FORTRONE

Otago Witness, Issue 1787, 20 February 1886, Page 13

FORTRONE

February 14.— After a considerable length of exceptionally dry and hot weather, a welcome and abundant rainfall commenced on Friday evening, and has continued up to the present Lhe crops and pasture will receive an immense impetus, the turnip crops especially. Excursion. —An excursion per the s.s. Kftkanui to Ruapuke was enjoyed by a. con-

siderable nnmber of young folks on Friday last. The day was delightfully fine until about half of the return trip had been accomplished, when a strong N.E. wind set in, accompanied with rain. The bravo little vessel, however, made good progress, and landed her delighted passengers safely at the jetty at 7 p.m., all hands expressing unbounded delight with their day's outing.

Ouk Volunteers. — A review was held at Pine Bush on the same day in the presence of the Hon. the Premier, who, with Mrs Stout and family, have been paying the district a visit. The evolutions, marches past, charges, &c, were all commendably performed. Thirty Volunteers took part in the review. Our local corps, I hear, presented their superior officer, Sergeant Brunton, with a handsome silver-mounted sword the same evening, at Fortrose. The Election of a new Licensing Bench was held here on Saturday, with the following result:—J. F. Brunton, 42; J. M'lntpsh,. 4o ; J. Riddle, 40; H. Templetou, 38 ; W. Gregory, 38— (these advocate additional licenses). H.Ohishohn, 11; S. Miller, 10; C. M'Gill, 9; W. Boyd, 7— (these are against more licenses). Very general satisfaction is expressed with the result.