COLYTON.

New Zealand Times, Volume LXX, Issue 3826, 23 August 1899, Page 7

COLYTON.

(Our Own Correspondent.) After the exceptionally heavy frost end rain of July we arc now able to appreciate the fine spring weather that has been prevailing during the last fortnight. The tarmers are taking full advantage of tnis by getting their crops in with all possible speed. In this district, originally busu, more land is being brought under die plough every season, and in the course of a few years it will undoubtedly be extensively agricultural. The fine weather of late has been most welcome for the lamuing season, which has now well begun.

The Cheltenham Rifle Club held its an - nual ball last Friday evening, 18th inst. and this social function was as usual, it is stated, a brilliant success. Some of our rifle club members ivere there, and they speak in high terms of the entertainment received. When the Colyton Rifle Club holds its annual ball, a most enjoyable evening may be confidently looked forward to. Of late we have been well oft for religious services. In addition to the usual services in the Anglican and Methodist Churches, a Presbyterian service is new held fortnightly in the Methodist Church. The Rev Chas. Murray, Presbyterian Minister of Feilding, preached last evening. Several properties in this district have changed hands lately at, I believe, very satisfactory prices. Ido not think Hat there is any undue inflation of values likely to cause a boom and a subsequent stagnation of business. The sales, however, augur well for the future of tho District. Mr Roberts, who recently bought Mr Garlick’s farm, has made extensive improvements to the dwelling and grounds, and has very wisely laid down j complete system of drainage, 1 The settlers of Colyton deserve praise for tho liberal manner in which they 'ately subscribed for gravelling the schoolgrounds. They did not rely on the Education Board in this work, did not even ask the Board for assistance, but simply clubbed together, did it,themselves, and it was done. Now that the weather has improved, the attendance at our public school which, I understand, has been rather low lately, should increase. I am extremely pleased to see back again amongst us, and looking better, Mr Harry Ashworth, and Mr G B. Simpson, two of our worthy settlers who have recently been under an operation in tho Wellington Hospital: They speak hignly of the skill and attention they received while there.