PUKERAU.

Otago Witness, Volume 15, Issue 1562, 15 October 1881, Page 13

PUKERAU.

(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT. October llth.

After an age of heathenism, Christianity seems at last to have dawned upon us, as Mr Roy commenced his work as missionary for this district by preaching in the Pukerau school on Sunday last. This district has been settled about four or five years, and during that time there have been, with very few exceptions, no services. The people of Waipahi, Otaraia, and Pukerau have lately been moving towards getting these districts declared into a separate charge. Subscription lists were carried round, and after calling them in it was found there was not enough money collected to sustain a call, so thoy have to content themselves with a missionary for a short time. Mr Roy was accordingly recommended by the Clutha Presbytery as a suitable person for the position, and the recommendation has been acted upon. I think the appointment of Mr Roy will give universal satisfaction, as he is well known and respected in this district

The bridge across the Pukerau Creek is now finished, and is proving very useful to the settlers. Our goods shed appears at last as if it were going to be a reality, for I notice the frame is erected. I hear the first consignment of books for our library has arrived. This is as It Bhould be, and shows the Committee have been taking prompt action and not allowing the grass to grow under their feet. I hear the inspector's report of the examination of the school haß been received, and is a very favourable one for the teacher. The percentage gained is also very good, being 90. The weather during the past few weeks has been very boisterous and unpleasant. Though it has not hindered outdoor work very much, it has been very hard on the lambs. By-tho-bye, I notice Mr "Civis" and some of his friends have lately been arguing about Evolution. I wonder could any of them inform how long it will take, in tho course of nature, beforo lambs arc born without tails. Ido not know much about Evolution, but I have noticed the lambs are born with tails, and they are always cut off by the farmers as superfluous. Surely Evolution is at fault somewhere.