OWAKE.

Otago Witness, Issue 181, 6 August 1886, Page 17

OWAKE.

August 2.-A debating society has been termed under the presidency of Mr J T ?iT ya ff n9n 9n te f^ cr i T here was an of about 20 at the first meeting, when the subject for discussion was the various advantages the district is likely to reap from the railway. Among other things it was pointed out that the timber of the district is of a superior order, and

should command a high price for furniture purposes, while some is suitable for railway sleepers. Sawmills, it was contended, would spring up in all directions as soon as the railway was carried through. In addition to this it was pointed out that in all New Zealand there are few districts, if any, more adapted for grazing cattle or for dairying purposes. Then again, fruit and vegetables can be grown to perfection. In this connection I might mention that several of our most enterprising settlers have recently procured a large number of fruit trees. We have also mineral resources iv the upper end of the district, there being an abundance of iron ore, while traces of coal have also been discovered. The beauty of our scenery will attract numerous visisors, and Dunedin merchants may yet have their summer residences here. All this may appear somewhat fanciful, but I believe that ere long we shall see Catlin's River a nourishing and prosperous district.