DUNTROON.

Oamaru Mail, Volume IV, Issue 886, 17 February 1879, Page 2

DUNTROON.

■ ■» [feoji our own correspondent.] On Friday night our small community was startled by a man riding in with the news that one of Messrs. Allan, and Stumbles' carters was killed near the White- Rock, about three miles from here. An express was immediately sent to the place, and the body brought in and placed in Harris' Hotel. The sight was most pitiable. The poor fellow must have been killed almost instantaneously, as the waggon he was driving, loaded with five to six ton, had passed over him. No inquest was held on his body, and he was buried on Sunday, the funeral service being rendered, in a most impressive manner by the Rev. S. Grime, of the Episcopalian Church. Mr. Grime afterwards conducted divine service in the new school-house. He is a most impressive preacher, and is highly appreciated here. I hear that he intends to reside in Duntroon, and, will preach on the first and third Sundays of each month.

This will be. a boon, as hitherto we have been without a minister.

* The schoolhouse is fast approaching completion. Mr. Morton seems to be making a really first-class job of hfe contract. The building adds greatly to the appearance of the township. Morton has much pleased everyone by his kindness in allowing the schoolhouse though still unfinished, to be used on Sunday ipr divine.service. ;He must have been put to considerable trouble in clearing out timber, fixing temporary seats," & c . ' Friday was a red letter day to our business men. The telegroph to Duntroon was opened by 9 a.m., and, while our young folks were looking-Happy over the receipt of their "valentirfeSj'. their elders were, with knitted brows 7" concocting mysterious messages for the wires.

The stone pillars for the railway bridge over the Maerewhenua River are nearly finished, so that we may shortly expect to see the timber being laid on where the bridge crosses quite close to the Maerewhenua Hotel.

The County Council have formed a firstclass road through the township. I think they deserve great credit for making a complete job at once instead of the patchwork that usually characterises such operations in a new place. We could do with a little more rain here, and a great deal less wind. You in Oamaru often growl at the dust. Only just try Duntroon when the wind comes down the "Waitaki—l can tell you it is terrible.