LAWRENCE.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 11937, 10 January 1901, Page 7

LAWRENCE.

(Fboji Ove Own Cobrespondent.) January 8. The holidays, now over, were, to some extent, spoiled by the unsettled weather. The usual sports and picnics in different parts of tho district were held, with more or less success. The one inaugurated by the Mounted Rifles to Ranklebum was postponed from Now Year's Day till the day after, and ended up by everyone getting thoroughly drenched. Still these inconveniences were borne with good humour, and the showers being warm ones I think no ill after effects were experienced. The patriotic feeling is kept well up in the Tuapeka- district. What with more of our men departing with the sixth contingent, giving them a good send-off with heartfolt wishes for their safe return, and oply last evening welcoming the return of Trooper Hogg at tho railway station ifrom tho scat of wwt, tho interest is well sustained. There was, in spite of a very short notice, a large crowd assembled to shako hands with Trooper Hogg, and congratulate him on, his safe return. The mayor received him on tho railway platform, and in a short speech ro'fcrred in complimentary terms to those who had gone- to fight for our Empire, and well sustained tho honour of the colony. Trooper Hogg is to bo banqueted to-night at Evans Plat, where he resides with his parents. A large number from Lawrence will also be there to do honour to him. After about & week of excessively hot weather a welcome rain has set in, which was much needed for the crops and grass. Our race meeting takes place next week—on Wednesday and Thursday,—and as excursion trains extending over'|both days will run, with good entries and fine l weather a large number of visitors rroy be expected. The club has made further improvements to the course, which is now in capital condition, and an addition has been made to the permanent buildings by tho erection of a substantial refreshment room. Of late years the club has not received the support their endeavours deserve from the racing community. The reason why it is hard to discover, and I sincerely hope this year will prove a record one both as regards attendance and in a financial sense.