OUR OWN CORRESPONDENTS.

Mount Ida Chronicle, Volume 30, Issue 9186, 13 October 1899, Page 6

OUR OWN CORRESPONDENTS.

STRATHTAIERI. : " WJSATHEi?. Spring is here and the young lambs are in evidence, also 'the grass, but withal King Frost has not quite deserted us. Some sharp and bitterly cold sou' westers, with snow and sleet, prevailed on Wednesday last. At intervals, some nice sunny days compensates for all. FARMING. Sowing is about through, and in some instances that done early is making an effort to get through the ground, and if our usual nor'-westers will only keep away I hope to report an abundant harvest. MINING. Like the influenza epidemic the dredging fever is with us, and I am assured that a dredge will be on the River Taieri by the end of the present year, or early in 1900. I understand the location is about a mile below the Rock and Pillar station. Also, nearly the whole river down to Sutton bridge is pegged out, and there should be work for the Warden next Court Jay (27th inst.). If all this enterprise proves successful and of a profitable nature it will be gladly welcomed. ACCIDENT. An inquiry was held here to day at Webb's Hotel, before J. Elliott, Esq., J.P., touching the death of one Frank M'Donald, who was killed by a fall of earth in the Hibernian Mine at Sutton on Friday* morning, 6th inst. The evidence elicited the fact that it was purely accidental, no blame being attached to anyone. More ground came down than was anticipated, and the deceased could not get away in time. OBITUARY. There has just passed away an old and respected resident, Mr W. Hay. Deceased was an inmate of Dunedin HospitrJ all last winter for some internal complaint. He came down a few weeks ago, but was never seen in the streets again, and quietly passed away on the morning of the Bth inst. —oo PATEAROA CRICKET CLUB. ANNUAL MEETING. This meeting was held on Saturday evening last at the residence of Mr John Wilson, the members present being Messrs Cambridge, W. Chirnside, Dyke, J. and W. Johnston, Murray, O'Dowd, F. Schrick, and John and Peter Wilson. Although I have not been favored with an official report of the proceedings, I understand that Mr O'Dowd, who is justly popular with our boys, was elected to the chair by the united voice of the meeting, and that he filled that important post as if he were "bread" to it. The finances of the club were shown to be in a sound position, a small balance being provided to start the season after the collection of a few safe debts. A considerable amount of enthusiasm was shown during the meeting, and although our fellows have taken their past defeats —which, by the bye, are getting fewer year by year—in the most manly way, I understand that they don't feel inclined to take any this year. (The mention of the hitherto dreaded name " Eardley " is this season productive of nothing but a double-figure smile). It was resolved that a supp'y of new material be sent for to Dunedin. The following office - bearers were elected: President, Mr James Coram; vice-president, Messrs A. Cameron and P. M'Atamney ; captain, Mr John Wilson ; deputy-captain, MiFred Schrick; secretary, Mr John Johnston (re-elected); treasurer, Mr D. O'Dowd ; selection committee— Messrs J. Wilson, F. Schrick, and J. Johnston.

The bat presented by Mr Turnbull (president of ihe club last year) to the best batsman of the past year was won by Captain Wilson, with an average of about 10 runs per innings. Fred Sehrick ran the skipper very close, and it was not until the last innings was played that the winner of the bat was sure of it. I have last year's averages made up, but can't lay my hand on them at present. Will send them next week.