OUR OWN CORRESPONDENTS.

Mount Ida Chronicle, Volume 31, Issue 9234, 21 September 1900, Page 3

OUR OWN CORRESPONDENTS.

KOKONGA. A public meeting was held here on Monday evening to consider the question of establishing a public library in the township. About 14 residents turned up, and the convener of the meeting, MrK. Williamson was called to the chair and briefly explained the object of the meeting. Miss I Morgan proposed and Mr Gillies seconded that steps be taken to form a public library in the township. Mr Glendirining said that while not wishing'to throw cold water on the project it seemed to him that it would be unwise to start a library here, seeing that a very good library already existed at Lower Kyeburn; and proposed as an amendment that instead of forming a separate library an arrangement be made with the Kyeburn Library Committee -to amalgamate. Hefelt sure that the Kyeburh people would : gladly acquiesce and gave suggestions i how the thing might be worked, at j the same time pointing out the principal . advantage in following this plan. The . Kyeburn'.Library had been in existence , 12 or 13 years and contained 547 volumes, which had cost about £IOO. Mr Stewart seconded the amendment and ; several others present, including the mover i oE the motion, having their , opinions that if an arrangement such as had been described could be made it would be far beLler than starting a fresh, library, Miss:| Morgan with the consent of';: her seconder.- 1 withdrew her motion- in favour. of-the-, amendment, which then became ~the.,motion, and on being put, was carrieduhahimously. A local committee, to make -the"' arrange- ' mehts and to take the responsibility of sec- ' ing to the care of the bopkswhenv received. : was then formed, and Messrs Williamson and ' Glendinning -were deputed to attend the ' annual meeting of subscribers to Kyeburn ! library which is to take place on.' Saturday ' evening, when the necessary-details of the | arrangement can be made. i It was next arranged to hold a concert | and dance on the sth October to raise funds | to meet the expenditure that would be re- j quired in forming the branch library, any balance over to go towards the purchase, of more books. A concert committee -was formed which then met and sub-committees-were appointed to attend, to the different details in connection with the concert. A vote of thanks to the chair, proposed by Mr James Matbewson brought a very agreeable meeting to a close. ST. BATHANS. SMOKR CONCERT. Messrs James' Sutherland and George Hatcher, coachdrivers, Central Otago, were entertained by a few friends on Monday last, the event being the departure of these two gentlemen from their regular trips to and from St. Bathans as it is no longer a 'terminus for the coaches to Clyde, and Alexandra. About twenty-five gentlemen attended entertainment, which was held in Host Thurlow's large dining-room. Mr Wm. Pyle occupied the chair, and Mr Wm. Burnett the vice-chair. The Chairman in his opening address said they had met'.to wish farewell to two tried and trusted friends, well and most favourably known to all in the district. He felt certain all would regret their departure, and at the same time would be pleased to have an opportunity of spending a pleasant hour or two once more in their company. (Applause.) Numerous toasts were proposed, responded to and" honoured, amongst them beiug— The Queen. The Army, Navy and , Volunteers, proposed by Dr. Stenhouse, and responded to by Mr A. T I. Vernon King. Agricultural and Pastoral Interests, proposed by Mr T. J. Francis, and responded to by: Mr R. S. Black. Miuing and Commercial Interests, proposed by Mr Burnett, and responded to by Messrs M'Couuochie, I'yle, Excell, and Gilmore. The toast of the evening. Our Guests, was proposed by the Chairman, who said the appreciation and esteem in which Messrs Sutherland and Hatcher were held in the district was clearly shown in the present gathering.. They had met for the purpose of saying good-bye to worthy and honourable men, and to present each with a little tangible memento by which they niight the better know that the public appreciated their worth and recognised their many good qualities, (Here each gentleman was presented with a purse of sovereigns.) He hoped that they would have great success in their work and merit similar recognition elsewhere.—(Applause.) Mr Burnett (vice-chair) reiterated the previous speaker's remarks. They were | both excellent whips and had done everything possible for years to oblige the travelling public''.'under- rough experiences and very considerable inconvenience to themselves.—(Applause.) Mr W. Thurlow (Uncle) was sorry to part with them, but pleased to see their again and hoped it would not be the last time. Mr M'Connochie was pleased to say that in all his dealings with both gentlemen, and these were considerable and extended -over many years, he had invariably found them capable, trustworthy and most attentive to duty. Mr Excell said that in his travelling experiences with both they were markedly courteous. Mr VV. H. Brown believed they left the district with the good-will of everyone in St. Bathans. Mr A. H. V. King also spoke in laudatory terms, and in his speech facetiously ? remarked that in all probability, in Mr Sutherland's case at anyrate, this gentleman had such a long career in Central Otago as a coachdriver, that provided a man from St. Bathans was dropped down say in Nerv York and mentioned to one there he knew "Jim" Sutherland he would at once invite linn to have a glass with him in token of past friendship with that gentleman. Air Cowan and Mr R. H. Browne of Naseby, also spoke hi terms of appreciation, regretting the departure of.both . from this part of Central Otago. Mr Sutherlaud in reply said that themany kind expressions bestowed upon him were he trusted merited by him. He had to thank all for the {manner in which the toast had been received and for the hand- ; some presentation and the kindly exprea- ' sion of feeling accompanying it. He would now wish much prosperity to all St Bathans and regretted that the advancement of the iron horse had', necessitated a change in route —(Applause). Mr Hatcher in replying, said be had to thank the people of St. Bathans most sincerely for their kind recognition of his work, and was, indeed, pleased to be amongst old friends again.—(Applause). Songs were contributed by Messrs R. H. Browne, R. Black, Geo, Francis, Holt, Stenhouse, Cowan, \V. H. Brown, Sumptcr, and Thurlow. The health of Mr Hugh Craig was toasted with musical honours, also Absent Friends in South Africii, and a. very pleasant evening concluded with singing of Auld Lang Syne. September i9th, 1900. i OENKKAIj. The contingent ambulance class meets . Dr Mackniuht for practical examination at i Hills Creek on Saturday afternoon. The I written part was taken at St. Bathans on Tuesday last. Mr E. V. Hunt was supervisor. The weather is cold and stormy with hail. Sept. 20, 1900.