DIPTON.

Otago Witness, Issue 1854, 3 June 1887, Page 18

DIPTON.

May 27.— We have again settled down to a winter's frost and snow and biting rain, of which luxuries we have during the past month had our full share. The boisterous sou-- westers have swept mercilessly over the flat, chilling our limbs, and compelling us to draw our chairs closer to the " ingle neuk." One or two gleams of sunshine have certainly at times been our lot, but on the whole we are experiencing what is generally considered exceptionally good Southland winter weather. Our farmers are jogging along in their usual quiet and uninteresting manner, and in the meagre support extended by them to the dairy factory scheme (which by the way the promoters failed to bring to a successful issue) have afforded another proof of their plentiful lack of interest in their own welfare.

The Rivek, whose doings it has been so often my lot to chronicle, has, notwithstanding the heavy rains that have fallen, kept within due limits, and has refrained from invading our hearths and homes. Snow instead of rain upon the Eyre Mountains has been the cause of this, and the aspect of the country around is now wintry and sombre, but a day or two of warmth and strong sunshine might probably change the state of affairs, and send our loose household utensils floating towards the sea.

Fires. — We cannot boast of a large number of buildings of any kind in our district, which is by no means densely populated, but we have unfortunately been the sufferers from the visits of the "fire fiend," who within the past six weeks or so has destroyed the homes of two of our settlers — namely, Messrs T. Gorman and P. Laing. In neither case was there any insurance, and^ the loss to both is of a serious character. Both fires occurred when the owners were absent from home, and no satisfactory reason* for the outbreaks can be given.

Libraries.— Our local public library continues to give evidences of its vitality, and though the issue of books is now scarcely so convenient to members as during the last winter, the number of subscribers continues to be of a satisfactory character, and I am informed that another order for a new supply of books left for Home about two mouths ago. The school library established by our late teacher is now proving very attractive to tjlje scholars attending the public school,

and it isto be hoped that our new dominie, Mr Gray, will follow in his predecessor's footsteps in endeavouring to augment the, number of books at his command.

School Inspection. — The first inspection of the Riverside School, established in Norember 1885, took place in the beginnipg of the present month, and though I have not had the pleasure of examining- the report of Inspector Hendry, the result is, I understand, about 73 per cent, in subjects.

School Committees. — It is a far cry back to the election of the committees which took place I about a month ago, but the news, though late, may yet prove acceptable: -In the Dipton Committee there is matter for regret in the resignation of Mr W. H. Whitaker, who during tne past five years ably discharged the onerous duties of chairman, secretary, and treasurer, and to whose energy much of- the improvement in the school ground and apparatus is to be attributed. I trust his successor will follow in Mr Whitaker's footsteps, for by doing so the welfare of the school will be promoted.' The election resulted in the return of Messrs Browne (chairman), Thompson, M*Donald, Jenkins, Batchelor, Burgess, and Craig. The Riverside Committee consists of Messrs Templeton (chairman), Giller, Gill, Hunt, Haywood, Finlayson, and Murphy. . Oddfellows.— Our local lodge of Oddfellows held high holiday on Tuesday evening last, celebrating at one and the same time their anniversary, the Queen's Birthday, and that übiquitous jubilee. I cannot stay to report the torchlight procession ; the entertainment, with its speeches, songs, readings, and farces ; nor yet the ball, which this year was exceptionally attractive — as my doing so would encroach too much upon your space : suffice it to say that everything passed off with great eclat, and all were highly satisfied with their evening's sport. One pleasant feature was the, presentation of a beautiful brooch and silk handkerchief to the belle of the ball, the happy recipient being Miss Nellie Jones, who richly merited the honour.