ROXBURGH.

Otago Witness, Issue 1847, 15 April 1887, Page 17

ROXBURGH.

April 2.— ln matters generally there is little fresh to record since my last. The bridge is progressing, the new school is going up steadily, and several entertainments are being arranged for. Really in a quiet country township like this there is little more to say. Religious.— The Rev.F.N. Martin, of Clyde, paid his monthly visit here last Sunday, a meeting of the Baazar Committee being held on the following Monday. Mr Stone, the zealous Wesleyan preacher, speaks to-morrow on "Dry Bones." Mr Telford, of the Presbyterian Kirb,

has been in Dunedin for a few days. His flock will shortly hold their anniversary services. Educational — The contractor for the new school building is making good progress, and the workmanship is of a most substantial character. As usual, every one that passes by seems to consider himself fully qualified to discuss its merits ; but I think it will stand criticism. The average attendance is 114, I believe, out of, a school roll of something like 160. The school at Coal Creek keeps on steadily progressing. . GENERAL.--An old identity, Mr James Robertsoil, of Coal Creek) was buried yesterday. He had been ailing for a long time with a complication of diseases, so that his death was by no means a surprise. — One can hardly credit the fact that this is Easter, for there are but few church decorations, and but little to mark the solemnity of this great festival. — The jubilee question is beginning to worry us, and Mr Cooper, mayor of Roxburgh, has called a meeting to arrange the preliminary stages, though it is doubtful if anything will result. A feast might be given to the men who have laboured so well and faithfully at the bridge for one thing, and I presume there will be the usual dance ; a religious service might be held, with a special collection in aid of the Tuapeka Hospital, or a fund might be raised to add half-a-dozen more beds to the hospital, or a ward, to be called the Jubilee ward. I don't think loyalty could find a more fitting outlet. Architectural. — To judge by the number of buildings in course of erection, the building trade in Roxburgh must be in a satisfactory state. Thus, .on the eastern side of the river Mr Louden has a new house almost finished ; Mr R. M. Smith, M.C.C , is putting up another ; while Mr Burton and other residents on the west side are building varions additions or else new dwellings. I have spoken of the new school building ; the bridge is also progressing, and for foot passengers is practically -finished. The painting is being done by a couple of hands previously engaged, and the handrail is being carried along the sides — if indeed it be correct to call so massive a piece of timber a handrail. Taken all round, the bridge will be one of the strongest and best finished structures of the kind in the colony.