SHAG POINT.

Oamaru Mail, Volume IV, Issue 852, 8 January 1879, Page 2

SHAG POINT.

[FROM OtTtt OWN COKKBSPONnKNT.] January 6,

The contractor for the construction of the Shag Point railway (Mr. Jesse Coates) commenced operations this morning, and intends to push on the work vigorously. He is under a heavy penalty for its completion of the within a specified time. The opening of this railway will be looked forward to with very general interest, for not only will it prove of advantage to tie company, but it will be a benefit to consumers by affording a cheaper and more certain means of conveying the coal to the markets.

I perceive that the Oamaru folks were not behind others in regard to amusements during the holidays. At Shag Point we, too, had a variety of festivities, on the 31st December. There was a christening, a marriage, and a school picnic. Every: one apparently £hemselye§ "iglyTlio landlord of the Pukeiwiti Hotel died on Sunday last.' He was a bachelor, and having died intestate, the police very speedily took possession of the hotel, after disposing of the servants. The weather is excessively warm, and should it continue so, the harvest will bo brought on at an early date. Last Satur-. day a fine. downpour of rain tpok place, and gladdened the hearts, of th§ farming community. It lasted far about four hours.

Mr. W. Ferens, of the Oamaru Postoffice, visited us on Monday, last, and installed our new postmaster (Mr. Bruce). Mr. Ferens informed me that the Shag Point branch comes under the supervision of the chief postmaster of the Oamaru. district, so that wo may depend upon the i regular delivery of our mails.