FORTROSE.

Otago Witness, Issue 2087, 22 February 1894, Page 22

FORTROSE.

February 16.— The weather has not been very favourable for harvest operations, but the farmers are getting on as rapidly as the circumstances will allow. The dry weather experienced in the earlier parts of the season kept the crops lighter than usual, and for this the farmers are duly thankful now. Had they been as heavy as usual, the rough weather would have played considerable havoc with them. Wherever a heavy crop is to be found, it is down in all directions ; but the others have received very little damage. Dredging.— This industry has about come to a full stop here. The Six-mile dredge has now stopped work, and is to be dismantled and shipped away.

Soiree.— The annual Presbyterian soiree was held on Wednesday evening. The weather was not very favourable, which accounts for the attendance not being as large as usual. The ladies of the congregation provided the good things, and decorated tne church very nicely. After the good, things had been dispensed, tha after meet-

ing began. The pastor of the congregation, Roy. J. JohnstOD, presided, and addresses wero deli« vored by tho chairman, Rev. Mr Smellie, and Messrs Raulston and Miller. A vote of thanks to those who assisted in making the gathering so successful was proposed by Mr K. G. M'Kenzie. Mr 11. Chisholm's choir sang several concerted pieces, and solos and duets were rendered by Mesdames Johnston, M'Beath, and Cullinger, and Miss M'Donncll. Shipping Trade.— Mr M'Gilvray, who is now in charge of the Napier, is well known here, as for some time he was mate of Messrs Timpany Bros.' schooner Lizzie Ellen, which traded between the sawmill and Dunedin. The Weather still looks anything but settled.