KAITANGATA.

Otago Witness, Issue 2008, 18 August 1892, Page 21

KAITANGATA.

August 15.— The bachelors' ball, held recently, was not so successful as formerly, the attendance being limited, in striking contrast to one held at Stirling on Friday evening, at which the hall was packed and the affair proved a thorough success in every department, reflecting the greatest credit on ths Committee of Management. Lake Drain.u.i:. — This vexed question is to be laid before the county ratepayers immediately to ascertain if a po 1 will be favourable to the borrowing of L 750 to improve the canal aud Morrison's creek. It is thought that this sum will be more than sufficient for the purpose. But what about maintenance? It is not likely that the Bruce County Council will keep it in order, and if dependence is put on the moneys accruing from leases, &c, there will probably have to be another poll beforo long. Churches. — The Wealeyan Church is now well on towards completion. _ It is a very nice though unpretentious building, in the Gothic style. The contractor, Mr James Young, expects to finish in about, a fortnight Although not lartre, it will be sufficient for the requirements of the place for some time. The Church of Christ congregation, I believe, also eonternplate building shortly. Ardor Day. — The event of last week was Arbor

Day, which was held here on Wednesday, the 10th. The morning being fine, a large number of children formed a procession and marched from the crossing (Water and Exmouth streets) to the school grounds, headed by the mayor (Mr W. Hamilton M'Kenzie). A number of carts loaded withtiees,&c, followed. The mayor made a capital speech, appearing to be heart and soul in the work' and the success of the day is due in a great measure to his indefatigable exertions. Dr Fitzgerald and Messrs J. Shore and A. Smaill also did a lot of work, and deserve the thanks of the community. After luncheon the remainder of the trees were planted, and most of the children were on their way home by 2 p.m. — a very early hour considering the number of trees planted— about 1200. I think for numbers our town takes the cake, as I see no other country town can come near 1200 ; but then v-e are almost a city, and probably will be counted out. I must not forget the teachers, who all took pait in the work, and lent valuable aid in many ways. Taken altogether, our Arbor Day may be described as a complete success.

TEMPERANcn. — One of the largest and most successful gatherings ever held here took place this (Monday) evening. The occasion was an open harmony meeting given by the Star of Hope Lodge, 1.0. G.T. Thinking that the lodge-room (old school) would not be large enough for the occasion, it was decided to engage the hall, and expectations were more than realised, as the building was uncomfortably full. The members of the Star of Hope marched in procession from the lodge-room, about 100 taking part. The membership is now over 120. C. T. Bro. Raynes ope: ed the meeting, and then invited C.T. Bro. Simson ( .-lope of Balclutha, Lodge) to preside. The programme was a very long one, instrumental music, songs, readings, dialogues, &c, being interspersed throughour. The whole was exceedingly well received, and during an iuterval refreshments were handed roard and done full justice to. Bro. Hogs, on behalf of the Balclutha members, returned thanks for their invitation and reception, aud promised a return shortly. Bro. Raynes, after thanking the audience for their patronage, closed the meeting about 10.30. Football.— A match (Rugby) between a mixed team (boj-3 and men) from Stirling was playud heie on Saturday la^>t, and resulted in an easy win for the locals, who had the heaviest team by a long way, especially in the latter part of the game, which was played with four more men than Association— ll players a-side. The spirit which should be dUpl.ijed on the football field w.is cntiiely waiitinjr, the whole of the last spell being an unseemly dispute from bef inning to end. 1 his \va-> put down to the want of knowledge on the mtt of the local players, but I fchuuld say the bitpcrior knowledge of ihe \ ibitors was too often the cause. Ie is a pity our footballers have not done anything this year, as when one year is wasted it is sometimes dilticult to get a club foi me 1 again. Perhaps it is not too late even yet to have one or two matches.

Municipal.— The ratepayers will be called upon shore ly to renew the council by the election of three fresh members, as through cftluxion of time Mcsvrs Hinlop, Wilson, and I'ailey retire. They are of course eligible for re-election, but whether they will come forward again remains to be --eon. I believe they still enjoy the confidence of the ratepayer..-, and may be leturned uuop-

posed. The council is now almost bankrupt, and it behoves the burgesses to see how this state of affairs came about, and if there is a cure for it to apply it. AJI work has for some time been at a standstill, and the new council will find it uphill work to meet the wants of the borough.

Meteorological. — The weathercontinues fine, and ploughing. &c., is becoming general. The road 3, too, are drying up well, and will soon be in a condition fit to travel on.

Castle Hill. — Work at the Bhaft has been suspended again owing to a very large flow of water beina met with, but it is expected to drain off soon. This company have met with nothing but reverses since starting the present shaft, and sympathy is expressed on all sides at this last stoppage. A good few families are dependent on this work, and are making very little at present here— hoping for better times when tho management are able to overcome the water, and work will be steady.