LAWRENCE.

Otago Witness, Issue 679, 3 December 1864, Page 6

LAWRENCE.

(7ROM THE DAILY TIMES CORRESPONDENT.)

28th November,

In my report la9t week I informed you that owing to th<i scarcity of water and stoppage of some of the races I anticipated a falling off in the amount of gold sent by this week's escort. It seema I underrated the capabilities of the 1 district, for instead oi any falling off, the escort this morning will take down 25540s 19iwt, being considerably above our average quantity. This is the more surprising, as it is an undoubted fact that many nvners being short of water have for a time gone prospecting or visiting other gold fields. For instance, th^re has been a good deal of travelliog to and from Wainori of late. Some have set in there, and others think of going Bgain at some future time when the Waipori race is cut, but the majority speak well of the ground, and there is no doubt but we may expect a largely increased population will soon bo located in that quarter. I hear that the Waifcabuna escort will also be a good one. something like 400oz, so that the « Old Fields" fully keep up their prestige.

I am sorry to have to record another accident. There have been a great many here ot late. In the present case—Mr John Harley, of the White Star Hotel, was riding along the road from here to Weatherstone's, when his horse fell, and rolled over upon him ; ho was taken np insensible, and conveyed to Mr Bannatyne's, (Union Hotel), where every attention was paid to him. Medical aid was at once sent for. and though I have not learnt the extent of the injuries received, it. is satisfactory to be able to state. that he is doing well, and that no serious consequences may be apprehended.

The rapid improvement in tho Township of Lawrence, is every day more observable. Sevral new stores are beiner erected, some by tradesmen removing from Weatherstone'a, and some by those who haye received notice to remove from the Railway, reserve. The new School hoase will also be commenced immediately. The oontract for the erection has been let to Mr Campbel], of Dunediu, for the sum of L7OO, and aa the site selected is convenient either for the inhabit »nts of Lawrence or We<itherstone's, it is likely that a largely increased number of scholars will attend. Apropos of tho school building, a few | words aa to the present conduct of the school will not ba out of place. Ashortt'meago, ; the management was anything bnt satisfactory, indeed so great was the falling off in point of numbers that the committee were obliged to interfere, and in consequence the master was relieved from his duties. For some little time there was no properly appointed schoolmaster, bnt at length the committee have been successful in securing the services of MrStenhouse, a gentleman lately arrived by the City of Dunedin. lam informed he was backed by a strong recommenda'ion from Mr.Hisiop, the Secretary of the Education Board, and seldom 'has a recommendation been more fittingly bestowed, for already this gentleman has ; re-organised the school, raising the averaco "ti tendance from little above zero to nearly 60 scholars, with an anticipated still further increase within a few days. Mr Hislop has conferred considerable benefit on this neighbourhood by his timely introduction, andif tie present ifttisiaetory

state of 'affairs proves la«tfcg. aa I see no reason to doubt, much good will result irom the change; . j The principal event of the week has been the arrival of the Bishop of Wellington, on Friday evening. ' The greatest' excitement- prevailed amongst a Urge portion^of our townsmen, rts .thf time approached when the coach w n nld be »!ue. His Lordsbio came by Gobb's coach, but ,wap met at Waitahuna, 12 miles from here, by a large concourse of gentlemen on' horcebick, and having taken his seat in a dog-cart provided itr tho purpose by Mr M'Cluskey, of iWtatherstone'9, the cavalcade followed him into the township oi Lawrence. As they approached nearer," their numbers ,were continually increased, until they amounted to upwards <>f 70 horsemen, and at least two hnn> dreci on f.iofc, besides a few vehioles. This demonstration of respect was not by aiay me-.na cenfined to the Roman Catholic portion of the inhabitants, for the other- denominations were present in considerable numbers. ; On arrival at the Church, addresses . were read | by Mr John filttrr&y, of Weathnrstone's, amid t profound silence. The Church being thronged , wi'h ppople inside; large numbers remaining outj side round the windjws and porch, where part of 1 the proceedings inside could occasionally be seen or keard, ■ • , > At appropriate intervals during the reading of' th* addresses, the little begs of sold were pre- ; B»nted by Mr Walsh, vf jJxe Camp Hotel, and*t the conclusion, the Bishop acknowledged, in suitable terms, the enthusiastic manner of his } reception in the district, and stated that his ! multifarious engagements had hitherto prevented I him wiving effect to bis wi-h to visit this portion !of Im.diQßese ; that he' had earnestly wished for the present opportunity, and that the best thaaks he could give for their cordial welcome Would be hv additional zeal in his ministry among them Father 'Keiily also acknowledged the high compliment paid him in suitable terms. It is Hnderstood that the Reverend Bishop will leave here early in this week, after administering the caciament of confirmation to such of the younger members of the church as are qualified.