Committee, a great deal of discussion took place, and only five rules were passed. The meeting was then adjourned for a week ; but, by some error or other, the adjournment lapsed, and, in accordance with the Ordinance, it was then impossible to have another meeting till seven subscribers requisitioned to that effect, which has been done, and a meeting called for the 13th inst

The Lawrence Brass Band are getting on famously, an assertion which I am sure the residents will corroborate—they having lately had an opportunity of judging—as the band has paraded our streets on several occasions, playing some spirited tunes, and has also visited the Spur and Wetherstoncs. They had a very successful entertainment in aid of their funds on last Wednesday week. Mr Matthew Hay's fifth annual walking show of stud horses took place last Thursday, at which there were five entries.

I see by the papers that Mr Judge Harvey is to succeed Wilson Gray in the administering of law in the Otago goldfields District Courts. Upon the latter gentleman returning from the service, I would respectfully suggest that the various Corporations in the districts over which he has presided should give an expression of opinion at the very satisfactory and able manner at which he has performed his arduous duties, and regretting that ill-health had compelled him to retire into private life ; but, hoping that a relaxation from his labors would be the means of giving him renewed health and vigor. I would have suggested a more substantial testimonial, but, from* previous knowledge, think his Honor would prefer the goodwill of those over whom he has presided so long.