GISBORNE

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1696, 31 August 1904, Page 22

GISBORNE

(From Our Own Correspondent.)

At last Gisborne has its long-desired theatre, and the profession of mummers will find thi3 town as well provided for in this respect as any place in the colony outside the four centres. Much credit is dufe to the co-proprietors, Messrs MoFarlane (2) Mesdames Muir ajid Baty, for their enterprise, which is worthy of all success. Mr W. Miller will manage the theatre, which Is already in great demand. Its opening on Wednesday last was attended by a large and fashionable audience. Mel. B. Spurr showed for three nights to big business, and the building has been booked for fourteen nights ahead almost without a break. The Farmers’ Dnlon in this district have obtained the services of the local Government Veterinary Surgeon, Mr Neale, to deliver a series of lectures on ailments of stock. He has addressed the Tologa Bay and Gisborne branches, and his lectures have been much appreciated. Mr Gilruth, Chief Veterinarian, was present at the iatter address, and also gave farmers much useful advice. Mr Neale has received instructions to inspect a mob of cattle from the West Coast before they are permitted to reach the Poverty Bay flats. This precaution has been taken in view of the reported presence of blackleg in TaranakL Last week local sportsmen were more

than usually interested in the Grand National meeting at Christchurch, where Mahutonga and Medallius, two Gisborne horses, were victorious in two of the principal events of the meeting. Gisborne backers profited to the tune of thousands, owing to the success of the local horses.

News has been received here of the death of Mrs Welsh, wife of the Rev. W. Welsh. The deceased lady went Home in February last for medical treatment, but received no benefit. Mr Welsh was formerly stationed at Napier and Dannevirke, and succeeded the late Canon Webb as vicar at Gisbo;*fie. The Railway League’s betterment proposals are still very much in the clouds. The Borough Council at its last meeting further deferred consideration of the proposals, and the awaiting the next move.

One of the most important works in view in this district is the construction of the Tologa Bay bridge. The hardwood timber has arrived from Australia, but so far no advice has been received as to the shipping of the steel work from America. With the timber on the ground, however, the contractors intend to proceed with the erection of the toll-house and preliminaries.