ST. BATHANS.

Otago Witness, Issue 918, 3 July 1869, Page 11

ST. BATHANS.

(from our own correspondent.)

June 29th.

Mining affairs in this district appear to be in a prosperous condition. The weather has so far been highly favourable for blu icing operations, no interruptions having as yet been caused by the frosts that usually provail at this Beason of the year. The water supply is abundant, and all the claims are in full work. The new sludge channel constructed some time since at a cost of LI2OO, performs its work admirably, and by its efficiency in discharging the tailings, has amply justified the heavy expenditure entailed in its construction. There is a balance of L 350 still duo by tho Government in connection with this work, which I trust will be forwarded to the proper quarter forthwith, as tho contractor and his employes have already waited patiently for the money for ovor six months. The Eixropean population has slightly decreased in numbers, and the Chinese have migrated in a body to pass tho wintor as usual at tho Molyneux ; nevertheless our Escort roturns keep up to tho usual average— a proof of our general prosperity. la social matters wo have also reason to be satisfied. Foremost amongst the many movemonts in progress is tho Total Abstinence Sooioty. Though established only about two months, it already numbers over 40 members, and is daily adding to i's strength and popularity. This Society may bo said to have effooted quite a revolution in the habits of our small population, and, strange to say. includes several "well- known vendors of alcohoho beverages +among it« numbers. The Sooioty intend to give ft series of entertainmonts in tho school-room during tho winter— tho first of which, in tho shapo of a concert and ball, t-akes place on July sth.

Tho National School, undor the man> ngomontof Mr Doddi, tho Government teaobor, i« in a very efficient «Ute, and)

the l 'o|i pupilf *>$$& ! jSf «&H" considerably,' may be saicf to be self-sup-porting. Au /examination of the school took place oh,the^26th instant, and consideringthat only two days' notice was given by the committee, the scholars acquitted themselves in a very oreditabl© manner." The Sunday School established here, by Mr Archibald Bowmont about two years ago is now being carried oh by Mr Stratford and an efficient staff of teachers. A system of what may be termed " Muscular Christianity" has been introduced into this school, which is a decided innovation on the established practices prevailing in Sunday Schools. The children are put through a sort of military drill, which must have an excellent effect on their physical- development. An examination of this school took place on Sunday last, before a large number of the -parents of the pupils, and the progress made by the children in scripture history and biography, as evidenced by their ready answers to somewhat difficult questions, gave unqualified satisfaction to all present. The muscular part of their training also gave every satisfaction. Boys and girls, varying in age from 4 to 14 years, went through the various evolutions with the precision of trained veterans. Mr Stratford, the Superintendent of the school, is entitled to the thanks of the community for his unsparing zeal in carrying on this good work. A public meeting is to be held this evening, " for the purpose of considering what steps are to be taken to secure Agricultural Land and Commonage for this district, and also any other matters that may be required to be brought under the notice of Mr J. L. Gillies, the agent of the Government, who is expected shortly to arrive here." An account of this meeting 1 will furnish in my next communication.