BLACKSTONE HILL.

Otago Witness, Issue 1917, 17 August 1888, Page 17

BLACKSTONE HILL.

August 11.— After a spell of stormy weather of , considerable severity, lasting upwards of a month, a welcome change took pLce on Thursday afternoon, a rapid thaw setting in. Except on the higher ranges, the snow never reached a great deptli, but between the covering of six or seven inches and a frost of intense severity outdoor labour of all sorts has had to be suspended, and some suffering must have been endured by poor people who have te depend for their livelihood upon the weekly earnings obtained in the very limited sphere of employment in this district ; consequently the thaw will be hailed with satisfaction by the clnss who earn their daily' bread by the sweat of their brow. Sheep have suffered considerably by the prolonged frost, the covering of snow having become so hardened that it was difficult to secure a nourishing " bite" through it. Amusements.— On the evening of Friday, the 3rd, the " Hill's Creek Black Angels" gave an entertainment for the benefit of a young man long iv illhealth. Notwithstanding the inclemency of the weather there was a very large and appreeia.

tive audience. Detailed and minute criticism of the many Interesting items of the progfwome i» hardly needful where nearly all went well. I may, however, specially congratulate Mr D. Dunsmuir oa providing a Blackstone audience with one of the bwfc entertainments it has been my pleasure to attend in what may be justly termed the " Hielan's o' Otago." Every one of the troupe went through the part assigned him in a creditable manner, and gave evidence of careful rehearsal. The local hits were exceptionally good, .the audience showing their" appreciation in repeated bursts of applause. Mr J. Gallacher acted as accompanist. At the conclusion of the programme the ball was cleared for dancing, which commenced about 11.30 p.m., and was kept up till an advanced hour on Saturday morning. SCHOLASTIC.~-The school, in consequence of the bad weather, baa been for the most part closed during the past three weeks, 09/ the district being a wide one, children could nut poßsibly attend. With- the return of good weather, however, it is to be hoped that parents will endeavour to send their children, to school, as the examination is approaching, and children cannot be expected to reflect the proper amount of credit upon their teacher unless they attend regularly. Curluna.— Our curlers have been busy enjoying themselves on the iceboard. Last Monday two rinks, met a like number from St. Bathans at Hawkdun to §lay a friendly game. After a hard-fought contest t. Bathans was deolared the winner by a majority of four shots. There was to be a return match played at Blackstone, but I trust that the channelstanes are consigned to warmer quarters for 10 months than the frost-bound locks of Blackstone Hill.