PORTOBELLO.

Otago Witness, Issue 1582, 18 March 1882, Page 13

PORTOBELLO.

(FROM ODR OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

Maroh 18th.

We have had quite a plethora of public events hers during tho past week. On Tuesday last the poll for the election of tho Licensing Committed took place, the result being that Messrs Porterfleld, Mufr, W. Geary, W. A. Wilson, and J. Geary were the chosen men. About 80 polled out of a roll of 165, BO that it will be neon that little interest was taken in the event, in the opinion of most people the Act Is a humbug all through. On Wednesday we were treated to the annual soiree of the Presbyterian Church, which came off with great eclat on the evening of that day. The Rev. A. Greta presided om the occasion, and addresses were delivered by the treasurer (Mr YouDg), and the Revs. Messrs Kirkland and Sutherland. Miss Kirkland presided at the harmouium. Tea was supplied by the young ladies of the congregation, who also had decorated, the; church in grand style. . On Thursday the Assessment Court sat at the office of the Road Board, Mr Carew, R.M., presiding. Only one objection was dealt with, the other objectors failing to put in an appearance. * Tho one dealt with was that of Mr Seaton, who got a reduction on tho value of some sections in Seatoun from £12 a year to £8— rather a startling reduction, as it shows a depreciation of the value of property in this famed township to half what it was when first sold, and this in the face of the Btrong probability that the tramway will soon be started.

On Friday tho first sitting of the new Licensing Committee took place, all the members being present. Mr W. A. Wilson was appointed chairman, and Mr Latham clerk. The 26th of April was fixed for the poll of the ratepayers for or against new licenses. Some routine business was disposed of, and the meeting terminated, to meet in June again. We have had a week of good woather, which has enabled thoso who have had any grain or oaten hay out to get it pretty well secured, The grass is looking well, having started its autumn growth ; and oats for green feed during tho winter, as well as fhe tnrnyj crops, are in fine order.